Thread: 308 starter load suggestions?

Just getting back into reloading after many years of factory ammo use. Suggestions for getting going - likely only 100m range available initially, but loading for accuracy rather than terminal performance or economy. New Lapua 308 large primer brass.
Bergara HMR 24”, Ruger RPR 20”, both 1:10 twist, Blaser R93 test beds to start with. Likely sort brass to neck size after first firing.

My go to for 308 is adi 2208 and 168amax /eldm



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44gns of 2206H pushing a 165 SST is nice comfortable, accurate load for my rifle.

AR BM 8208 is my favourite for now. Meters well, no weighing. Best for lighter projectiles. Under 155.

Originally Posted by mimms2

220gn RN, AR2208

Can you see it come out of the barrel?

Really need more info before suggesting anything, like what is uour intended use ? What sort of animals or is this a paper/gong rifle ? Will you be shooting over a dog ? What sort of range do you want to shoot out to ? There are so many options

Originally Posted by dannyb

Really need more info before suggesting anything, like what is uour intended use ? What sort of animals or is this a paper/gong rifle ? Will you be shooting over a dog ? What sort of range do you want to shoot out to ? There are so many options

Paper punching at 100m on range. But if bullet versatile for red deer preferable but not essential. If the opportunity presents gong shooting to longer range say up to 500. Thanks for the suggestions.

2206h or 2208. 2208 gives a bit more speed with the 165+. Cfe223 gives a bit more speed again and is what I use in 308 and 8x57.

I shoot quite a few different projectiles in my 308 but if I was only allowed one it would be the 178gr eld-x.

Greetings HandH,
I can barely remember not having a .308 Win in the cupboard. Have used most of the 4895 powders, including reclaimed WW 2 plus Dupont IMR 4064 in the .308 and have settled on AR 2206 H aka H 4895 due to its flexibility. I mostly use 150 grain projectiles and these days mostly on the range but AR 2206 H is good for the heavier projectiles as well. For a nice soft 100 to 200 metre load 38 to 40 grains of AR 2206 H produces 2,350 to 2,500 feet per second with any 150 grain .30 calibre projectile, 43 grains, not max, produces a factory equivalent 2,750 fps again with a 150 grain projectile. I also was able to develop a full power 200 metre zero load IMR 4895 with Norma 150 grain projectiles with a lighter load 43 grains IMR 4895 with US military 150 grain projectiles that shot dead on at 100 metres with the same sight setting. This was back in the early eighties when exactly one centre fire rifle was in my cupboard. As I said a very flexible powder and I only scratched the surface. My M700 didn't care for boat tails due to its longer throat but current rifles seem to have much tighter chambers so your results may differ.
Enjoy Grandpamac.

its a .308 so just about any load should be good n accurate. personally Im using 748 winchester powder as it was cheap and can also use in .223 2206 is the same duel use and a great powder.
125-130grn loads are mild as heck to shoot and seem to be accurate enough.terminally AWESOME on wallabies. speer TNT 125grns wouldnt be a bad place to start.

Too many choices! Really appreciate the pooled experience. Next I’ll have to dig out the old Oehler chronograph..

why???? if you target shooting at hundy yards.....speed matters not a tiny little bit.

True dat, but having a versatile load that I could use longer range has its appeal. And knowing the velocity is part of the journey and adds interest. Curiosity I guess....

just PLEASE remember a wise man once said "many a good load has been ruined by a chronygraph"


another wise man said "if it works dont muck around with it"

the need for speed is well and good for Maverick and Goose.......not quite so much for rifle loading LOL.