308 Reloads At Work - Thanks AirGatorBob!

[TargetShooting]

Bob made me 3 types of reload samples from my bullet and brass, so I took them out to the 300-yard range at TRPC this afternoon.

I shot 10 rounds on each of the 3 reloads. Below are the 10-shot group.

Before I start, I want to stress that all 3 reloads beat FGMM SMK 308 in group size by good margin. Then I haven't practiced rifle shooting for more than a month. Then again it was first raining then a bit windy at Woodville this afternoon. Lastly my targets has a 3" bulls eyes so my fine NightForce crosshair couldn't get a center-reference-point to aim at.

All that said, the group should be tighter!

1st Batch
My brass as is, my bullets (I forgot what they are)
44.0 IMR 4064
OAL Not Uniform Due to Meplat
* Near max of 45.6 which is a comp load
FirstBatchTarget.jpg


2nd Batch
My brass as is, my bullets
42.7 IMR 4064
CCI Primer
Coal Not Uniform Due To Meplat
Coal @ 2.820"
SecondBatchTarget.jpg

3rd Batch
My brass as is, my 175 SMK
41.7 IMR 4064
CCI Primer
Coal Varies @ 2.820" Due to Meplat Non-Uniform
ThirdBatchTarget.jpg


* I myself feel that the first batch was the best, then 3rd batch, then 2nd batch. That's based on my own recognition of each shot I fired.

[YankeeFingergasm]

I like the 3rd personally.

[FLT]

I like all three of them. I'd be happy with any of those groups!

[mapper]

I'm with yankee on the 3 rd batch..
But they look good..it is not the arrow...

[Airgator0470]

Load #3 is supposed to be a duplicate of the MK 118 Long Range Cartridge using the Sierra 175gr SMK. Your bullets ARE the 175 SMK. This load went .600" in my FN/Douglas barreled .308.

According to a data sheet, 41.7grs of IMR 4046 will push this bullet to 2580 FPS.

David... I sent you an-mail... you want me to split the difference and load 1/2 of each weight or do you want them all one way? Send me an e-mail with YOUR final decision and I'll get to work on them.

[TargetShooting]

Only "bad" thing I noticed on the reloads:

after the shot, it's harder to open the bolt to eject the brass.

I don't know why but there must be a reason.

[12bhunting]

Where i come from that is nice grouping for 300 yards. It may not be as good as you were hoping but that is what practice is for. I also like the 3rd on over the others.

[Airgator0470]

Only "bad" thing I noticed on the reloads:

after the shot, it's harder to open the bolt to eject the brass.

I don't know why but there must be a reason.

Was that on all the loads?

[TargetShooting]

Was that on all the loads?

Yes on all reloads. But fine on factory: Federal Gold Medal Match 175gr.
It's just that after the shot when I opened bolt with regular strength, the bolt handle stopped half way. Then I have to use some force to life it to open the chamber window to eject the brass.

[Airgator0470]

Dave... I don't know what the seller did to that brass or how it was sized. I just made sure it was not too long. I have come across two badly crushed cases so far and expect more to be found. I would not buy any more from the person you got it from. For fully processed brass, I'd be a little pissed off... and the OAL of the cases were not uniform.

No worries though... they will serve their purpose.