Factory 308 Ammo for 1K Yards

Feisar

Further to the other thread on rifle choices/barrel lengths, does anyone have recommendations for 308 ammo to go out to 1000 yards? Running the numbers the only load that stays supersonic on paper that I could find is the Hornady 168 gr Superformance EDL Match. I know I won't know for sure without the lads in the butts telling me its either popping or cracking when it comes in however just asking for suggestions. Running a Sako TRG so a 26 inch barrel. Was thinking about selling it but just can't bring myself to do it so going to start making proper use of it.

Cass

With the exact same rifle I was using Lapua Scenar, 155gr. They were costly then, and expensive as sin now. They worked out to 1,000 yards, but were unpredictable given they were subsonic at that range, but options were limted and things have improved since then. Now the speed is not a "deal breaker" as most factory ammo will be transonic to subsonic at 1,000 yards. The only ammo I know that stays supersonic at 1,000 is Superformance, but they're a hot round and I personally don't rate them as being all that given they're prone to stiff bolt lifts, and poor groupings at shorter distances.

If you want a cheap starter go with SteelMatch. They use a 155gr BTHP bullet and are cheap enough at about €75 per box of 50. Anything else is more hunting orientated and will run you between €42 to €55 per box of 20. They work well at shroter distances but I cannot vouch for them at anything past 300 as I've personally not used them past that.

The average muzzle velocity of most factory ammo is in the 2800fps mark meaning a 1,000 yard velocity/speed of approx. 1,150 to 1,300fps. IOW more than good enough to get you shooting.

If you're in the midlands and things are working out for you I'd suggest signing up to the reloading scheme. You'll be able to tailor make your ammo and even if the speeds were not affected the variation in seating depth, primer used, fireformed cases, etc. will make a huge difference. If nothing else you'll get consistent loads as I've had over 200fps difference (worst casse scenario) between rounds of the same box and only for the Chrono wouldn't have known.

What are you looking at in terms of distance? Are you jumping in the deep end with 1,000 yard shooting on the cards or starting small (300yds) and building to 600yds then on out?

Feisar

Currently at 300 yards with a .223 but want to get out further on occasion. Plus IMO wind is hard to judge in the shed, I'd like to be in the open air. Suppose I should start at 600 instead of getting carried away with myself. BTW I've noticed those hard bolt lifts/slight primer cupping/cratering (Note that's pure US forum speak for me, I've zero knowledge about looking for pressure signs) with the .223 Superformance 53 grain Vmax, however they are like a laser in my 1:12 twist Remington.

Reloading, I thought that was for the F Class guys only and anyway, while it's something I'd love to nerd out on it's hard enough to get down every weekend or every other weekend to do a bit of shooting, never mind sitting in a container chasing accuracy nodes!

Edit - my thread on flinch actually arose after those hard bolt lifts.

Cass

• Stiff bolt lifts - Self expnatory. The pressure is so high that the case essentially jams itself within the chamber because the pressure is so high it doesn't allow the case to return to it "fired" shape. This makes lifting the bolt and extracting the case difficult and in rare occasions near impossible.
• Primer flattening/cratering - The primer becomes completely flattened. There is no "space" around the edge of the primer and an additional sign is there is a crater around the firing pin mark on the primer. This again comes from excessive pressure and the primer come sup against the bolt face with such force it flattens against it and "cups" the firing pin. In extreme circumstances you may experience pierced primers when the firing pin pierces the primer due to excessive pressure.
• Cracked cases - Self explanatory.
• Extractor marks - Again excessive pressure causes the cases to expand and push back against the bolt face with such force as to leave an imprint of the extractor on the case head.

All the above are signs of high pressure. The biggest tell tale sign will be heavy recoil. You'll feel the increased kick of the rifle. There are low pressure signs which the majority of are not a serious problem bar one major one. Bullet lodged in barrel. This can occur due to not enough propellant, but there are cases of this happening with factory ammo. A simple manufacturin defect which shoul be caught by a distinctive and different sound when the shot is fired, little recoil, etc. If you suspect this has happened, stop shooting, remove the bolt, and check the barrel for obstructions as the bullet maty become lodged and you don't want to send another bullet with one stuck in the barrel.

Cass

With regard your shooting, I'd definitely get out onto the windmill range. Start getting out to 600yards and any factory ammo will get you there. It'll teach you the basics including better wind reading as you have the benefit of flags.

As for reloading its for the F-Class guys but you don't need to be shooting 1,000 or 1,200 yards straight away to join. Everyone has to learn so you can start at shorter ranges and don't forget that F-Class includes all distances out to 1,200 yards. You don't have to jump into yet, but get signed up and start collecting your gear. Again, only if you want.

The Superformance I never had good shooting with. Found it too hot and in 223, 308 and 243 at distances of less than 300 yards I never found it that good. However its been a while since I shot it so perhaps its improved.

Feisar

Cass, as always very helpful, thank you.

Cass

Hopefuly you'll get some more opinions from other lads to dilute the narrative and start a good discussion on ammo vs range.

DogfoxCork

recently had great performance out of 168gn Hornady eldm out to 920yds. wind was a large factor on the day but i felt they performed very well. 47e a box. they averaged 2790 at muzzle which was pretty damn close to the stated 2800 on the box and that was out of a 20" barrel

Feisar

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117996189#Comment_117996189

Surprised you got that sort of velocity from a 20"!

DogfoxCork

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117998738#Comment_117998738

as were we! the sako super hammerheads i use for deer are averaging 2719

ejg

Dogfox,

your Bartlein barrel was always fast. Possibly a tight bore.

Anybody know who has 168BTHP Racehead Sako Match ammo in stock? just need 4-5 boxes.

edi

jb88

PPU 147G FMJ made it out to 1k in a 20 inch barrelled Semi Auto 3 weeks ago. 2700fps. go figure

Cass

Why wouldn't it?