Load for 308 CFE223 185 Berger VLD

[jaygorski]

I like 2000MR with the heavies in a 308, from what I understand it's the big secret in F-class comps.

 

[72Slovelle]

Did some testing. All 100 yards and not well lighted (indoors), struggled badly to see the target well for grouping imo.

Tested some old loads I had at first. They where 168 SMK @ 2.80 with 4895, runs well in my other 308 gas gun. The FN likes this load. Measures around .350-.400 in the bolt gun.

Also looking at PRO 2000MR and 175's for some testing as well.

The loads where COL @ 2.93 <.005 off the lands. This is the first time I have ever stuck a bullet that far out for sure.

Lapua brass (new un-fired) and full sized
2.93 COL
CCI 250's
CFE223
.5 Increments 45-46.5

45.5 seems to be happiest. 46 and 46.5 the group opened up.

No pressure signs at all.

Should I work on length of the cartridge next? I am pretty green on a lot of stuff....

 

[swampthang]

I would look up load data from hogdon and see what their pressures anfor all the powders they recommended in your 12tw barrel. Thats what they used but with a 24" barrel so keep that in mind. I used their data with the 208's and liked it but I am shooting a 10tw 28" barrel.

http://www.hodgdonreloading.com/

So with a 1:10 twist the 308
It would be more likely to shoot a 150 gr or a heavier 180 or 200 best ?
Son just bought a new carbon fiber barrel savage in 308 and wanted to develop him a 200 HD Whitetail load.

 

[barefooter56]

I want to start developing a load for a bolt gun:
FN A5 SPR 20" 1:12 308 Win
CFE223
Berger 185 VLD's
New Lapua brass
CCI BR-2
New RCBS Competition Die

Just to make holes in paper from 100-600 and occasional 1,000.

Searched and searched, just can't find a lot data on this deal.

Mostly played with Varget, 175 SMK's and some 185 Bergers with mixed brass and standard reloading dies.

My first thoughts are OAL to be 2.810-? Does not need to feed from mag.

Powder starting at 44 work up to 46??

Any suggestions would be great.

Send us an email to support@capstonepg.com and we will be glad to help you!

 

[jlorenzo]

So with a 1:10 twist the 308
It would be more likely to shoot a 150 gr or a heavier 180 or 200 best ?
Son just bought a new carbon fiber barrel savage in 308 and wanted to develop him a 200 HD Whitetail load.

I think 10 twist should be fine for all of the above.

 

[Ray123]

I've had 8 308s, 12, 10, 9, and 8 twist, with 18 to 30 inch barrels, with a lot of weight veriation, specifically for a different purpose. The 9 twist 7.75 lbs 22" barreled gun "may" be used for hunting, but will shoot 200 gr SMK 715 BC at 2740 fps...or the Berger 200.2 gr over 2600 fps. The 8 twist is a long action alum chasis 308 Win set up for 230 Atip at 2620 fps, or 200 SMK at 2856 fps weighs 14 lbs, and feeds out of detachable 30-06 mags, cause the long bullets seat way out.
So none of the bullets I shoot are for hunting. Any good 150 gr bullets designed for hunting out of a 308 Win would be good for whitetails, at normal hunting ranges. Since your going for whitetails, the vitals are a big target, at normal ranges, you don't even need a tack driver load. 2000MR is one of the best for high velocity and accuracy with all bullets from 150 to 200 grains, and has been more accurate and better shot to shot consistency than CFE223 in my rifles...twist recommendations are on the bullet box or have a manufacturers recommendation...and Berger has a bullet stability calculator for a more scientific approach, on line.