Good 308 loads with a 170grFN-GC

[kelbro]

I have tried a few loads with this bullet. None were spectacular. Anybody have any luck with this one? I want to shoot it between 1750-2000fps in a 22" sporter barrel.
I have quite an assortment of powders so any suggestions will be appreciated.

This bullet works well in my 30-30 at the as-cast diameter of .310. I have sized to .308 for the 308. I plan to try another batch at .309 and see how they do.

Thanks

[Larry Gibson]

kelbro

Size the bullets at .311 for your .308W also and use a good lube like Javelina or equivelent such as XLOX 2500+.

Use fire formed cases and neck size them. Use a .31 M-die. Use a WLR, Fed 210, CCI 200 or Rem 9 1/2 primer. Start at 26 gr of 4895 and begin working up in 1/2 gr increments and use a 1/2 to 3/4 gr dacron filler. Seat the bullets so the driving band is engraved about 1/3 of its width.

Test at 100 yards using a good solid bench rest. Expect to develop a good accurate cast bullet load that equals your rifles accuracy with a good jacketed load. If your rifle shoots 5 shot groups within 1.5" then expect that with a good cast bullet load. If you have shot one cloverleaf 1/2" 3 shot group with that rifle but normally it shoots into 1.5" then guess what? You have a 1.5" capable rifle as it is. Do not expect better consistant accuracy from your rifle with cast bullets than it shoots with jacketed bullets. Sometimes it happens but it is rare.

Other good powders to use if you want to up the velocity a bit is to try H4831SC, AA4350 or RL19. Start at 38 gr and work up in 1/2 gr increments using the same 1/2 gr dacron filler as before until loading density goes over 80-85%. You will either get to 100% loading density for a max or more than likely accuracy will go south before then . If your rifle has a 10" twist you can sneak up to 2100 fps with these powders. If you've a 12" twist rifle then very good shooting with a 170 gr FN GC cast bullet can be done with these powders in the 2200-2300 fps range out of a .308W. However if 2000 fps is your limit then 4895 will suffice very nicely.

Larry Gibson

[kelbro]

Thanks Larry. As a matter of fact, I have about 7.5# of H4895. Will give it a try. This barrel shoots J-bullets into 1-1.5" groups consistently at 100. Unless I can get the cast bullets to do the same, I will shoot the Js in it.

[brian]

hope you know already, but you'll get better accuracy if all the copper fouling is cleaned out before you go Pb grouping.
Brian

[kelbro]

Yep. Thanks Brian.

[atr]

try IMR4895,,,,I size mine .309
picture with the green background is 210 gr at 50 yda
other picture is 180 gr at 50 yds
both using 30 gr of IMR 4895
at 100 yards I am hitting 100% on clays this is with a savage model 99C which is not exactly a "Target" rifle.
hope this helps
art