Help!! 308 Win !!

[gilmillan1]

I have a fully custom 308 rifle on a panda action. it has a bartlein barrel. 30 inch.

I have been developing the load and I cant get the rifle to shoot a 1/4 MOA. For some reason, the rifle stacks 2 shots and then throws a flier. The 3 shot group is still within 1/2 MOA or a bit bigger, but I am not satisfied with the load. I already tried different seating depths and different powder charges.

Components:

43.4 Grains of Varget
cci 450 primers
lapua small primer
200 berger hybrid
2640 fps.

I am thinking that maybe I should try 2550 rather than 2650. Any ideas?

I am currently jamming those hybrids 10 thousands into the lands. that's where the rifle likes them.

Ideas?

 

[Scott Harris]

Is this for F-TR? If you have a rifle that truly shoots a 1/2MOA over 20 shots at the distance you are competing.....that is good enough to win the nationals.

I suggest you listen to Mr. Litz in this video (from 1min on): https://youtu.be/j4gbGplBo3g

You should find very good accuracy in the 2600-2700 fps range. Keep in mind that your rifle handling probably is affecting your groups more than your load changes.

 

[Jay Christopherson]

Before you change anything, I would shoot some groups that have a meaningful number of shots in them. 3 shots might be useful to suggest some possibilities, but I don't think I'd be evaluating about whether my rifle might be 1/4 or 1/2 MOA based on one (or a couple) of 3 shot groups.

 

[Warren Dean]

Is this for F-TR? If you have a rifle that truly shoots a 1/2MOA over 20 shots at the distance you are competing.....that is good enough to win the nationals.

I suggest you listen to Mr. Litz in this video (from 1min on): https://youtu.be/j4gbGplBo3g

You should find very good accuracy in the 2600-2700 fps range. Keep in mind that your rifle handling probably is affecting your groups more than your load changes.

^^^^^^^^

What he said....

 

[gilmillan1]

I forgot to mention, it is an ftr rifle and it does 1/2 moa at 200 yards.

 

[Jet]

Gil

I agree with all above. If you feel you have to change something try a different primer or two.

Good Shooting

Rich

 

[fguffey]

I already tried different seating depths and different powder charges.

What happened when you changed the amount of powder you were using? Same for seating depth.

I am currently jamming those hybrids 10 thousands into the lands. that's where the rifle likes them.

When I seat the bullet into the lands the bullet seats deeper into the case neck. I will assume when you changed the 'off the lands' there was an effect. What effect did the running start have on accuracy?

F. Guffey

 

[gilmillan1]

Should i try imr 4064 or reloader 15?

 

[NickB1075]

I would say try 4064. This is a great powder and I feel is often overlooked. I have had great success with 4064 in the 308 win. I shoot Palma so only lighter bullets for me. It is also often my go to powder for most other long barreled heavy projectile cartriges that I shoot.

Good luck
Nick

 

[amlevin]

I would say try 4064. This is a great powder and I feel is often overlooked.

I hope everyone keeps overlooking it. It works great in my .308 with 1/4 MOA accuracy @300 yards consistently (Range maximum distance).

 

[gilmillan1]

I have 8 lbs of it. I know my rifle is a true 1/4 rifle. I just need to find that golden combination of primer, bullet and powder.

 

[savageshooter86]

you are using 200 hybrids. That might be the cause. Those you have to pay close attention to hold of the rifle/cheek pressure...etc....

several threads on here about the heavies causing thrown shots with FTR

 

[SHootSTraight22]

If you are getting some fliers be sure your barrel isn't touching the stock anywhere.. Also, what is the diameter of your barrel??? Like mentioned above give IMR4064 a try because in the manuals it looks alot better than Varget.. Temp sensitivity maynot be as good as varget but velocity should be better with them big slugs plus your case capacity.. Also, if you can, publish your OCW or targets on the thread so we can see your nodes.. If your shooting the middle ground of your node you should try changing up seating depth, primers, and even neck tension to gain tighter groups.. In my 6.5 Lapua bushing size makes a huge difference, so much I don't see why anyone would use less than .002 tension if their gun shoots like mine does.. My groups close by almost double when I dropped .002-.003 in bushing size.. Even Tubb says "err on the tighter side" meaning instead of shooting .002 tension use .003!! Hope I can help some.. ???

 

[SHootSTraight22]

I forgot to mention but be sure to check your bipod before every shot.. My gun will start grouping a "zzzz pattern" if the bipod is loose or not grounded correctly..

 

[gilmillan1]

Yes, i already took rifle manage.ment into account. I am conscious about it every shot.

I do have some targets. I will post them later. Also, i already ordered several bushings to play with tension.

 

[amlevin]

I forgot to mention but be sure to check your bipod before every shot.. My gun will start grouping a "zzzz pattern" if the bipod is loose or not grounded correctly..

I quit using wimpy Harris Bipods for this very reason. A Sinclair Tactical Bipod solved most of my 'bipod related' issues. Thing is almost as solid as an ordinary front bench rest.

 

[gilmillan1]

I am currently using a SEB joystick bipod.

 

[hogan]

Try the Sierra accuracy load with their new tipped 168gr or 175gr matchkings.
Go with a known quantity.

How is your chamber in terms of OAL? Go Gauge plus .0005 will give fine results.

Need to stop "looking for that golden ticket". Try a proven performer.
Then start looking at your scope mount and rings.
Do you use a fine pitch reticle? Aim on a 90deg angle like bottom corner of a square?

Got a borescope? Check your barrel and also pull firing pin and look for impact against bolt body from pin in transit. Never know until you eliminate all the variables.

 

[762willdo]

whats the twist on your barrel? hopefully 1in 10...

 

[DanSavage]

To get .25" groups all the time at 100 yards you are going to have to have some wind flags and your going to have to become friends with the wind.