Favorite .308 Handload...

[Regal Beagal]

What's your most favorite .308 handload for hunting? I've been loading Sierra's 165 grain SPBT backed by 42.4 grains of Reloader #12 in Winchester brass ignited by Federals large rifle match primers. Not a bad combo but wondering if there is a better combination out there. I want to stick with the 165 grain Sierra just because I'm using it in my bolt woods/brush gun. Thanks RB

[AR Thumper]

RegalBeagle, I found a combo I really like . 180GR Hornady SST /41.0 GR IMR4895= 2481 Fps ,44,200 C.U.P. This is a extremly accurate load in my FAL. The SST is a red plastic tipped Boattail bullet. I get mine from Cabelas. Billistic tips would work also but I have found them to be more expensive ;) Thumper

[W.E.G.]

basically the same load as Thumper, except a half-grain more powder and 168 grain Sierra MatchKing bullet. A whole grain more if its moly-coated.

Before somebody flames me for using a "thinly constructed match bullet" on game, let me say I use it on Eastern Whitetail deer. If anything, its "too much gun" for these 100-lb deer. Always makes a little entry hole and a great big exit hole. Plus, I have about 1500 of these things in boxes.

Use something sturdier for Grizzly bear.

[BUFF]

I don't have the storage space or the sense of smell to allow me to keep 1500 dead 100 lb. Eastern Whitetail deer.

Even in boxes.

[ July 29, 2001: Message edited by: BUFF ]

[fresca]

The Grizzly bears are probably stored in heavy wooden boxes.

[Upside Down @ 100 MPH]

I've has the best accuracy (FAL) from 168 grain Hornady match bullets with 44-45 grains of Varget and a Federal #210M primer seated to just touch the rifling. Had similar results with IMR4064 and Reloader 15 but don't have the charge weights I used with me.

Greg

[Dano]

Hey Upside down,

If you're seating your primers so they just touch the rifling... you're pressing way too hard on your priming tool!!

:D :D :D :D

Just couldn't resist!!

[shortround]

Buff, Fresca, Dano: Thanks alot. Diet Dew burns coming out your nose. ROFLMBO!

[Upside Down @ 100 MPH]

Dano, you oughta see the custom made firing pin I had to get made for this STG! :D

Greg

[sixplusone]

[ September 04, 2001: Message edited by: sixplusone ]

[Upside Down @ 100 MPH]

Here's another one, but not for hunting, just paper punching or varmints. 125 grain Speer TNT bullet, 43 grains of IMR3031, CCI benchrest primer(seated flush :D), OAL=2.810. This load shot under 1" in my STG today(100yards). This load doesn't leave much bullet in the neck of the case so I would not use it from a magazine, only single fed.

I also tried 39 grains of H322 with the Hornady 168gr match bullet and CCI benchrest primer, cartridge OAL=2.860, went under an inch also(.860").

Then I tried IMR3031 (41 grains)with Hornady 168 bullets and it shot an "improved cylinder pattern".

I had a damn good day at the range.

Funny thing about this gun is that it shoots better with stock STG handguards and the bipod mounted on the barrel (closed position)than it does with the DSA floating handguard. Anybody want to buy a good used DSA floating handguard?

Greg

[racer766]

How much? I am starting to get tired of the old Aussie handguards, might as well start accumulating US parts to turn my CAI into a decent-looking rifle.

[Upside Down @ 100 MPH]

I was going to e-mail you BUT(!) you don't your e-mail listed.

E-mail me.

Greg

[K. Funk]

I have had excellent results with 44 gr 4064 pushing 168 gr. Combined Technology ballistic tips out of my 20" Rem Model 7. For the fun guns, 43 gr. 4895 with surplus FMJ'sdoes the trick.

krf