Powders for a 308 win.

[carpriver]

I have 3 308 win/7.62x51, one is a m14 scout rifle 16in barrel, one is a DPMS sporting rifle (ar10) with 18 in barrel and the 3rd is a ruger scout rifle bolt action with a 18 in barrel. I am currently using H335 and IMR 4166. I don't like the way 4166 meters. I will be mainly shooting paper and steel at 100 yards. would some of you recomend a couple powders.

 

[Twoboxer]

You didn't mention a bullet, but I'd assume you are using something like 168-175. The powders I would use are not well-metering powders . . . IMR 4064 and N140.

Never used it in this app, but you might give CFE223 a try. It should meter OK.

 

[scooter123]

For 308 all I have ever used is IMR 4064 or Varget, both of which meter poorly. In 223 I have used CFE223 and can state that it meters quite well, with a 68 grain Hornady HP Match it's good for sub 1/2 MOA loads for my precision rifle in 223 Wylde. BTW, that same rifle will do sub 3/10 MOA with Varget so I would expect that you will be able to find load data for CFE223 in the 308W, based on the assumption if Varget works for both calibers CFE223 should also work for both calibers.

 

[rockquarry]

It doesn't meter as well as a ball powder, but I've yet to find anything that provides better accuracy with bullets in the 150 - 180 grain range than H4895.

 

[SquarePizza]

IMR4895 is a decent older powder, but on most of the serious rifle forums, Varget is king.

 

[rwsmith]

IMR 4895

IMR 4895 is an old workhorse in a range of anything over .22 caliber and under the big magnums. I've read that
H4350 is another one but I haven't tried it..

 

[ACP230]

When I shot NRA Highpower Rifle Matches I used H4895 or IMR4895
with Winchester 147 grain boatail FMJs. Was accurate and easy to load.

 

[Benchrest1]

First choice is Varget, second would be IMR 4064.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I have 3 308 win/7.62x51, one is a m14 scout rifle 16in barrel, one is a DPMS sporting rifle (ar10) with 18 in barrel and the 3rd is a ruger scout rifle bolt action with a 18 in barrel. I am currently using H335 and IMR 4166. I don't like the way 4166 meters. I will be mainly shooting paper and steel at 100 yards. would some of you recomend a couple powders.

You are using powders more suited for the .223 than the .308 IMO.

I would be using IMR4064, AA4064, either 4895 or the Accurate equivalent of AA2495. If you are concerned with metering try military .308 ball powder, BL-C(2).

 

[bigedp51]

I bookmarked the links below because I have a Savage .308 Hog Hunter with a 20 inch barrel.

Short barrel 16.5 inch 308 Winchester load development
Short barrel 16.5 inch 308 Winchester load development – rifleshooter.com

308 Reloading data only (see post #3)
.308 Reloading data only

Service Rifle Loadings
Service Rifle Loadings

Old School .308 Winchester Match Loads
Old School .308 Winchester Match Loads — Proven Reloads and Handloads

The Truth About Barrel Length, Muzzle Velocity and Accuracy
The Truth About Barrel Length, Muzzle Velocity and Accuracy - The Truth About Guns

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

The oldie but goodie is WW748, meters well shoots consistently in bolt guns. Never used it in autos. XBR 8208 is pretty good too. 4064 is the rage, but I never got one good group in 3 rifles!

 

[growr]

When I shot Service Rifle, all I wanted was a replication of the M852 and lots of it. The standard load for me was a 168 SMK with LC 88/89 casings, Fed LR primer and 42 gr. of IMR-4895.

I wore out 4 barrels and am on a 5th ( Obermeyer 5R) with this load....it will stay in the X ring if I do my part with my SA M1A Super Match

Randy
PS. I was able to make Master with this combination

 

[Lou_NC]

Realistically, I wouldn't concern myself with metering variations at 100 yards. Long ranges, certainly. I'm a fan of the 4895's since they work across all the rifle calibers I shoot and provide good results for me.

Lou

 

[elpac3]

The oldie but goodie is WW748, meters well shoots consistently in bolt guns. Never used it in autos. XBR 8208 is pretty good too. 4064 is the rage, but I never got one good group in 3 rifles!

Have to go with Ivan on this one - Winchester 748. Produces some really great shooting loads, meters like water.

 

[2152hq]

I use a lot of H4895 of late.
I can use it in several different calibers, gives fine accuracy w/a large selection of bullets within those different calibers (incl the 308).
I'm no competition shooter and don't experiment & tinker an awful lot with loads,,just like to shoot but do like decent results of course.
IMO the powder keeps it simple and gives those results.
(The IMR version would probably do the same)

 

[Mark in GA]

I agree with the guys touting H4895 it is certainly good. If you want metering and performance in the 308, I found that in Ramshot TAC.

Mark in GA

 

[mtgianni]

My BLR liked 4064 in the 80's when I got it. I use it or Varget and a good powder delivery system.

 

[sndbggr1484]

I'm old school so I like IMR 4895 but Varget sure looks interesting.

 

[BigMoneyGrip]

I like 8208 XBR. I shoots a 168 Matchking really well in my 700 VLS.

 

[apollo99]

CFE223 meters well and is money in .308 long distance. No need to look any further.