I've been experimenting with a new load for my .308 using Varget powder and 168 grain A-Max bullets. So far, I've been working on cartridge OAL and getting consistent seating depth. I'd love to hear what others are using for their .308 projects.
Dialing in My New .308 Load Workup
- Thread starter RangeHot
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41 Mag
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- Aug 10, 2025
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Well that would depend on if you're running bolt or semi. Primarily I go with a little Ruger Compact which has been a carry rifle for nearly two decades maybe a little more. When I picked it up I just went with standard factory Remington 150gr CL's because they were cheap and I was shooting hogs every weekend. I didn't have any need for something fancy or expensive and could get them right after deer season on sale for around $10 per box.
When things went sideways with ammo and such during elections, I started loading for my grandsons using reduced loads with H-4895 and the 150gr RN 30-30 bullets. They had hardly any recoil and knocked deer for a loop out to 100yds. Now that they have grown I'm loading for both the Ruger and a DPMS and using the same load for both. Me personally I like the 150gr CL bullets over the mid range loads of either H4895 or IMR 4320 or 4064. Nothing real special just in the 2450 - 2650'ish foot per second range. Neither barrel is long enough to get any real velocity so we just keep it simple.
The oldest grandson is piddling with some concoction for the AR using the heavier bullets that we have sitting around just to use them up on the hogs. Once he gets something dialed in where he wants it, he will switch the thermal over and go to town on them.
When things went sideways with ammo and such during elections, I started loading for my grandsons using reduced loads with H-4895 and the 150gr RN 30-30 bullets. They had hardly any recoil and knocked deer for a loop out to 100yds. Now that they have grown I'm loading for both the Ruger and a DPMS and using the same load for both. Me personally I like the 150gr CL bullets over the mid range loads of either H4895 or IMR 4320 or 4064. Nothing real special just in the 2450 - 2650'ish foot per second range. Neither barrel is long enough to get any real velocity so we just keep it simple.
The oldest grandson is piddling with some concoction for the AR using the heavier bullets that we have sitting around just to use them up on the hogs. Once he gets something dialed in where he wants it, he will switch the thermal over and go to town on them.
Raven
Well-known member
My favorite (following a lot of load development in the 308 with a few different rifles) is Varget with a 165 grain Federal Trophy Bonded Tip. Its a hammer for hunting deer and hogs and has been pretty accurate in most rifles where I tried it.
I have three 308 Win's.They all have 26" barrels.45.5grs of Varget with 165 or 168gr has worked really well in my riflesThis load runs around 2800fps.Here are some others that also shoot well for me.As always,every rifle is different,so always work up to these loads.
45.5grs Varget
44.5grs TAC
46.5grs A4064
45grs IMR 4895
45.5grs Varget
44.5grs TAC
46.5grs A4064
45grs IMR 4895
Last edited:
bdubose
New member
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- Aug 14, 2025
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Custom built tight neck 308
It is a repurposed bench rest gun I am setting up for PRS style shooting.
It Loves 43.7 grains RL-15 @ 2650 fps.
I was testing bullets at 100 yards in 5 round groups.
The 500 yard pic is 3 rounds of 168 Amax (the other holes are from my 6.5x284 - I was running out of time).
I typically can shoot it anywhere from 1/2 to 1/4 MOA, but I think the gun can do better.
It is a repurposed bench rest gun I am setting up for PRS style shooting.
It Loves 43.7 grains RL-15 @ 2650 fps.
I was testing bullets at 100 yards in 5 round groups.
The 500 yard pic is 3 rounds of 168 Amax (the other holes are from my 6.5x284 - I was running out of time).
I typically can shoot it anywhere from 1/2 to 1/4 MOA, but I think the gun can do better.
