Post 64 Model 70 308 load question

[1942wc58]

I have a Winchester post 64 model 70 308 target rifle, factory barrel 12 twist, acquired many years ago, fewer than 600 rounds down the barrel. I am going to shoot this ATC this coming season.

Does anyone have an accurate starting load recommendation using Sierra 168gr BT bullets ?

Thank you in advance

Gary G

 

[WVRJ]

I get great results with Varget.It's hard to find in my neck of the woods so I've been working with Some powders that I'd never tried until recently.AA2520,Ramshot Tac,Hodgdon H380 and Reloader 15 all work well.The 308 is not a picky eater.They'll shoot good with a lot of powders.

 

[Straightshooter1]

I have a Winchester post 64 model 70 308 target rifle, factory barrel 12 twist, acquired many years ago, fewer than 600 rounds down the barrel. I am going to shoot this ATC this coming season.

Does anyone have an accurate starting load recommendation using Sierra 168gr BT bullets ?

Thank you in advance

Gary G

Part of the problem in answering such a request is knowing case volume capacities and seating depths/COAL's that's been used and how they might fit into your chamber or not. Here's some loads someone posted a while back that is supposed to work well:

.308 Match Loads Effective out to 200 and 300 Meters

168 gr. SMK, 39.0 gr. (37.0 to 39.0 gr.) IMR 3031, LC Match, Fed 210 Primer

168 gr. SMK, 39.0 gr. (38.5 to 40.5 gr.) IMR 4895, LC Match, Fed 210 Primer

168 gr. SMK, 40.5 gr. (38.5 to 40.5 gr.) IMR 4895, LC Match, Fed 210 Primer

168 gr. SMK, 40.0 gr. (38.0 to 40.0 gr.) H-4895, LC Match, Fed 210 Primer

168 gr. SMK, 40.0 gr. (39.5 to 41.5 gr.) IMR 4064, LC Match, Fed 210 Primer

168 gr. SMK, 43.0 gr. (41.0 to 43.0 gr.) Win 748, LC Match, Fed 210 Primer

168 gr. loads above will work like a champ at this distance as long as the wind isn't too bad. The primary (accuracy) powder charge for each load is noted below.

168 grain bullet, 42.8 grains IMR 4064

168 grain bullet, 43.6 grains IMR 4895

168 grain bullet, 46.0 grains Varget

Some loads that worked very well for me with 168 SMKs in my .308 (*some a little on the hot side):

*43.8 grs IMR 4064, Brass: Lapua and Federal, COAL: 2.860, Primer: Fed210
40.5 grs AR-Comp, Brass: Lapua and Federal, COAL: 2.860: Primer: Fed210
*45.0 grs. H-4895, Brass: Federal, COAL: 2.860, Primer: Fed210

 

[lb-ft]

I’d search “Federal Gold Medal Match Clone 168 Load”.
There is an older version w/IMR 4064 and an updated one with RL15. Both those are VERY tough to beat. My pet load ended .1 gr off w/4064 & .2 w/ RL15. COAL was spot on, too.

Is also recommended the 175 SMK Federal GMM clone load. It handily beats the 168 past 700 or so, but with a recoil penalty.

 

[1942wc58]

Thank you all for responding
I have plenty of NM LC65 brass, and IMR4895 & Rl15 powder, plus 10k Sierra 168HPBTs.
The information provided gets me started at a very good point.

Thanks again and Merry Christmas.
Gary G

 

[Liven The Dream]

Back in the Day of those Rifles ! 90% of then shot 4064 Very Very Will .
10% would shoot 4895 ??
The Bullet of the Day was Sierra 168 .
LC Match Brass was a Big Hit with us then ,Camp Perry and all.

 

[Jeff Porter]

41.5 H4895 at M1A mag length of 2.800" plays well in about any .308 I stick it in. Seems to be similar the GMM 168 load. Are you going full old school with iron sights too?

 

[Liven The Dream]

41.5 H4895 at M1A mag length of 2.800" plays well in about any .308 I stick it in. Seems to be similar the GMM 168 load. Are you going full old school with iron sights too?

Jeff , Bolt Gun , That is a great Gas Gun Load , used it myself.

 

[D-4297]

The original GMM load was 42.5gr of 4064 behind a 168gr SMK . And their Gold Primer . Not available . I did manage to match up a Rem 7-1/2 BR primer for a very solid load .

Currently shooting IMR - 4064 with a 185 Jugg Target . Very consistent , and very accurate at 600 yards .

 

[joshb]

Viht-135-37.3 grains with the 168. Short range load. Slow cruiser but accurate in my gun.

 

[1942wc58]

Thank you all for responding
Did some quick load testing
Best results at 300yds was 41.0 gr of IMR 4895, Sierra 168 gr HPBT, Fed 210m primer & 65MN brass loaded to OAL of 2,790", Tested in cold weather, 35 degrees, best group was 2-3/4", using iron sights off the bench.
At 300 yards speed thru Shot Marker target system said 2060 fps with a SD of 10.7 for ten shots.
Working backwards thru the charts I figure a muzzle speed of 2600 fps.
Should be good enough for ATC shooting
Also I will work around that load once the weather warms up here in New England.
Thanks again everyone.
GG