SAVAGE TARGET RIFLE/.308 NEED LOADS FOR THIS ONE

[jonbearman]

I have heard that the savages like 175 mk's. Dyou know a good seating depth to start with because my match loads for my remmy didnt like the savage. I just want to know what works for you to save money and time as I have my first match next month. I have shot it but again it didnt like the hornady 168 bthp match bullets seated at .02 off the lands. Again just looking for starting loads.

 

[boogershooter]

Jon, I really like 4064 with 175 SMK's. .20 off seems to be a good place to start. But then I have an aftermarket 12 twist Broughton on mine.

 

[jonbearman]

I am assuming you are referring to imr 4064. I loaded up a bunch with varget for my friends rifle and they didnt do so well. I have never tried 4064 in .308,but I will give it a chance.

 

[FroggyOne2]

First off, I am glad to see that you have moved away from the 168's, it is of my opinion that shooting the 168gr bullets is a waste of time. I am not sure that shooting the 175's is any much better. Maybe 185's, but I am one that will not return to them again. Personally, I like the 155 gr class bullets, easy to get to shoot and load for, easier on the shoulder and on the brass.

 

[jonbearman]

What powder are you using with the 155's? Lapua brass as well? primers?

 

[Steve Blair]

First off, I am glad to see that you have moved away from the 168's, it is of my opinion that shooting the 168gr bullets is a waste of time. I am not sure that shooting the 175's is any much better. Maybe 185's, but I am one that will not return to them again. Personally, I like the 155 gr class bullets, easy to get to shoot and load for, easier on the shoulder and on the brass.

My preliminary testing with the Berger 168 Hybrid is very promising. The G7 BC is .266, better than anything mentioned except the 185 VLD. Berger's 185 BT-LR is a forgiving bullet but needs better than the 12" twist Savage offers.

The 155.5 FULLBORE and Sierra Palma shoot very well for me but are hell in the wind. Southern California winds make them just too much work. I prefer the other direction, 210 Berger BT-LR. However, you would need 30"+ and >=11" twist to make them work. I shoot all .308 loads, 155 through 210, in 10" twists with excellent results. I use 8208 XBR with Berger 155.5 for 2990 from a 26" barrel. Lapua brass, CCI BR2.

 

[boogershooter]

Yeah Jon, sorry...IMR 4064. I also tried Varget with mediocre results. I am thinking about trying the N-135 also. And Froggy is right, Dont over-look the 155's, Although someone is sure to chime in here and correct us on the twist compatability! ??? That is the beauty of the 308 , its user friendly.