.308 loads for 168gr and 175gr?

[Wiley]

Ok guys, I have a powder question. I REALLY like Varget for my 165gr .308 hunting loads BUT don't want to burn through it on varmints. I have a pretty good stock of Hornady A Max 168gr and Hornady and Speer 175gr HPBT projectiles and have been searching for load data/input using virgin WC844 surplus(H4895) and IMR 3031. Lots of data out there but seeking personal experiences/recommendations. I have more virgin WC844 than I will ever use and really want to use it. The weapon is a Remington SPS Tactical 20" heavy barrel 1:10. I also have an 8lb jug of IMR3031 and don't mind trying it.
Other components will be Lapua brass and CCI 200 primers. 200 yards is my go to distance for this load and the varmints that hang out there and I want 1/2" groups at that range.
Just wondering if any of you guys have experience with this proposed load scenario.

 

[EastTNHunter]

3031 will probably be too fast for that heavy of bullets in 308. H4895 will likely do well, but won't get you the velocities that Varget/RL15/4064 will.

 

[backyardtndeer]

I run imr4895 for 308 with very good results. The hodgdon is a little faster burning from what I understand, but not much. Without looking at my data, think about 41 grains for 178 grain eldx. Use the 4895 for 165 and 168 grain pills as well, think my charges for them are between 41 and 42 grains.

My 308 bolt gun is a 700 varmint stainless fluted.

 

[Wiley]

I run imr4895 for 308 with very good results. The hodgdon is a little faster burning from what I understand, but not much. Without looking at my data, think about 41 grains for 178 grain eldx. Use the 4895 for 165 and 168 grain pills as well, think my charges for them are between 41 and 42 grains.

My 308 bolt gun is a 700 varmint stainless fluted.

Thanks for the reply. As I posted, the powder that I have is actually WC844 which is military powder but the same as H4895 and very close to H335.

 

[jlanecr500]

I ran the numbers with a 20"bbl loaded to Sammi length. I ran H4895 because my QL doesn't have the military powder listed. Being a short barrel, node 5 will be right at the top end on pressure. A 22" barrel makes that node at slightly less pressure. For each load, Node 5 is the faster node at max pressure in bold and underlined. Start .5gr below and work up, watching for pressure signs. It has been my experience with 308, that it is happiest right at the top end.. Loads not in bold are node 6 and should not show any pressure signs.


Node 5 imr3031 168amax
42grC 58.5kpsi 2660fps
Node 6 Imr3031 168amax
40gr 50.5kpsi 2550fps

Node 5 Imr3031 175hpbt 41.3grC 61kpsi 2600fps
Node 6 imr3031 174hpbt 39.6gr 53.8kpsi 2515fps

Node 5 H4895 175hpbt 42.6gr 61.5kpsi 2600fps
Node 6 H4895 175hpbt 41gr
55kpsi 2510fps

Node 5 H4895 168amax 43gr 58kpsi 2640fps
Node 6 H4895 168amax 41.5gr
52kpsi 2550fps

 

[Wiley]

Thanks. This rifle shoots one ragged hole at 200 yards with Speer 165gr PSPBT over 44.6gr of Varget. Just don't want to burn all my hunting pills and Varget on small varmints.

 

[Jcalder]

Thanks. This rifle shoots one ragged hole at 200 yards with Speer 165gr PSPBT over 44.6gr of Varget. Just don't want to burn all my hunting pills and Varget on small varmints.

44.6 of varget worked with numerous bullets in my rifle and a buddies rifle. We used a little of everything, from Barnes to Hornady to Sierra. The only thing that didn't do good were NBT.

 

[mr.big]

I thought 844 was a ball powder and the same as 335. But it's been a while since I saw any. H4895 is an extruded stick powder I know for sure. 335 is faster than 4885 so at east back down a right smart and work back up