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5/10/2010 5:18:33 AM EDT
I finally got out to test my LR-308B with some reloads.  Some here might remember my problems with this gun.  FTF and FTE were common.  Horrid groups were the norm.  So far, the FTF and FTE problems are gone.  Gun is much more predictable in shooting groups, not the typical “scatter” groups it was shooting.  The target was a half inch square sticker at 98 yards.  10 round tests, not the typical 3 round or 5.  We used a lead sled, but were unable to use it in the normal manner as a farmer was in the field we normally shoot at.  Actually made shooting more difficult than a typical front rest and a bag.  A lot of fliers were called before we even checked targets.  We tested other guns that day and pretty much agreed that this setup wasn't optimum for true accuracy.  And the particle board blew back through the targets, making it hard to get an exact idea of groups.  That said, my reloads sucked using Tac powder and 168gr SMKs.  But kept improving as powder charges went up.  I was kinda disappointed.  Until I fired some 168gr Black Hills ammo.  That was a solid 1 1/2” group.  So the gun can shoot.  I just have to find the right combo.  You can see the results here:http://www.pixagogo.com/9751124271
5/10/2010 6:03:59 AM EDT
[#1]
IMR4895 or Varget
5/10/2010 6:08:37 AM EDT
[#2]
I've “heard” that Black Hills uses Tac powder and Sierra's 168 MK for their loads.  I'm still one grain under max for Tac data, but I'm using LC military brass.  No pressure signs, so I may up the charge.  And hopefully test under better conditions.
5/11/2010 4:52:41 AM EDT
[#3]
Is there a better bullet I can try?  This bullet and powder is pretty accurate in my bolt gun.  But that gun likes everything.  When I switched from 748 to Tac, I couldn't tell the difference.
5/11/2010 5:28:23 AM EDT
[#4]
Quoted:
IMR4895 or Varget


++1 for Varget. In my LR308B, I get sub 1/2" groups w/ 41gr of varget in LC brass and a Sierra 165GK.
AA2520 works well also.....Just my .02

5/11/2010 5:45:50 AM EDT
[#5]
So you're recommending a powder change over a bullet change.  How big are the grains in 4895?  I'll never find Varget in my area.
5/11/2010 9:52:04 AM EDT
[#6]
Varget, H4895 or H414
5/11/2010 10:16:06 AM EDT
[#7]
Quoted:
So you're recommending a powder change over a bullet change.  How big are the grains in 4895?  I'll never find Varget in my area.


I've had luck with those powders..... IMR 4064 is a decent one to try also....

5/11/2010 5:00:13 PM EDT
[#8]
I must the odd ball here I run 44grains of RL-15 behind a 165gr Gameking.
5/11/2010 6:31:41 PM EDT
[#9]
Quoted:
So you're recommending a powder change over a bullet change.  How big are the grains in 4895?  I'll never find Varget in my area.


Varget and H4895 are very similar in size and shape. The H4895 is a bit hotter but both have shot well in my 24" lr308. The H4895 works better with 150 grain bullets and the Varget works better with the 168 grain types.
5/13/2010 7:14:40 PM EDT
[#10]
My 20" LR-308 LOVES Varget powder. My best group is 4 shots in .213" after throwing out the flyer (crappy stock trigger).

4064 did pretty well too.

I was working up loads and 4064 and Varget were the most consistent and accurate. Benchmark and BL-C(2) sucked.

Bullets were 168 grain Berger VLDs.
5/13/2010 11:21:47 PM EDT
[#11]
Has anyone ever used a chrony on the Black Hills ammo to see what the velocity is?  I don't have access to a chrony.  But it would be nice to have a ball park number of how fast those Black Hills bullets are flying.  I see 2650 on their web site but I don't know what gun they're using.  There's a pretty good discrepancy on speed between Sierra's data and Ramshot's.
5/17/2010 4:21:25 AM EDT
[#12]
After more research, I find that Black Hills is using the 168gr HPBT bullet from Hornady.  Not the SMKs I thought they were using.  That probably explains why I couldn't duplicate the load.  Gun might like the Hornady's better.  One guy pulled a shell apart and found 43.22grs of powder.  That's a lot for Tac.  Pictures of the powder looks like Tac, but could be 748.  It could be my gun likes the Hornady bullet better than the SMKs.  I'll have to order some and start all over again.
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