howa m-1500 in 308

[chache]

hello all,
i just purchased a howa m-1500 with a 20" bull barrel and a 1 in 10 twist.
i was intending to build somewhat of a long range tactical shooter.
my question lies in bullet selection and any experience in regards to this rifle or loads relating to it. being in kaliforistan i figured i would use the lead free bullets incase i ever wanted to hunt or varmint shoot with it. right now i am leaning towards the hornady gmx over the e-tips or barnes bullets. i want to shoot 168gn or as close as possble. i currently load barnes for all my other calibers, but am willing to give the others a try.
i am currently leaning towards varget, 4064, or r-15 for this gun, but any advise or pet loads would be greatly appreciated.

thanks in advance.

 

[kschilling]

I enjoy shooting my Howa 1500 in .308. My current load is 175 Noslers with 43.5 grains of IMR 4320. This load produced a 1.5 inch group at 500 yards when I do my part. I've also used RL15 (same charge weight). I found such a good deal on 4320, I just stuck with it. I've done 168's and 155's also.....

 

[chache]

thats quite a nice gun you have there. i have big plans for mine as well....just might take a while.

what length barrel do you have?

upon some research and alot of peoples opinions, i think i'm going to use the 168gn. a-max. do you have any experience with that bullet. also what successful powders have you used with the 168. aside from the rl-15 and the 4320?

thanks

 

[peterf225]

I have had good luck using varget and benchmark powders in my 308's using 150-185gr pills.

 

[ChrisNZ]

A standard NRA (target shooting) load here is New Zealand is 45- 45.5grs of Varget behind any of the 155gr match projectiles. It's good for over 2900 in a 30" tube but obviously less in a short one. Generally, if that doesn't shoot, your gun's no good.. I'm assuming you apply decent standard brass treatment and loading practices.

have fun
ChrisNZ

 

[kschilling]

My barrel is a stock 24 inch Howa barrel and action. The rest of the stock is custom built by me and another friend. I've stuck with those two loads since they gave me the best groupings. However, I've played with some H4895 (43.0) and some Varget too. I refuse to use Varget any longer! Why? Because the crazy demand for it. The prices are stupid and every time someone buys the stuff, they keep jacking up the prices. Screw that! Don't need it.

I've also shot some reduced loads with AA 5744. It's very bulky. All you need is 27.5 grains and a 168 bullet and it will produce insane groups all the way out to 200 yards. The Vel is around 2100 fps and the recoil is like a .223. Try it, you'll love the stuff. If I was only shooting for groups within 200 yards, it would be the only powder I used. I use it in my 1903A3 Springfield also with 155 Noslers. I shot a 487 out of 500 points possible with it from 200 yards. I've also taken my fair share of game with it too using a 150 Corelokt. People will give you a crazy look, but just smile at them.


I've also got a friend that shoots the Howa 1500 Axiom and he used only 168 A Max and seems to like them...