Finally!

[jaybic]

Well, after waiting 5 months, I picked up my Rem 700 with the new .308 Kreiger tube screwed on it. WOW, that was expensive! This is my first ever custom barrel so I kinda had maybe a bit of sticker shock but I think it will be worth it more than just buying another new factory gun for the same money.

Anyway, I hope to post pics but I think it turned out very nice. The barrel is at 26.5in and number 5 contour fluted stainless steel. It had to be rebedded even with the HS alum block because I put a new Holland lug in it and apparently that didnt quite fit without some inletting. The action was all trued up(lugs, bolt face....kitchen sink....) and the trigger breaks at about 2 1/4 lbs and a VX2 6x18.

Anyway, I just got back from picking up some 168gr Matchkings and I have 6lbs of Varget at home and 1000 CCI br primers so off to the reloading bench I go.

Sorry fellas, just kinda got that "kid in a candy store with 50.00" feeling and had to tell somebody!

I also have 110 gr Vmax bullets and the following powders so If anyone has any load ideas to share I would really like to hear any ideas at all.

Varget
H322
H335
H4895
IMR 4198
RL15
760
748
H380
H414
RL12
BLC-2
4350
RL19

I want to try my hand next summer at a local F-class match with it, but it is primarily a long range/windy day coyote rifle for the open country in western North Dakota/Eastern Montana which is what I am trying to tailor my loads to.

Again, thanks to all of you who have been more that patient with my incessant rookie ramblings. I appreciate it a great deal and cannot wait to step up to that next level of accuracy even though its not a full blown BR rifle.

Jamie

 

[tiny68]

308 loads

Well my favorite 308 powders for the 168/175 are Varget, RE-15, and IMR4895 in no order. If you are shooting at more than 600 yds I would encourage you to get the 175 SMK. Its higher B.C. is significantly better than the 168 SMK and it will be good to 1000. As peer a specific charge and seat depth, that is something that varies for each and every gun. You have to find out what works for you. My general thoughts are: 1. I have my best groups with IMR4895 but at a lower velocity (2550 fps), 2. Varget gives me my best accuracy at the highest velocities, 3. RE-15 gives me my best groups at 300 and plus yds and the lowest std dev. It also is the dirtiest of the 3 powders and requires more frequent cleaning if not shot in a near max load. My go to load is based on Fed210M primers, Laupa brass, and RE-15 with the 168SMK. However, I don't shoot over 600 yds.

Luck, tiny