Thread: 168 classic hunter in their 308

Anyone using the Berger 168’s in their 308’s ?

I’m going to try them in my 18” 308 and hoping they’ll be good to 500-600 .

I’ve got both 2208 & 2209

adi data suggests 168 Barnes is compressed/max load @ 45 grains and doing 2740 in a 24 inch barrel

I think 2208 will be the winner mate I shot 168amax for a very long time but with 06H

Get suggests 44 of 2208 would be a max load 2550fps or 2500 at 43, will be variables that’s just saami length 12 twist 18”

In the ADI or Hodgdon's data (same thing - AR2208 is Varget, AR2206H is H4895, AR2209 is H4350) you would be best to use the data for the Sierra 168gn BTHP. That bullet most closely resembles the Berger Classic Hunter construction of copper jacket and lead core as well as the 'classic' BTHP match bullet profile.

The Barnes 168gn bullet in that data is the TTSX which is a copper monolithic one that has a longer overall length than your Berger Classic or the Sierra BTHP so requires its own specific load data.

Of the powders you have the 2208 is your first choice. The 2209 isn't listed in the data for a 308 with the 168 projectile suggesting it isn't a suitable option.

I run 44.5 of 2208 for the 165 nosler ballistic tips. It's not compressed according to the nosler data I have but you do need to tap the case to settle the powder

Thanks for the input fellas, much appreciated .

Just got some CFE 223 to try in my 20 inch 308. Loaded a few test rounds using 47 grs and 48 grs with the 165 gr SST.
Average Velocity with 47 grs 2736.6 and 48 grs did 2818.1 fps , this is max in my rifle had heavy bolt lift on one round.
I would suspect it would work as well with the 168 gr bullet too.

With reference to CFE, my current load in my 20" 5R 308 is 168gr ELMD with 46.0gr of CFE 223, WRE primers, and Remington brass. I started seeing some ejector marks on some brass from above 46.5gr. comes out the spout at ~2690 ft/sec

Originally Posted by Bagelito

With reference to CFE, my current load in my 20" 5R 308 is 168gr ELMD with 46.0gr of CFE 223, WRE primers, and Remington brass. I started seeing some ejector marks on some brass from above 46.5gr. comes out the spout at ~2690 ft/sec

Your loads are sort of similar as mine, with the 165/168 bullet in Hornady manual they list 47.2 grs as max. I have another manual , Hodgon I think it is and they list just over 48 grs as max, that’s a bit much in my rifle though.

Originally Posted by Happy Jack

I run 44.5 of 2208 for the 165 nosler ballistic tips. It's not compressed according to the nosler data I have but you do need to tap the case to settle the powder

How did you find those NBTs, Jack ?
Do they blow up and make a big hole or are they more of a deep penetrating weight retaining sort of bullet ?

When I had barrel cut to 19", lost some consistency with current load so re tested between 45.2gr 2206h to 45.8gr and settled on 45.6.
Lapua brass
Fed match 210
2206h 45.6
168 classics
Doing 2768 fps. Wouldn't get more than 5/6 firings before the primer pockets open a little though.The bergers have been grouping well at a number of charge weights, seemed quite easy to get sorted.