RL15 query for 308 win

[MikeF]

I have an remington adl, 308.

I have lapped the bolt lugs and bolt face, plus lapping of the trigger, with a weaver tactical scope, weighs in at 8.5 lbs.

Ive been playing with this setup for accurracy, so far I am pleased. I am shooting .75 groups at 100 yards, using 168gr smk bullet, 47 gr of rl15, cci 200 primer, with bullet touching the land.

I have no signs of pressure problems, but still all the manuals i've reviewed, shows 43 gr of rl15, as max.

also, my velocity is 2800 fps, with a standard deviation of 12 fps.

I am seeking your knowledge of why i dont see evidence of over pressure, could it be the primer i am using.

if there is a better load, i would welcome your suggestions.

MikeF

 

[338Lapua]

Hi MikeF: Every rifle is difference…. you may have pressure signs sometimes there very mild. You may have to look very closely for them. Reloading manuals have become quite conservative with maximum loads these days for fear of Prosecution. I included a snapshot from an older book with load data for the 308 w. Hopefully you can see your right on max now with RL 15, were as other books state 44 gr as a max load for a 168 gr and RL 15.. I think if you keep edging up from 47 grs you will see pressure signs very shortly. I like to use a large rifle primer with the 308w… Here’s a few of my favorite chronographed loads for the 308w Please work up all!! ….26” barrel.175 gr Berger seated to touch……. Fed GM 210 LR primer 46.5 gr H-4895 AV 2848 fps ES 22. 175 gr Berger seated to touch……. Fed GM 210 LR primer 46.5 gr of Varget ES 2 AV 2798 fps

 

[Shynloco]

MikeF,
As 338Lapua says, every rifle is different. But having said that, I've had really good success with RE15 and Varget in my Ruger M77V/.308. I did note that you appear to be pushing the load a bit in terms of grains of powder. I shoot 42 gr of either RE-15 or Varget and get almost identical results. My primers are CCI Benchrest BR2's and I've found my rifle like the bullets to be right at .010 out of the lands/grooves. And what I've found over the years with several of my big bore rifles is that higher grains of powder, creating more velocity, don't necessarily equate to group accuracy. You might consider dropping down to 42 grs of powder and give that a try because I get 5 shot groups consistently @ 100 yds where you can cover all the holes with a nickel. If I showed you a couple of my targets, you'd think I was BS'ing you because that nickel is way too big. And I know for a fact, that ADL of yours' can do ALOT better than that, especially with a Sierra 168gr MK bullet.

Good luck and have fun with that baby.

 

[MikeF]

Shynloco, 338Lapua::::

your info is invaluable, thanks so much, Id never find your info printed in manuals.

the load I'm working with at this time is my first load, and was happy with the results, but i see my rifle has higher potential, i will be using your advise to work up more loads, to seek the accuracy.

Thanks, i will get back to you latter in this venture for accuracy.

---MikeF

 

[338Lapua]

Id like to share a few of my 308w accuracy loads for paper punching. fully prepped lap brass
185 gr Lapua Scenar 43.5 gr Varget BR2 LR primer………….155Lapua Scenar 44.5 gr Varget BR2 LR Primer

 

[markm87]

I am seeking your knowledge of why i dont see evidence of over pressure, could it be the primer i am using.

I've read that factory REM barrels have a big leade. I measured mine and it was pretty big...(can't remember off the top of my head)

But if you're loading to the lands... you should have a lot of additional case capacity from the bullet being seated so far out in the neck.

 

[RottenII]

I use 43grs of RE15, 168SMK's and Winny brass with BR2 primers. Very accurate and chrono's right around 2600fps in a 24in Brux.

 

[MikeF]

I am loading to the lands.

Base to lands == 2.210 in
Cartridge length == 2.015 in

the bullet remains in the neck.

it appears that once i back off my charge to ~43 gr of rl15 and change primers, then I should be shooting real good.

 

[sambubba]

I have several .308's and they all dote on 44g Rl15, Fed210m, 168 SMK, and believe it or not, Federal Match Brass. That brass gets bad mouthed a lot, but my tubes love it.

 

[284winner]

Been a long time for me to remember my favorite 308 load with Berger 185 VLDs but I used RL15 and I think my load was 44.5 grains. Velocity was in the 2700 fps range. Mid if I remember correctly but accuracy was outstanding. I think the Juggernaut is a better option today as they didn't make them when I shot my 308 the most.

 

[divingin]

Been a long time for me to remember my favorite 308 load

13 years?

 

[284winner]

13 years?

Ya hell, even 5 years is when I currently shooting 4-5 other cartridges. It was 2005 the last time I loaded 185s in any of my 308s. Have gone to 168s and 150s since.