Newbie 308 reloader need help first time!

[Dgd6mm]

Many different combinations work in a .308 for shooting paper and banging steel. You don't need a big cartridge to shoot accurately at 1000 yards.

 

[Kracken McGraw]

https://www.bluecollarreloading.com...oducts/berger-30cal-155gr-hybrid-target-30726
You could go with a medium load of your IMR 4895 and these bullets and not beat yourself up so much to start with. You might even beat up on the Creedmoor shooters.

 

[tygranch]

I shot Master at mid range (600 yards) with 41.5 gr. IMR 4895 and Sierra 168's many years ago, iron sights on an old model 70 match rifle. Nothing wrong with that combo.

 

[D-4297]

Current National Record for F-TR , shot with a .308 , ( if I'm not mistaken ) is 200 - 18X , I think it was a Mid-Range score at 600 yards . That's a .308 off a Bi-pod . Might be a thought to go to a F-Class match , or three and see some of the targets shot with that "inferior" rifle . And talk to those using them . As a current F-TR Master , using a .308 Kelby , I regularly watch the frowns and unhappy faces of the Creedmoor Boys coming off the line . It ain't the arrows , Cochise . The key to shooting a .308 is a load that matches your rifle , good load prep , and proper gun-handling techniques . There is no "Magic Bullet" you can buy to correct other errors .

I've used Varget , H-4895 and currently loading IMR - 4064 . Bullets used have been Berger 185gr OTM , 185 Jugg Target , 185 Berger Target Hybrid , 200.20x , 200gr Berger Hybrid , and even tried the Lapua 185 rebated boat-tail . To use the 200gr bullets , I would suggest you have your chamber cut with the 2013 F-TR Reamer , as it will give you a .170 - .175 Free-bore . Space to load the 200gr. slugs without having them jammed to far into the case , causing potential pressure issues . Tip on the Berger 185 Juggs . They seem to like being seated at .010 - .015 off touch , where-as the 185 & 200 Hybrids like being closer . like .005 in my rifle .

 

[Florida Wally]

I was where you about a year and a half ago. I started with a .243 Browning hunting rifle. I have been reloading for about 15 years, but only for plinking and hunting ammo. Precision reloading is quite a bit different. My first goal was to shoot good groups consistently at 100 with the 243. Once I was able to do that, I bought a savage 308 10-sr with a 26” barrel. My goal was to shoot the same good groups and then shoot 300 and 600 yd F-T/R club matches. Since I started shooting matches my goal then was to shoot clean at 600 yards which I haven’t done yet. I have since bought a savage target rifle and my scores increased quite a bit, some 199’s, but no clean 200‘s and I am building a custom 308 right now.

With the first 308, I shot IMR 4064, cci primers and 175 SMK’s with Peterson brass, then switched to lapua since Peterson was always out of stock. That combination shoots very well. I developed my loads in 50-60 degree temperature and it seems like when it gets into summer the IMR 4064 gets temp sensitive in the 85+ degree heat. While I was doing all of this, I started to buy Varget when ever I could and just kept it. I built up a small supply and am able now to use it for warmer months and the 4064 for cooler months.

I haven’t used it, but I’m sure you will be fine with the IMR 4895, but be mindful of the temp sensitivity. Keep an eye open for other powders when they come in stock an start building your supply.

I’ve had a lot of help from top shooters on this forum. You’ve come to the right place to get advice.

 

[JB10]

For my 308 the best accuracy i found was with bergers. 175gr the vld models. Loaded just kissing the lands. Lapua brass small and large primers. But i prefer the large primers with imr4064. I tried many powders. All were good but back then 4064 was everywhere.

 

[Metal God]

IMR 4895 is my go to powder if I want instant accuracy. Very easy powder to use and works great at several charge weights , It may not be the best but it’s more then adequate . It does have some temperature stability issues . I wouldn’t go as far as to say it’s bad it’s just not as good as some others . So if you are in a area where there is pretty severe temperature swings IMR 4895 may not be the best for long range

I wouldn’t bother looking for Varget . Even if you find some you won’t next time you need it . Nothing worse then having a great load you can’t find the components for.

Imr 4064 is a great 308 powder . AR comp is good , 8208xbr is ok