Optimum .308 1000yds load...?

[Tireur]

Hi,

Following a work related 12 month sabbatical from shooting.

I have the rare opportunity to shoot at 1000 yards next weekend. I don't really have the time for .308 load development.

My usual load is:
43.1gr Varget
167gr Lapua heads
CCI primers
Lapua cases

I've some 155gr heads if required. Can any of you guys recommend an optimum load. I'm shooting an AI AE with a 24" barrel.

Thanks in advance.

 

[mattdienes]

this worked in my friends rifle,i'd try a few to check the pressure signs.
45. gr varget, 175 sierra mk, cci br-2, lapua cases. it is a stout load but it shot pretty damn good at 1000yard.

 

[jthyttin]

Your load with 167 Scenars,?) should get you around 2600-2700fps, and this will barely get you to 1000y. So you should at least bring your usuals loads to range, if you have them available.

155 Scenar is newer design and has more potential, but if you don't have a load for them, it's kind of gambling... AI rifles are more popular in forums like snipershide.com, so you could ask also there, and get some guidelines...

 

[scout1]

If I'm not too late. I'm using Hodgeden Benchmark 44.6 grn, Rem brass. CCI BR2 and 155 Lapua Scenars getting 2852 fps average @ 80 derees with great groups. 26" barrel No signs of pressure just make sure your primers are seated flush.

 

[fna3g]

i use 44.00 grns varget,175 smk,win cases,fed 210m primer,
2630 fps[ avg
average group @ 1000yds is 10.5 inches
i have shot 6 inches group on a calm day, very rare at the range i shoot at!

 

[k6ctw]

My load in a 24 in barrel is
44.3 VV N-550,
Lapua brass,
Fed 210M primer,
175 SMK .020 OFF the lands,
velocity is just over 2600 fps.

My Palma load is 44.9 gr Varget,
Berger 155 VLD .015 INTO the lands,
Lapua Brass,
Fed 210M primer
velocity is approx 2960 fps.

Good luck and enjoy your 1000 yd expedition. I think you will find it addictive!

73 - Ken K6CTW

 

[Tireur]

Hi,

Finally settled on

44.5gr Varget
155gr Lapua heads
CCI primers
Lapua cases

With an expected velocity of just over 2800fps. Accuracy was great, with 10" groups at 1000yds - wind permitting!

I had had some concerns that I wouldn't have the elevation on my scope, no probs 33 minutes from my 300yds zero.

Shooting at the shorter ranges just won't seem the same now!

 

[scout1]

Tireur, Bump that Varget load up a bit to around 45.5 - 46 grn you should find another sweet spot with those 155 Lapuas and drop another moa or 2 from your elevation. Make sure you uniform those primer pockets and get full seating. 46grn is a tad warm but should work fine. If you run across any Benchmark give it a try, very clean and a faster burn rate for that 24" barrel.
Good luck and shoot straight

 

[FroggyOne2]

You may even have to go to 47.0 grs of Varget.. you need a muzzle volcity of about 2950. That seems to be the optimum speed for the 155's.

 

[Shotist]

Personal opinion. Don't even think of shooting the 155 Scenar in a 24" barrel for 1000 yards. You'll likely not get the velocity required. It's one of the reasons that many Palma types are using 30-32" pipes.

 

[boogershooter]

With this load,How many MOA.from 100 to 1000?- THANK YOU!

 

[memilanuk]

Load I'm currently using:

Berger 155gr VLD seated +0.010 into lands
46.8gr Varget
Lapua cases
Fed 210M primer

~2960fps from a factory 12F/TR barrel - ~28-29 moa from 100-1k depending on location,~800' ASL here). 24-25 down @ Raton,6600' ASL)

 

[boogershooter]

Milanuk your a great help again.......Thank you!

 

[Rust]

Shotist - No problem here reaching 2930 fps out of a factory 700P with a 26" barrel with surprsing accuracy and reaches 1,000 with absolutely no problem. Don't see any reason why it wouldn't work just fine in a 24" barrel a slightly reduced velocity, probably 50fps or so with 2" less barrel.

Those long Palma barrels are the result of a rather restrictive set of rules which required the use of military equivalent ammunition limited to 155 grains and they needed every bit of the length to reach 1,000 yards with early 155 gr bullets. The 155 Scenar has a much better BC than those earlier bullets,about .505 if I remember right) making it an ideal choice and eliminating the need for the extra long barrels.