Bullet recomendations wanted for a 308 Savage 12FTR 12 twist

[cfrazier77]

I am looking for another bullet to try in my 308 Savage 12FTR 12 twist with a 30" barrel. Right now my best load is Win brass, 168 Amax .001 off the lands, 46 grains of 4064, and Fed Match primers. It averages about .4" at 100 yards. I have tried the 168 SMK and it does not shoot as well. I only shoot 100 and 200 yards, I don't have access to anything longer. What bullets should I try next? I thought that a lighter bullet may be better for these yardages due to it stabilizing faster. Thanks in advance!

 

[peterf225]

Try the 155 Berger. I have had good luck it and the 185 berger out of my savage but I believe my barrel is a 10 twist. I am using varget and benchmark powders in mine.

 

[M700]

At those ranges, you might try a flat-base 150 gr Berger target bullet. The flat base bullets can produce some outstanding accuracy, and at 200 yards you don't need the ballistic advantage offered by the boat tail.

Quite a few Benchrest competitors prefer flat base bullets for their accuracy, turning to boat tail bullets for longer ranges.

FWIW, Guy

 

[oldreliable45120]

I dont own a Savage but my 3 tactical rifles all carry 1/12 twist. I've had better luck with the Nosler 168 Custom Comp bullet, than SMK. I also use 4064 powder.

 

[Steve Blair]

Both PeterF and M700 have valid points. If you know that ranges over 200 are not likely, the Berger Target 150 FB is likely to produce excellent short-range accuracy. For ranges past 300, the Berger 155.5 BT Fullbore, the Sierra 155 Palma or the Lapua 155 Scenar are all good prospects. I shoot a 12F with a 30" barrel, 10" twist and it shoots all the above boattails very well. The 168 weight bullets are very good up to 300 meters but are dated designs. The newer 155s are much better choices in your rifle.

 

[therifler]

i have done a few rifles in 308 that i have worked up loads for . good luck with berger 168 gr BT and also 155gr bergs.
175 smk where not too bad . The Rifler