Loads for new rifle - ideas?

[Mr_Logic]

Hi folks, time to canvass some opinion here!!

New F/TR rifle has arrived as previously posted. Ovenpaa has very generously sent me a box of 155.5 gr Bergers to try. I have the usual suspects in stock in terms of powder

Will kick off with IMR4320 as I have lots of it, well a tub and a half anyway. Initial load looks to be 44.0gr, and current plan is 10 thou off the lands.

Should I be doing something else?

Was also planning to try the 155 and 175 Nosler custom competition, since they're cheap with respectable BC. Any ideas on loads for these two as well?

Many thanks!!

[ovenpaa]

I would say 44 grains was a safe start point and is probably going to get you to around 2800fps with your barrel, it is worth chronoing as you develop the load.

[Gun Pimp]

Mr Logic,

Logic says: go to www.gbfclass.co.uk and see what the F/TR winners are using! Full equipment lists are posted for the Europeans and the GBFCA League.

These guys have spent years developing the 308 Win for long range competition and are getting fantastic results and they generously shared their knowledge! I don't see IMR 4320 in there or 175gn Noslers.

If you want a recommendation for the 155.5 Bergers (good choice) I'd go with Vit N140 or N540. What ever you do - start off with brand new Lapua brass.

Vince

[Mr_Logic]

I am acutely aware that Bergers are 50+ quid per hundred, and the Nosler option is near half the price. I accept I get what I pay for, but that is a big cost difference, and I am not at the very top or anything so worth a test if nothing else...

Will do on the brass front though; lapua isn't too bad on cost and does deliver tangible benefits to accuracy and case life.

[Gun Pimp]

Mr Logic,
The World F/TR Champion uses Lapua Scenar 155gn bullets............
The full retail price is £320 per 1000. Most dealers will discount you on this I'm sure.
To buy a good rifle and then use a less than superb bullet defies logic!
Vince

[ovenpaa]

Despite having a few boxes of 155.5 Bergers on the shelf I am still shooting 155 Scenar's and they work so well, yes some people are shooting far heavier projectiles but the Scenar's just tick all the boxes for me.

[Mr_Logic]

Mr Logic,
The World F/TR Champion uses Lapua Scenar 155gn bullets............
The full retail price is £320 per 1000. Most dealers will discount you on this I'm sure.
To buy a good rifle and then use a less than superb bullet defies logic!
Vince

I've not seen the scenar anywhere near that money - where can it be had for this price please?!

What is actually wrong with Nosler's Custom Competition bullets? their hunting bullets are excellent - very accurate, consistent and reliable expansion.

[DaveT]

Try Kent ammo supplies.... 100 prices quoted but email for 1000 price....these are posted to your door prices.

[ovenpaa]

What is actually wrong with Nosler's Custom Competition bullets? their hunting bullets are excellent - very accurate, consistent and reliable expansion.

I dont know anyone that is shooting them around my way however they have to be worth a try, grab a box and see how you get on, if they get close then it is worth pursuing further. I used to get brilliant results with Lapua 170 Lockbases, everyone else just pulled a face when I mentioned them, then my neighbour gave them a try and got some good results. sadly supplies dried up for a while and I moved away from them. Meaty of this forum has just started with them and is seeing good results as well.

If you do not try you will never know....

[dromia]

There is no short cut to finding a good load combination for your rifle.

Shoot all the bullets you have working up the powder charge in batches of 1/2 gn increments for a start with at least five rounds per batch.

Find a safe starting load from the powder manufacturers load data for that weight of bullet and work up to near maximum watching for pressure sign all the way.

The groups on your target will tell you which is the best bullet for your combination.

The old rim fire adage still holds true with full bore reloading

"Buy the best rifle you can afford and the most expensive ammunition there is"

If you want the best out then you need to put the best in so long as you have a rifle capable of taking advantage of consistent quality.