.308 F-Open/F/TR Projectiles

[Weairy]

Hi all,

Looking at some options for running an F-open .308 for long range (simply because we've got a spare barrel and all the gear, rather than setting up a 7mm). Currently run a 6BR for the shorter stuff.

Given that projectiles are open slather, what's the optimal combo? Thinking the Berger 185gn Juggernaughts or similar. Previously had good results from the 155.5 FB Targets.

Before the comments start - yes I know there are other options than a .308 but that's what we've got to work with so that's what we're going to use.

Thanks in advance.

[AlexE]

I'm going to cop heat from the naysayers here, but the most accurate gun I've owned was a 10kg 308 shooting 230gr Berger hybrids. I chronod it one day and it was a lazy 2370fps with a not quite full case of 2209. It shouldn't haven't worked so well, but it would drill the centre out of the target at any distance. I regret ever selling it and I'm currently messing around with the same combo with a different action and barrel (albeit with a bit more powder for around 2500fps).

I'm sure the general advice will be not to go heavier that 200gr, use palma brass and load it hot (and I don't doubt this works), but there are other ways to skin the cat.

[Wingnut]

My .308 F-open load was a Berger 200-20x pushed with 2209 from a 30 inch barrel using standard lapua brass. Velocity was around 2750 FPS. It was a compressed charge on paper but using a drop tube it fitted the case nicely with room to seat the bullet properly without crushing everything.

[wsftr]

Berger 200.20x
Berger 185 Hybrid
Hornady ELD 208

[Tim L]

What twist is the barrel?
1:12 will run the jugs
1:11 200s to 215s
1:10 for the 230s.

I'd suggest you find out what projectiles are available, you might end up with Nosler or Hornady.

[dvjtomcat]

I acquired massive 1:10 twist axle. Matt Paroz suggested 30:06 AI.
200-20 X
watch this space.
DVJ.

[AlexE]

The only problem I have with 200.20x bullets is I can't bloody get any of them!

[KHGS]

I have put a large number of various weight bullets down range through my 30/06AI and for mine the best weight range in 30 cal target rifles is 175 gr to 190 gr. Avail yourselves of a good ballistics program and you will find tiny gains in drift from the big bullets at the expense of recoil. I call it the "point of diminishing returns"!!! Heavier & higher BC is not always the answer. Heavier bullets mean lower velocities which in turn mean longer flight times meaning more time for the wind to deflect the bullet's flight path. By the way as an aside my 30/6AI shoots like stink, I absolutely love it.
Keith H.

[Barossa_222]

180gr JLK LBTs. One really good, consistent bullets at 308 speeds. Have shot them accurately out to 1500 yards. If anyone has any hit me up because I'm down to my last 1500.

200.20x's and Hybrids are also good. 185 Jugs, 215's, 208 ELMs, A-maxs, Sierras. They are all good. Nothing is better or worse. What works for you might not work for others.

Don't waste your time with with anything but a 1:10 barrel, unless you want to shoot 230's, you'll need something faster.

[RDavies]

You are saying you have a spare barrel, what twist is it? If it is 10", then the 200s which everyone else mentioned would be good. ( I am trying the 200 Jacks which are available from QRA Qstore). The 200 Jacks and the latest 200 Sierras have better BC than the 215s and will have slightly less recoil, but you will need a shorter throat than regular 200s.
For F Open I would agree with the 30/06AI which the others mentioned. You should be able to get quite a bit more velocity than a 308 if you can handle the recoil.

[ShaneG]

You are saying you have a spare barrel, what twist is it? If it is 10", then the 200s which everyone else mentioned would be good. ( I am trying the 200 Jacks which are available from QRA Qstore). The 200 Jacks and the latest 200 Sierras have better BC than the 215s and will have slightly less recoil, but you will need a shorter throat than regular 200s.
For F Open I would agree with the 30/06AI which the others mentioned. You should be able to get quite a bit more velocity than a 308 if you can handle the recoil.

Always got the problems of energy limits such as Belmont and Bendigo though Rod.
I had a barrel some years ago that could break that limit with 215H in 308.
Detuned it for Belmont