Quoted:
I am about to start reloading for my .308 Remington sps tactical with a 20" barrel. I want to use the Berger VLD 168gr. bullets. So what would be a good powder to start with for working up an accurate load for this 20" barrel with 168gr Berger's?
I have seen my local store carries:
Hodgdon: Varget, BL-C(2), 4895.
IMR: 3031,4064
Which one of these would be my best bet to start off with? What's your favorite?
I have tried all of those in my bolt rifle. My rifle liked BLC2 (ball powder) best with 150 gr Hunting bullets I use.
You will have to test loads in your rifle to find what it likes.
Varget is a popular choice with match bullets.
I quit using Varget years ago and moved on to better measuring powders with the same accuracy.
IMR-3031, 4064, and 4895 all share the measuring problem with Varget.
Next time I load some 308, I will be trying out IMR-8208 XBR, as I have had great success with it in 223.
It's a short length extruded powder, that measures like ball powder.
Good luck