308 155 gr SMK load

[Dustyman]

Savage model 10 , 24 " barrel with 1:10 factory twist barrel ( I believe from measuring but could be a little out however understand factory is usually 1:10 ) . I used some factory ammo that grouped well at short range using a 168 smk but im having a problem getting to replicate the accuracy with hand loads , think my powder choice could be wrong with H4895 ( however that did seem to be better than V 140 ) i have done optimum charge weight test and found a node but still not good . I was thinking of starting again and poss using 155 Smk as they sound as they might be better for mid to long range ( Mainly mid range 3-600 but poss out further and understand 168 wont do that well ) . Would anyone have a suggestion for a start point for a load or an aim point from experience ( Will start back and work up ) . Have access to H4895 , V140, Rel 15 , V 160 and poss Varget as a minimum but willing to consider others if worth while . Assume also the 155 like to jump like the 168 ?.

Having purchased some155 smk Palma 2156 , have i jumped the gun ( sorry for the pun ) and should have gone for the 2155 or am i moving in the right direction ? Suggestions on a postcard please :-) thank you

[dta europe]

46 gr of varget, works in lots for me a 155 in .308

Ewen

[Alpha1]

43.2 grains of Vitavouri N140 works for me with 155g Amax.

[20series]

If it is 1/10 you'll struggle to get 155's to stabilise as that twist is better suited to 190 or 200 grain bullets

Alan

[Alpha1]

Hornady recommend a 1 in 14 twist or faster for the 155g Amax.

[GazMorris]

Savage model 10 , 24 " barrel with 1:10 factory twist barrel ( I believe from measuring but could be a little out however understand factory is usually 1:10 ) . I used some factory ammo that grouped well at short range using a 168 smk but im having a problem getting to replicate the accuracy with hand loads , think my powder choice could be wrong with H4895 ( however that did seem to be better than V 140 ) i have done optimum charge weight test and found a node but still not good . I was thinking of starting again and poss using 155 Smk as they sound as they might be better for mid to long range ( Mainly mid range 3-600 but poss out further and understand 168 wont do that well ) . Would anyone have a suggestion for a start point for a load or an aim point from experience ( Will start back and work up ) . Have access to H4895 , V140, Rel 15 , V 160 and poss Varget as a minimum but willing to consider others if worth while . Assume also the 155 like to jump like the 168 ?.

Having purchased some155 smk Palma 2156 , have i jumped the gun ( sorry for the pun ) and should have gone for the 2155 or am i moving in the right direction ? Suggestions on a postcard please :-) thank you

I'm surprised that you're having problems as I've always found the 308 very easy to reload, and any sensible load tends to give good accuracy. Firstly, what size groups are you getting with the different kinds of ammunition? Additionally, what charge weight, primers, cases and jump are you using?

10 twist will work fine with 155s, particularly with the newer and higher BC 155s which like a slightly sharper twist than the older Sierras.

Gaz

[Mr_Logic]

45.5gr h4895. Works very well.

Or 47.2 imr4320 which was pretty good too.

Faster twist will always stabilize a lighter bullet as well as the heavier one but if the bullet is too thin-jacketed it might break up (had this with 223 -75gr Hornsby bthp broke up when driven fast from my 7 twist barrel).

[ovenpaa]

Do you have access to TR140, it is very slightly slower than N140 and certainly cheaper than the other options you list.

[Dustyman]

Sorry full spec is Lapua , cases , 42 gr of h4895 using federal bench rest primers . The 42 grs was the best of three good clusters out of ten loads on a optimum charge test however I did not go over 43 grs . Did checks on seating moving out to about 40 tho jump and moved in 5 tho at a time and 20 tho seemed best . They grouped at at about half inchat 100 yds but have opened out to nearly three inches at three hundred .

Thanks for comments will try moving up in weight a bit furthur and see if there's another node on the 168 but if go to 155 would like to stick with one of my existing powders if poss but will see , might try varget first , thanks

[Mr_Logic]

You should be able to go up from 43gr H4895, and I think it'll shoot better as it gets hotter - did for me.