Reloading help for .308 and Sierra Game Kings

Reloading equipment, methods, load data, powder and projectile information.

Reloading help for .308 and Sierra Game Kings

Post by zobster » 13 Nov 2017, 7:53 am

Hi, I need some help from the reloading gurus here.

I want to reload 308 using 150SGK.

The current recipe is:
44gr 8208
150 SGK
2.8" COL
Federal 210
Out of Howa 1500 s/s sporter

Initially, I got 0.8MOA. But on my subsequent visits, they were spraying all over the place, best was 2.5MOA, I have a stinking feeling that is my fault. BUT as the pic shows, I'm capable of holding a decent group. This group was shot minutes after I gave up on the 308. That was my 223 btw, 2.2" col, 25gr 8208, cci 200, sierra super roo.

Do anyone here reload 308 using 8208, can you share your recipe with me please. I know I should be using 2208 but if I can, I want to only keep one powder on hand.
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Re: 308 help

Post by juststarting » 13 Nov 2017, 9:07 am

I don't have any experience with 8208, but it shouldn't matter for this...

You mentioned a recepie, but have you actually done any load development to get to that? Maybe load a few groups per charge around that number, +/-.5 grain and see what works. Like, 43, 43.5, 44, 44.5, obviously watch out for pressure signs...

If you just loaded 44gr because someone told you too (also because there's no mention of load development in your post), that was a bit dangerous, you should always work up your load.
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Re: 308 help

Post by zobster » 13 Nov 2017, 9:33 am

juststarting wrote:I don't have any experience with 8208, but it shouldn't matter for this...

You mentioned a recepie, but have you actually done any load development to get to that? Maybe load a few groups per charge around that number, +/-.5 grain and see what works. Like, 43, 43.5, 44, 44.5, obviously watch out for pressure signs...

If you just loaded 44gr because someone told you too (also because there's no mention of load development in your post), that was a bit dangerous, you should always work up your load.


I've load 41,42,43,44 gr. 5 rounds each and about 15mins between each shot 5 shot groups. Settled on 44gr because it had the tightest group of the lot
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Re: 308 help

Post by zobster » 13 Nov 2017, 9:35 am

sungazer wrote:The load you have with that powder is ok. It may be a little bit high you could come down half a grain to see how that goes. The other thing to change is the seating depth. This you will need to explore with your own components. The powder is fine and there are a lot of people that would be using that powder and qty.


Sure thing, I'll load some 43, 43.5, 44 again and try not to stuff it up this time.
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Re: 308 help

Post by bigfellascott » 13 Nov 2017, 9:35 am

Check all the screws.
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Re: 308 help

Post by juststarting » 13 Nov 2017, 9:35 am

So reshoot it again then :)
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Re: 308 help

Post by zobster » 13 Nov 2017, 9:47 am

bigfellascott wrote:Check all the screws.


Already did, wasted the first lot of reloads because the scope was come loose.
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Re: 308 help

Post by pomemax » 13 Nov 2017, 10:17 am

1-10 TWIST RATE on
Howa 1500 s/s sporter you may be should try a 168 gr
168 GR. SIE HPBT Bench Mark 8208 .308" 2.800" 39.0 gr 2,493 fps 49,000 PSI 43.3 gr 2,707 fps 61,500 PSI Adi reloading manual .
keep the rest of your mix the same just change weight of pill
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Re: 308 help

Post by Wm.Traynor » 13 Nov 2017, 10:21 am

re the 223 group
What happened to the lone shot, in the black, at about 5 o'clock to the coin?
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Re: 308 help

Post by zobster » 13 Nov 2017, 11:10 am

Wm.Traynor wrote:re the 223 group
What happened to the lone shot, in the black, at about 5 o'clock to the coin?


That's my fault, squeezed trigger at the top of my breathing. I knew I've stuffed that shot just as I pulled the trigger.
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Re: 308 help

Post by zobster » 13 Nov 2017, 11:14 am

pomemax wrote:1-10 TWIST RATE on
Howa 1500 s/s sporter you may be should try a 168 gr
168 GR. SIE HPBT Bench Mark 8208 .308" 2.800" 39.0 gr 2,493 fps 49,000 PSI 43.3 gr 2,707 fps 61,500 PSI Adi reloading manual .
keep the rest of your mix the same just change weight of pill


Pardon my ignorance, isn't that a match round, not suitable for hunting?
I should have stated that this is a hunting load I'm attempting to develop.

All brass were my own once fired PPU, they were FL for their first reload, and they've just been neck sized for my 2nd reload. I hope that improves my chances of finding a load.
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Re: 308 help

Post by sarki » 13 Nov 2017, 11:34 am

zobster wrote:Initially, I got 0.8MOA. But on my subsequent visits, they were spraying all over the place, best was 2.5MOA, I have a stinking feeling that is my fault.


That definitely happens mate.

I'm more consistent these days but plenty of times I shot 1MOA on a given day, and 3MOA on the next trip with no changes to anything :problem:
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Re: 308 help

Post by Wm.Traynor » 13 Nov 2017, 2:24 pm

zobster wrote:
Wm.Traynor wrote:re the 223 group
What happened to the lone shot, in the black, at about 5 o'clock to the coin?


That's my fault, squeezed trigger at the top of my breathing. I knew I've stuffed that shot just as I pulled the trigger.

Thanks for clearing that up mate. in view of that, it could be that your "grouping problem" is more complicated than it appears at first glance and is comprised of two things:-
1) a crook rifle, for instance the loose screws
2) shooting technique: the lone shot above.
If you own a rimfire, practice your follow through. This skill degrades with each shot fired (sorry) and you have to be conscious of it before every shot. Recoil will spoil it; for instance you fired a crook shot with the mild 223 after the unsatisfactory 308 session. My guess is that a poor shooting habit followed you to the 223. that happens. It's some kind of memory thing. If you don't have a rimfire, try dry firing. Maybe get snap caps but always remember to follow through. You have to make a conscious effort :) :thumbsup:
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Re: Reloading help for .308 and Sierra Game Kings

Post by marksman » 13 Nov 2017, 8:08 pm

I use the 150 gk's in my 30-06 and I like them, they shoot well and kill animals quickly

my suggestion would be to try adi 2208 powder, it works well for the 308's I own,
check concentricity of your reloads by rolling your reloads on a flat surface looking for a wobble at the tip
and check out Dan Newberry's OCW method on google
the sierra 150gr gk's are a good bullet
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Re: Reloading help for .308 and Sierra Game Kings

Post by bigfellascott » 13 Nov 2017, 8:20 pm

What stock has it got on it?
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Re: 308 help

Post by zobster » 13 Nov 2017, 8:58 pm

Wm.Traynor wrote:
zobster wrote:
Wm.Traynor wrote:re the 223 group
What happened to the lone shot, in the black, at about 5 o'clock to the coin?


That's my fault, squeezed trigger at the top of my breathing. I knew I've stuffed that shot just as I pulled the trigger.

Thanks for clearing that up mate. in view of that, it could be that your "grouping problem" is more complicated than it appears at first glance and is comprised of two things:-
1) a crook rifle, for instance the loose screws
2) shooting technique: the lone shot above.
If you own a rimfire, practice your follow through. This skill degrades with each shot fired (sorry) and you have to be conscious of it before every shot. Recoil will spoil it; for instance you fired a crook shot with the mild 223 after the unsatisfactory 308 session. My guess is that a poor shooting habit followed you to the 223. that happens. It's some kind of memory thing. If you don't have a rimfire, try dry firing. Maybe get snap caps but always remember to follow through. You have to make a conscious effort :) :thumbsup:


The 223 group was done after the 308, I think I understand what you mean by bad habits. I must be more conscious of my shooting posture. I find that when I shoot 223 my eyes are able to remain open, but 308 is harder to do that. In saying that, when I shoot factory, I get 0.5moa consistently. So I don't know if it's me or my reloads, hence the confusion.

The plan is to make more, and go to the range again. This time I'll bring the shooting sled along. If I remove "me" from the equation, I think in theory I'll be better able to develop the load.
Last edited by zobster on 13 Nov 2017, 9:04 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Reloading help for .308 and Sierra Game Kings

Post by zobster » 13 Nov 2017, 9:00 pm

bigfellascott wrote:What stock has it got on it?


Houge overmold. I know people hate them but personally I like them a lot. It fits my hand better than my thumb hole that I have on the 223.

Action screws are definitely tight. Scope is definitely tight.
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Re: Reloading help for .308 and Sierra Game Kings

Post by Wm.Traynor » 14 Nov 2017, 11:30 am

zobster,
Not getting on your case or anything but it is interesting what you said about your eyes being open or closed. This could have a bearing on the quality of your follow through. You know it's really good when you can call your shots. Begin by dry firing and watch what happens to the crosshairs. Do it several times 'til you get the hang of it. The idea is to follow them during recoil to see which direction they take. How high, to the left; whatever. If you are shooting consistently, the crosshairs will always take the same path. Any deviation that you see should be noted and compared with the point of impact of that shot.
It's quite a learning curve and not easy with a 308. DF will help.
Good Luck :thumbsup:
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Re: Reloading help for .308 and Sierra Game Kings

Post by bigfellascott » 14 Nov 2017, 11:45 am

zobster wrote:
bigfellascott wrote:What stock has it got on it?


Houge overmold. I know people hate them but personally I like them a lot. It fits my hand better than my thumbi hole that I have on the 223.

Action screws are definitely tight. Scope is definitely tight.


Could be the problem - are u shooting off a bag or bipod.
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Re: Reloading help for .308 and Sierra Game Kings

Post by zobster » 14 Nov 2017, 5:14 pm

bigfellascott wrote:
zobster wrote:
bigfellascott wrote:What stock has it got on it?


Houge overmold. I know people hate them but personally I like them a lot. It fits my hand better than my thumbi hole that I have on the 223.

Action screws are definitely tight. Scope is definitely tight.


Could be the problem - are u shooting off a bag or bipod.


Bipod, I don't like bag, rather the good ones are a bit dear for me.
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Re: Reloading help for .308 and Sierra Game Kings

Post by Wm.Traynor » 14 Nov 2017, 6:53 pm

Using a bipod is a skill too. If you don't get any tips here, go to ozfclass.comm Some of the FTR shooters will be able to help.
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Re: Reloading help for .308 and Sierra Game Kings

Post by bigfellascott » 15 Nov 2017, 7:44 am

zobster wrote:
bigfellascott wrote:
zobster wrote:
bigfellascott wrote:What stock has it got on it?


Houge overmold. I know people hate them but personally I like them a lot. It fits my hand better than my thumbi hole that I have on the 223.

Action screws are definitely tight. Scope is definitely tight.


Could be the problem - are u shooting off a bag or bipod.


Bipod, I don't like bag, rather the good ones are a bit dear for me.


The Hogue stocks have a bit of a rep for being flexy up front off a bipod, might be part of the reason you are getting the results you've been getting.

Maybe try the Boyds off the 223 on the 308 and see if that makes an difference consistency wise.

I think you will find the Hogue stock is the problem.
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Re: Reloading help for .308 and Sierra Game Kings

Post by Sub.4MOAHowa » 16 Nov 2017, 1:29 pm

Just cause you shoot a Howa .308;
Getting very good results with Hornady 168gn ZMAX projectiles in a HOWA .308 1in10 Varmint 20" barrel.

Just my load so caution as always...
ADI 2208 at 43.4 (and 43.5gn), WLRP, TL 2.008", OAL 2.800" give 1/3MOA groups regularly at 100and200m (bipod and bag)

Have shot the ZMAX at up to 700yards with local Long Range Club with more than OK results for a "hunting" projectile.
Other guys at range get super results from Howa .308 in 24" barrels with 44.2gn with 168gn ZMAX as a FYI

Generally pay $195-215/500

I know that's neither projectile or powder you've mentioned sorry.
Point being, every one I see shoot 168gn ZMAX in a Howa .308 1/10twist barrel gets good results.
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Re: Reloading help for .308 and Sierra Game Kings

Post by zobster » 18 Nov 2017, 4:39 pm

I caved.
Bought a small bottle of 2208 to give it a go.
45/45.5/46/46.5/47gr, 2.8", federal 210, neck sized and trimmed 2x fired ppu brass.
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Re: Reloading help for .308 and Sierra Game Kings

Post by nightforcenxs » 20 Nov 2017, 4:15 pm

Sub.4MOAHowa wrote:Just cause you shoot a Howa .308;
Getting very good results with Hornady 168gn ZMAX projectiles in a HOWA .308 1in10 Varmint 20" barrel.

Just my load so caution as always...
ADI 2208 at 43.4 (and 43.5gn), WLRP, TL 2.008", OAL 2.800" give 1/3MOA groups regularly at 100and200m (bipod and bag)

Have shot the ZMAX at up to 700yards with local Long Range Club with more than OK results for a "hunting" projectile.
Other guys at range get super results from Howa .308 in 24" barrels with 44.2gn with 168gn ZMAX as a FYI

Generally pay $195-215/500

I know that's neither projectile or powder you've mentioned sorry.
Point being, every one I see shoot 168gn ZMAX in a Howa .308 1/10twist barrel gets good results.


will strongly agree i shoot the zmax aswell with 2208 and get great results
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