Originally Posted By: 6mm06
I recently purchased my first .308 rifle. While I have owned a lot of rifles and calibers over the years, I have never had a .308, so I'm wondering if there is a "choice" powder for that cartridge. I know that some powders just seem to inherently work well with various calibers and I am wondering if the .308 has a favorite that seems to work well in all of them.
Appreciate any advice.
You did not state which twist you have. It is not that important, but just wanted to let you know that the slower 1-14 twist shoots the 168 grain and smaller better the 1-12 handles just about everything, and the 1-10 twist leans toward the heaviest.
You are Best served with the Federal 210M Primers FYI these are Match primers NOT magnum primers Federal Magnum primers are the 215M If you go back to some of the Targets you will see the 210 primer was used.
Varget and RE15 are BOTH Temperature insensitive. Even though Alliant powders does not advertise a lot in this direction, some of their powders are such. As you can see there is several Powders that work well with the 308. It is the beauty of it.
Can I suggest that you start with one of the loads posted or try Varget 46.0 grains with a 165-168 grain bullet and the 210M primer. This has been a accurate load in several rifles. Mine and some friends. You could spend about 30.00 and get some Federal match grade ammo in 168 grain to check your gun. But it is not necessary. I use the said load with 165 grain Nosler Partitions and I have been happy and successful, with that load for many years.
The 125 noslers have been good and I have not tried the Barnes 110 TTSX yet, but it looks promising and others have touted it to be good.
Varget RE15, IMR 4064 heavier bullets
8208 , H4895, IMR 4064, TAC, and 2350 Medium such as 150 grain and smaller.
Benchmark, 8208, X-Terminator Lighter such as 110 to 125
These are not in stone, and you as well as others here, my have,, or come up with even more powders or Pet Loads. You will enjoy the 308
forgot to mention that H4895 worked better for us, than IMR 4895. H4895 is not sensitive to temps and also we showed less pressure with the Hodgdon powder.