Loads that are close to the M118LR

[Chumney]

I have recently purchased a custom built rifle that is chambered to the specifications of a M118LR ( cal .308 ). The RIfle is built to the specifications of a M 24 by Predator on a Savage action. I knoww that the ammo is designed around theSMK 175 gr hpbt, RE 15 and match brass. I have a few rounds of Black Hills 308 with the 175 SMK bullets. some hand loads with both the Hornady A-max and SMK 168 grain bullets. I think that the muzzle velocity should be around 2600 to 2650 fps. I have on hand Win 748, IMR 4064 and a small amount of Varget. Any favorite loads or suggestions.

[Guest Mugster]

I have recently purchased a custom built rifle that is chambered to the specifications of a M118LR ( cal .308 ). The RIfle is built to the specifications of a M 24 by Predator on a Savage action. I knoww that the ammo is designed around theSMK 175 gr hpbt, RE 15 and match brass. I have a few rounds of Black Hills 308 with the 175 SMK bullets. some hand loads with both the Hornady A-max and SMK 168 grain bullets. I think that the muzzle velocity should be around 2600 to 2650 fps. I have on hand Win 748, IMR 4064 and a small amount of Varget. Any favorite loads or suggestions.

Well, if you want to dupe the SMK175 round, benchmark it with a chronograph. I believe the only way you'd see 2600 out of it is with a 26" barrel and strong tailwind, but everybody else probably thinks otherwise. Then get some of these sierra tips here is my advice:

MidwayUSA - Sierra MatchKing Bullets 30 Caliber (308 Diameter) 175 Grain Hollow Point Boat Tail

I'd go with AA2520. I quit using the older rat turd stuff some time ago. Of what you have listed, I'd go with IMR4064. I dunno if you'll run into compression problems or not, but I'd suspect so. Ditto varget. I've never used 748, but its pretty quick for that weight bullet, so i'd cross it off.

[Guest FroggyOne2]

Reloader 15 is the powder on contract. SIE 175 SMK. Work up to 45.0grs of RL-15. Winchester brass. I see that you have Varget.. that is good too. Varget will give greater consistancy over a wider ranges of weather. But RL-15 will give more velocity.

My personal 308 is a 95 Palma chamber throated 40thou more than reamer spec using a Berger 185BT moly'd with lots of RL-15 (ain't telling the load!). V = 2900 FPS

[Guest FroggyOne2]

Oh.. you need a benchmark for working up your load to replicate M118LR.. specs call for V = 2580fps at 90 yards.

[Guest DaG]

I also have a 26" bbl. 45.0 grs of Varget under a SIE 175 SMK @ 2.86 gave me an ave. of 2760 using LC LR 98 brass. 44.5 with Winchester brass was 2720 ave.

DaG