What load duplicates Federal Gold Match w/ Sierra 168gr BTHP in .308

[kawzak]

Powders, primers, etc. If my Rem 308 like these I would like to reload to duplicate. I know each bbl is different. Need to start somewhere. Opinions on Blackhills 168gr. Match ammo?

 

[JamesnTN]

FGGM ammo is

Sierra 168 MK
43.5 IMR 4064
Fed 210m primer
This is in the cases used for there ammo.


For the 175 MK
41.8 grains of IMR 4064

All components same as above

 

[Shynloco]

I can say that over the years dating back to the early 80's, I've not seen a more accurate ACROSS THE COUNTER ammo than .308 Federal Gold Match 168gr Ammo that produces the best results in a variety of different brands of rifles. I am aware that several LE agencies use that ammo in actual field situations with excellent results. People have tried (including me) to duplicate their load/powder wise and nobody seems to know their formula. Having said that, I've not tried the Black Hills brand so I'd rather not comment. I will say that for my .308 Rifle that is now in a Benchrest configuration, I have three loads that I've found work very nicely, all using the Sierra 168 gr HPBT bullet and all revolve around 42 gr of RL15, IMR4895 or Varget. Ambient temperatures dictate which powder I use at least in my rifle and I shoot strictly 100 yds anymore. And for what its worth, anything over 300 yds gets (or used to get) the 175 gr Sierra HPBT. Nosler and Hornady (168 gr) also work nicely if Sierra's aren't unavailable.

Alex

 

[snert]

I was once in charge of ordering for a large multi-agency SWAT team. initially I bought Federal GM 168. When it was not available, I moved to BH. Both performed well in the hart built 700's and the oddball Blaser (????) on the team.

They have now moved to TAP...not sure why...maybe good advertising? Not my circus, not my monkeys...

I have reproduced handloaded 168 MK in once fired Fed cases and 4064 that had SD lower than the Federal. For a factory gun, or even a tactical rifle set up for the 168, I saw no difference in the GM. BH or for that matter, handloads. However, the handloads were only used to save money in practice, never used for work.

 

[averh2o]

James, just curious, how do you know for sure this is the exact load data?

 

[JamesnTN]

James, just curious, how do you know for sure this is the exact load data?

There was a gentleman over on the old snipers hide break down both and compared all compatible powders with weight and he even did a burn of powders to ensure that it was the correct powders. He had a video of this and it was complex on how he came about the exact powders. Then later someone posted in same thread They got inside info that IMR 4064 was indeed the powder being used. The source would not provide the weight of the powders.

I can dig in archives and see what I can find if you like?

 

[averh2o]

naw, i'm good, just curious ,didn't figure federal would ever release their data,thanks

 

[B Mize]

I remember several threads over there about this. All concluded it was IMR 4064.

 

[Road_Clam]

There was a gentleman over on the old snipers hide break down both and compared all compatible powders with weight and he even did a burn of powders to ensure that it was the correct powders. He had a video of this and it was complex on how he came about the exact powders. Then later someone posted in same thread They got inside info that IMR 4064 was indeed the powder being used. The source would not provide the weight of the powders.

I can dig in archives and see what I can find if you like?

I believe this is the vid you're speaking of :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iDIu6Mivi-Y

 

[Pres100]

The guy in the vid says 42.8 gr 4064 for the 168. The mystery continues

 

[hothead]

don't know what they use now, BUT when the Army was buying it in the early
80's , It was 39 gr 3031. Shot to the same POI as 852. Also , I had some that was loaded with a Ball powder. that was 86-88 era. I also remember seeing box's marked for Bolt gun only.
hh

 

[jr600yd]

I wouldn't count on ONE powder. That's just not how factory ammo is made. Like any other company they look for the best deal on powder and have access to powders not available to you and me. They look for a powder that will give X amount of pressure driving X bullet at X velocity. Depending on date of manufacturing you may find 4064, 4895 ball powder or something else.

 

[Pappy42]

I think the large ammo producers also "blend" powders to get consistent velocity, pressure and accuracy.

 

[headhunter]

There was a thread many moons ago that had a picture of a "build sheet" on a pallet of FGMM 168 and it had add the specs.

 

[JamesnTN]

Here's a full spec build sheet for the 175 SMK

They are using the same powder in the 168 as well.