Load development .308

[josebd]

I have a good load that groups around 1/2 or better 5 shots at 100 yards.
Varget 43.5 168 amax,168hpbt sierra,and Sierra 175hpbt
At 200 yards opens way up.
What would be the best method for the load development?
What to start at,load 3 at a time?

 

[Bart B.]

It should shoot about an inch or a bit more at 200. Group's normally open up about 5% to 10% angle wise from 100 to 200. Half inch and under at 100 is a great way to start.

I'd load 8 or 10 the same then try again at 200. 3 shot groups are not so good statistically. 5 shots are a bit better.

 

[dcali]

If it’s good at 100 but not 200, you’re probably mistaken about it being good at 100. Groups should be slightly more than twice the size at 200. Just keep looking. You’re should be close with that load. Just vary charge weight and seating depth until you nail it.

 

[retired]

ok let us start with the basics
what rifle
what scope
shooting platform...bench prone front rest, bags ???
any wind flags 10 mph at 100 is about 1/2" movement and about 2.5 at 200
chronograph ?
is this mag length ammo or at/near the lands

I have a good load that groups around 1/2 or better 5 shots at 100 yards.
Varget 43.5 168 amax,168hpbt sierra,and Sierra 175hpbt
At 200 yards opens way up.
What would be the best method for the load development?
What to start at,load 3 at a time?

 

[WildHawk]

I have a good load that groups around 1/2 or better 5 shots at 100 yards.
Varget 43.5 168 amax,168hpbt sierra,and Sierra 175hpbt
At 200 yards opens way up.
What would be the best method for the load development?
What to start at,load 3 at a time?

I had the same issue and had to switch powders in my 6.5 284. Talked to a friend and he said that is caused by the harmonics in the barrel timing when the bullet exits. Fixed mine. Sounds crazy to get excellent accuracy at 100 and then total wreck at going to 200 yards. Worked for me

 

[josebd]

Savage 12 action,shilen 10 twist 26 " .308
Sightron 8x32,no wind.
Bench,caldwell front and rear sand bag.
.010 from lands.
No chronograph

 

[Sniper338]

my 10 twist LOVES sierra 175 bthp match kings and varget..

 

[Bart B.]

How much does it "open way up" to at 200 yards?

 

[retired]

when you went to 200 did you check for parallax /adjust it out ?
what brass are you using?
necks turned ?
bushing ?
pulling a button thru ?
take the same plan you used for 100 and redo for 200.
ladder or 3 shot groups

 

[Liven The Dream]

I just know I will get in Trouble Again.
I am old . Been shooting HP and Long Range , when Frankfort Arsenal still made Primers.
Why test at 100 ? When 200 and 300 will be a much better idea of your Ammo’s potential ?

Hope for some good input ?

 

[T-shooter]

I have a good load that groups around 1/2 or better 5 shots at 100 yards.
Varget 43.5 168 amax,168hpbt sierra,and Sierra 175hpbt
At 200 yards opens way up.
What would be the best method for the load development?
What to start at,load 3 at a time?

I had good luck using Hornady 168g BTHP and 42.2g of Varget jumped .025". That gave me an average of 2,580 fps. This will usually group at about 1/2" at 200 yards for me.
I use 3 shots to get in the ballpark, then 5 at each loading to dial it in and go a few steps up and down with +/- .02 grains of powder. Pick the sweet spot and then work on how much jump you have. Here is an old picture that I fired 5 round each at each target round robin style only changing the distance to the lands. .025" worked well with Hornady and Sierra bullets but all rifles can be different .

This was 5 shots at 215 yards. The 1st shot (lower one) was with a clean cold bore. I was using IMR4064 but Varget shoots as well. I had trouble with temperature changes using IMR4064.

 

[josebd]

Thank you, I'm going to do more testing and see what I can do.
Is it normal after a shot, it seems to be pointing to the right?normal for .308?

 

[retired]

i think i heard you , maybe not.
if you actually zero your scope, after the first centered shot , you
have nothing left to aim at. i tend to keep scopes 1-3" high in load development.

Thank you, I'm going to do more testing and see what I can do.
Is it normal after a shot, it seems to be pointing to the right?normal for .308?

 

[josebd]

No,talking about recoil, after a shot it's pointing right

 

[retired]

No,talking about recoil, after a shot it's pointing right

because you are on the left ?
easier to move a 12 lb rifle than adult male ??

 

[Bart B.]

Well, let's look at another "right pointing rifle" situation.

The right barrel of a 470 Nitro double rifle points several MOA left of the line of sight when the primer fires. When its 500 grain bullet leaves the muzzle, the barrel has moved right that much so the bullet goes straight to the target.

The opposite directions apply to the left barrel.

 

[CharlieNC]

What method did you use to develop the load at 100yd?

 

[josebd]

Well, let's look at another "right pointing rifle" situation.

The right barrel of a 470 Nitro double rifle points several MOA left of the line of sight when the primer fires. When its 500 grain bullet leaves the muzzle, the barrel has moved right that much so the bullet goes straight to the target.

The opposite directions apply to the left barrel.

I shoot left handed

 

[Richard Coody]

here is a target from my .308 hunting rifle. final seating depth test with 44gr varget and berger 168 hunting vld's. jumping .130 from jam. each of these targets were .010 deeper seated

 

[BW64]

195 smk tipped 41.6 Varget 1:10 twist Criterion Rem 700. 5 rounds at 100. .015 off

BW