Berger 185 Juggernauts and 2000MR load?

[Bender]

I have lurked and read on here for a couple years now, but I can't seem to nail down a decent load using 2000MR powder. I have plenty of the magic dust, I don't have time or interest in doing a full OCW or Ladder test using a $50 box of bergers. I have a buddy with Quick Load but he says he doesn't have data for 2000MR.

I am using IMI match brass with standard Fed Primers, 2000MR and 185 Juggernauts.

My rifle is a factory Remington AAC-SD 20" and a SureFire brake heavy barrel, in an XLR Element Chassis. I want to load to AI, mag length.

hope I could see 2650fps or faster. I am not looking for world record groups but would like decent speed.

Any "universal" loads? I know that is a loaded question....but I had to ask.

 

[XTR]

dude, there are a whole lot of top level shooters who have tried this....


Actually, on second thought, for a beginner it's probably not that bad. I can't remember my loads, but it's going to vary with your freebore in any case. Get a chrono and load for a MV of 2780 or so and run with it. I don't have my loading records with me, but as I recall it is north of 45 grains.

MR2000 is double based and temperature sensitive, and it will on occasion give you 80FPS velocity spiked for no reason (which puts you in the 9 ring at 1000 yards) If it's what you have and you are just getting started you have a ton to learn about reading wind at 1000, shoot it up.

 

[Bender]

"tried" as in moved on to better? I am stuck with .308 for a while. I can't justify a caliber switch to 6.5 or 6mm at this time. I don't shoot competitive but my try our local steel match. I just want to get the most out my .308 and a 20" stick.

 

[Dos XX]

2650 might be tough with a 20" barrel. Also, that bullet might be seated pretty deep at 2.880 COAL. I can't remember my COAL, but I think it was longer than that.

I shot it when I started in F Class and Varget was impossible to find. I could hit 2800 with a 30" barrel, but that round wouldn't fit in a magazine. If you deducted 20fps per inch from my speed, and that might not be enough, you would lose 200 fps or end up at 2600. My load was quite a bit north of 45 grains, but my chamber was throated for it. Of course, your factory barrel may be throated pretty long.

I experienced the same MV spikes that Wade did. It's the reason I don't shoot it anymore. In fact I have some I would sell.

 

[XTR]

Woa, ok, I only read half of the initial post. The 20" barrel is 10 inches shorter than I'm talking about.

A whole lot of F-TR shooters have tried 2000MR and found that in the 1000 yard game, shooting at a 1MOA 10 ring we don't get velocity that is consistent enough for winning scores. Run the numbers in JBM, but we need under 15FPS extreme spread, 2000MR will give the one in 10 shots really high mid ring 9.

20 inch barrel, you're not seriously talking about a 1000 yard rifle. Start at 44 grains and work up.

 

[Bender]

I have read on here that some were getting 2700 with 2000mr and 185 jugs....out of a 20" i felt that was a bit optimistic.

and a 20" will do 1k easy. as good as a 25-30" no. but it is done all the time.

Ballistic has a 185 jug at an easy 2550fps doing 1119fps at 1100yds with my current atmospherics. 20" is fine. is it the best? no.

 

[Dos XX]

I just pulled some old 185's out of the cabinet. It looks like the boat tail is up in the neck at 2.880 COAL. In fact, my loads weren't a whole lot longer than that in the chamber I was shooting at the time.

I think Wade's suggestion of starting at 44 is probably right on. I looked in my notes, and I was shooting 45.7 grains and getting 2750ish fps. I do see notes where I shot heavier loads than that and got slightly over 2800fps, but I ended up backing down to 45.7.

I chased elevation a lot with that powder, too, when it was cool in the morning and hot in the afternoon.

 

[Bender]

I better do it right. OCW it is. I will load 5 of each from 44-46g at .5g increments. I was just hoping for an easy shooting load like 43g Varget and 175 SMK.

 

[jsthntn247]

I had a node at 46.3 and 47.6 with the Juggs and PP2000. Linda Lovelace throated my chamber though, 44-46 will put you in the money more than likely.

 

[Dshooter]

From my notes and targets, 46.4 and .025-.045 all gave the same result. I will concur with the others though; I'll get a good flyer at least 1 out of 10 more often 2-3 out of 10, noticeable @ 400

 

[Park ranger]

Op, you didn't state the cartridge, just the rifle specs. I think it's implied it's a 308 winchester, but good to be detailed.