First shots with a new 308 build.

[joshb]

I picked up an old Pre 64 Winchester 243. I’ve always wanted a Pre 64 build. The barrel was toast, as expected, so I had a new Bartlien 9 twist barrel smithed in 308. I had it throated for 180s , cut to 20” and threaded for a suppressor. I have a new stock in the works but I put some rounds thru it in the old stock. I loaded up some 168 Sierra BTHP over Varget and took it down to the range, just to get an idea of how it shoots and put a little wear on the new barrel. 3 shot groups at 100 after getting it sighted in.

 

[Bill Norris]

Oh yea, looks like it wants to shoot. I had good luck with the newer 169 gr. Sierra bullet with Varget as well.

 

[joshb]

Thanks Bill. I’ll order a box to try. I have a few thousand of the old 168s on hand. I’m just knocking down any burrs that might be in there. I did the clean shoot clean thing this first time out. I like to put 100 rounds thru a barrel before I get serious. Here it is with the new barrel:

 

[Bill Norris]

Very nice looking rig no doubt.

 

[troupe]

Great job Josh, looking forward to the wood that is in the works for it.

 

[ALK]

Josh that is a damn nice stock you're taking off. Can't wait to see the new one.

 

[ebb]

Yes what ^^^^ he said. All that stock needs is a grip cap to match forend tip and it will be fine.

 

[joshb]

I’ll update as it happens. I did have one hiccup that I solved today. This is my first pre 64 action. When I put the rifle together, I had torqued all three screws to 40 inch pounds. Today’s research said the middle screw should only be hand tight. That might have affected things.

 

[Evlshnngns]

I've had a 26" 308w collecting dust for years, stole its scope. I got it out last spring. I can see why people put it on their "if I could only have one" list.

Nice looking setup. I'll be watching this.

 

[Will Henry]

In the couple dozen 308's I have had, Varget has been the best powder in exactly none of them. It has been OK in most of them but outstanding in none.
If one wants the middle screw to be part of the bedding system, as it can be, he must put a pillar into the stock at that point. Shortening the tang of the sear will help to provide more surface. Or, you can just leave the middle screw out of the equation and make it finger tight. I have one pre-war action with two stocks, one done each way. There is no real difference in performance. WH

 

[BP1]

Very nice looking rig no doubt.

Yes sir!

 

[6MMsteve]

I have good luck with Horny 178 bthp match every 308 I have has shoot them well at 100yds...nice lookin rifle it's a gem

 

[Tangent]

Very nice rifle. Apparently N150 works well for that bullet weight. I like N140 for the 155's.

 

[NF1E]

Well done. Your choice of caliber is worth noting. Whatta Hobby!

 

[joshb]

Well done. Your choice of caliber is worth noting. Whatta Hobby!

With the classic action, I wanted a classic cartridge. I also wanted the long barrel life offered by the 308, given how expensive things have gotten. I bought the barrel a few years ago with the intent of building a 300WSM. I found a lightly used barrel for cheap and scratched that itch, so this barrel was sitting. I have a bunch of other builds in other cartridges and realized I had never built a 308, so…

 

[NF1E]

This is my current .308 project rifle. Love the caliber and what can be done with it. Has an X-caliber .308 1-10 26" on it now and I have a Shilen .308 1-17 26" on the way. I do enjoy switching barrels around for different disciplines. Whatta Hobby!

 

[joshb]

In the couple dozen 308's I have had, Varget has been the best powder in exactly none of them. It has been OK in most of them but outstanding in none.

It’s been a while since I loaded for the 308. I used to use Varget, H4895 and the 4064s.
Would you care to be constructive and mention what IS your pick?

 

[Desert Fox]

Varget is the only powder I've used on my 308. I did try BLC-2 at one time. It is a very good powder but very sensitive to temperature change. I've had several rifle in different caliber but the 308 is the most accurate of any rifle I own. It is one cartridge that is easy to tuned and pleasant to shoot, especially from purposely built target or tactical rifles.

 

[Will Henry]

Absolutely. 4895 is number one. 3031 is number two, Varget is 3rd. Like I said, I don't think Varget sucks, it has just never been the best. In re-reading my first post, it DOES sound a little bit glib! Sorry about that.
When I have it available, my first test for a 308 is 41 of 4895 and a Sierra 168. If that doesn't shoot, I look to see where I screwed up on the rifle. With bullets over 168, I like 4064, Varget and 4320.

 

[troupe]

This is my current .308 project rifle. Love the caliber and what can be done with it. Has an X-caliber .308 1-10 26" on it now and I have a Shilen .308 1-17 26" on the way. I do enjoy switching barrels around for different disciplines. Whatta Hobby!

View attachment 1727944View attachment 1727945

How does the X Caliber shoot ?