.308 Win Target/Hunting Loads

[PowderBurn14]

Hey all, I am loading for a new .308 bolt gun and have had good results so far. I shoot a Howa 1500 with a 20 inch heavy barrel, 1 in 10 inch twist. For targets the Sierra 155 gr Matchking Palma bullet over Varget has been very accurate. On average I have been getting 1/2 inch groups at 200 yards with them. For a hunting load the 165 gr Sierra Gameking BT has done well, also over Varget. I have been using Federal 210M primers, neck sizing my once fired cases and am using a Lee factory crimp die. I have even weighed my cases and de-burred the flash holes. I have been working with Varget primarily because I have an 8 pound jug of it and it is a top powder for the .308 Win according to the manuals. I do have a bit of W-748 and am planning to test with that soon. I have been using Winchester and Remington brass so far and I have a small supply of LC 76 Match military brass too. I also use a chronograph for my test loads. So, are there other members here that reload for the .308 Win and what load combos have worked well for targets and/or hunting? Should I invest in some Lapua brass? What other powders does the .308 like? Primers? I was thinking about the Hornady 165 gr SST for deer, anyone use it? I have read and continue to read my manuals, now I am looking for real world experience. Thanks

[Hoot]

Hey all, I am loading for a new .308 bolt gun and have had good results so far. I shoot a Howa 1500 with a 20 inch heavy barrel, 1 in 10 inch twist. For targets the Sierra 155 gr Matchking Palma bullet over Varget has been very accurate. On average I have been getting 1/2 inch groups at 200 yards with them. For a hunting load the 165 gr Sierra Gameking BT has done well, also over Varget. I have been using Federal 210M primers, neck sizing my once fired cases and am using a Lee factory crimp die. I have even weighed my cases and de-burred the flash holes. I have been working with Varget primarily because I have an 8 pound jug of it and it is a top powder for the .308 Win according to the manuals. I do have a bit of W-748 and am planning to test with that soon. I have been using Winchester and Remington brass so far and I have a small supply of LC 76 Match military brass too. I also use a chronograph for my test loads. So, are there other members here that reload for the .308 Win and what load combos have worked well for targets and/or hunting? Should I invest in some Lapua brass? What other powders does the .308 like? Primers? I was thinking about the Hornady 165 gr SST for deer, anyone use it? I have read and continue to read my manuals, now I am looking for real world experience. Thanks

For Minnesota temperatures, I'd stick with the Varget. As you noted, it is a very utilitarian powder. For Minnesota whitetails, the Speer Deepcurl (formerly HotCor) is a good choice and they don't break the bank. They expand perfectly at modest .308 velocities and being bonded, they hold together. I hate spitting out bits of lead from my venison. Makes me wonder what I missed.

Hoot

[Rip Van Winkle]

If your getting 1/2" groups at 200 yards I wouldn't waste money on Lapua brass. Not that Lapua is bad but it isn't that much better than Remington or Winchester to justify the 2x cost.

[goalie]

On average I have been getting 1/2 inch groups at 200 yards with them.

You are getting, on average, 1/4 MOA groups at 200 yards out of a factory rifle. Stop right there and don't mess with anything. Ever. Or at least until you burn the barrel out.