Short Range 308 Win Load

[Longshooter70]

I've got a box of 135 SMK's I've been thinking about loading for a precision rifle match to be shot at 200 yards. I've been shooting 168 SMK's and 155 Palmas(2156) with great results, just looking to try something a little different. I'll be using Lapua brass, either Win WLR or CCI 200 primers, and either Varget or 8208.

Does anyone have any approximate load data for these and has anyone shot these? What are your thoughts/recommendations?

Thanks,

John

 

[snowpro440]

John, I shot win brass and primers with 46grs of varget with the 135 bergers with good results.

 

[Shynloco]

John,
Keep in mind that each rifle is different and simply put, what works in one won't necessarily work in another. As an example, my best loads have been shot with Sierra 168's and 175's. When I tried 155's (Lapua's), I couldn't believe the SIGNIFICANT drop-off in accuracy. And thats out of a 1:10 barrel. Now keep in mind, that was at 100 - 200 yds as I do not have a 600-1000 yd range available to test. I've tried several powders and the best for my baby came down to Varget and RE15 in the low to mid 40's. I hesitate to list the exact gr amount because that is something that each particular rifle needs to tell you. But I'd say start at 42 grs and work your way up, checking for pressure along the build upward. And watch your bullet seating depth because mine likes the jump and not the jam whereas some of my shooting buddies' .308s love the jam and not the jump. Good Luck and have fun with that baby of yours!
Alex

 

[BlackEagle]

Flat base bullets may give you better results at short distance.

 

[liltank]

Flat base bullets may give you better results at short distance.

I agree. I was going to suggest this option, but he beat me to it.

 

[Bob3700]

I have shot a bunch of Speer 125 TNTs out of a 308. THey have a similar nose profile to the 168 SMK.

Put Varget behind them and was amazed at the little groups they produced. That was with military LC Match brass and CCI 34 primers.

Give them a try. The reduced recoil is greatly appreciated.

Bob

 

[Longshooter70]

Thanks for the replies, all of you! I totally understand about each rifle liking different things. I have three 308's and while they shoot the same loads reasonably well, each likes things a little differently to be most efficient and each requires it's own dedicated brass.

I have thought about the 125 Speers. I had experimented with them years ago. I shot them over H4895 and they shot reasonably well. Never took the time to do a complete work up with them. May have to rethink that. I have the 135's on hand and was going to give them a whirl. I did do a comparison between them and the 125 TNT and noticed the 135 has a lot smaller bearing surface and would take a little more powder before I started reaching pressure signs. Hopefully I'll have everything together by this weekend and see what happens. Deer season is still in here until the 31st. Moon is starting to get a little darker and the deer should be moving a little better than they have been. Trying to work in both things at the same time! Decisions, decisions! Lol!

Again, thank you all for the recommendations so far. I'll work them up and let you know how things go.

John

 

[navyrad8r]

longshooter,
Had to ask...bolt gun or gas gun? i have used 125/110gr bullets to compete in the "Garand Unlimited" class at some CMP matches (all 200yds) initially used 40 gr of 4064 (just enought to guarantee the gun would cycle. Shot with a guy at Perry though who uses the M1 XTC and is P100 and distinguished. he is also .308 M1 and double lugged at that. he told me i was on the right track (thanks to the forum members who helped me) but instead of loading for a "youth" hunting load to load them hotter (46gr) so the bullet would be gone befor the bolt cycles and i move. also do avoid getting pushed out of the 10 ring during a good gust on a windy day. OBTW virtually NO recoil. i hope this helps and work up your loads on your own equipment. Good Luck to you!
Cheers,
Doc

 

[Longshooter70]

Chief,
(Navy vet myself), Thanks for the reply. It's a bolt rifle. It started life as a Rem 700 PSS DM. It's still mostly factory with a Timney trigger adjusted to 1lb, new stock, pillar and devcon bedded, and bolt lugs lapped. I shoot mostly prone so it wears a Nightforce 20moa rail, Sightron Slll 8-32x56 LRMD scope, Burris Signature Zee rings and Sinclair F Class Bipod. While not a custom rifle by any means, she shoots very well.
When I was in the Navy, I competed in many service rifle matches and shot the M1A when I first started. I love it especially at the short line offhand and long line prone. The rapid fire sitting and rapid fire prone with 168's and 175's are difficult if not slung in really tight and correctly. I can definitely see why the reduced recoil of the 125's would definitely be beneficial.
Again, thanks for the response!

John