Berger 185 'juggernaught' load

[alijnclarke]

I'd like to try these out in my AI for some longer distance work, around 1000 yards (just plinking for now, want to see how far i can push it out on gongs), and was wondering what powder would be recommended?

I've got some IMR 4064 which seems popular on snipers hide and just about to get some N140 (mainly to try with 155 scenar loads), but if anyone has found a good load with the velocity required. Was thinking 2700-2800, or is that too high?

I've just ordered the berger reloading manual, so can't have a look threw that yet.

sign92

[The Gun Pimp]

Vit 150 and whatever load works in your rifle - 46 grains plus - but, as always, work up slowly. 2800fps is not too high............with a 30 inch barrel!

[Dangermouse]

Should you be shooting at Bisley keep in mind the muzzle energy limits. With the 185 you can quickly find you are over. Not a big problem but it does bring some conditions with it, mainly zeroing on a pointless target before going out on the range.

DM

[alijnclarke]

Should you be shooting at Bisley keep in mind the muzzle energy limits. With the 185 you can quickly find you are over. Not a big problem but it does bring some conditions with it, mainly zeroing on a pointless target before going out on the range.

DM

One day i hope to take a trip to Bisley, once i've got the correct certification etc. That is something to bare in mind though

[alijnclarke]

Vit 150 and whatever load works in your rifle - 46 grains plus - but, as always, work up slowly. 2800fps is not too high............with a 30 inch barrel!

Great thanks, if i remember rightly there was some 150 on the local shop's shelf. I've only got a 26" barrel at the moment, so like you say i'll work it up and see what velocity i can get safely.

[Laurie]

Should you be shooting at Bisley keep in mind the muzzle energy limits. With the 185 you can quickly find you are over. Not a big problem but it does bring some conditions with it, mainly zeroing on a pointless target before going out on the range.

DM

It's not that easy in a 308.

4,500J ME MoD limit = 3,319 ft/lb

A 185gn bullet needs 2,842 fps to achieve that. It's just achievable in .308 Win with a 30-32" barrel and very hot loads using high energy powders. If this is a standard AI, it's impossible to get anywhere near this figure safely due to its barrel length.

N150 is definitely the first powder to try.

[alijnclarke]

Yes a just a standard 26" AI barrel, thanks for the advice, i'll get some N150 and give it a go

[Dangermouse]

Just had a look at my old load data for my 32" border barrelled Remington action.

185gn Berger, CCI BR primers, Viht 550, MEN case
I found 47.3 gave 2800 fps and gave best results.

DM

[Mr_Logic]

42.8gr imr4064 works for me, but can't get the damn 185 now :-(

[alijnclarke]

So i've got some n150 (& some n140 to play about with the 155s..) but still waiting on the bullets to be delivered.

Interestingly though an 'online friend' in the states has been using power pro 2000 with the 185s and getting 2802.. I've never even heard of this powder? Supposedly that's out of a 24" barrel