.308 Light Bullet Loads

[sleepercaprice1]

While talking to some of the shooters at the DPMS Tri-Gun this year, I learned that some are using light (110-135 grain) bullets in their .308's. My understanding is that light, fast loads make less recoil and the comps work better.

With a 1/10 twist, I thought that heavier bullets would work better, but a couple guys claimed MOA or less at the 200 yard range most midwest 3 gun matches are shot at.

I've never experimented with bullets that light. Anybody got any ideas for a load or components to start out with?

[uscbigdawg]

I'd start with a low velocity load for say a 155 or 168 and go from there. It'll be safe with the lighter bullets.

Rich

[sleepercaprice1]

I'd start with a low velocity load for say a 155 or 168 and go from there. It'll be safe with the lighter bullets.

Rich

Thanks. I have loading manuals and am familiar with loading procedures. I've been loading rifle rounds for over 30 years. What I hoped for was some specific recommendations as far as what bullets will likely work well. For example 110 V-Max, 125 TNT, 135 MK, etc. Powder recommendations would be welcomed as well. I've loaded 150-180 grain bullets for years in both .308 and .30-06. I'm looking for info on what works well in .308 gas guns with light bullets.

[uscbigdawg]

I'm a Sierra guy, so I'd say go SMK as much as possible.

That said, get a handful of everything as I'm sure you're aware of, it's gonna be different in YOUR rifle.

Rich

[David Sinko]

I did a bit of load development with my brother's DPMS LR-308 and the Speer 110 gr. Hot-Cor was by far the most accurate bullet I put through it. I was stunned that such a short, light bullet could be so accurate, and I did not have any reliability issues either. Also, these were very old bullets, at least 25 years old. I don't know if they have changed since then. I no longer have the load data but I could probably find out, if you want.

Dave Sinko

[sleepercaprice1]

I did a bit of load development with my brother's DPMS LR-308 and the Speer 110 gr. Hot-Cor was by far the most accurate bullet I put through it. I was stunned that such a short, light bullet could be so accurate, and I did not have any reliability issues either. Also, these were very old bullets, at least 25 years old. I don't know if they have changed since then. I no longer have the load data but I could probably find out, if you want.

Dave Sinko

Thanks. That's the kind of info I'm looking for. If you stumble across it, I'd like to know what powder you had success with. I have several powders that should be usable. I'll try some of the Speer 110's.

[BillL223]

When I wa trying light loads, I found a 125 Sierra SP over 46.0 of Benchmark worked pretty well.

[Big Bore]

49.8 grains of win 748 and a speer 125gr TNT or 125 grain rem soft point. both shoot less than 2 inchs at 200yds. out of a DPMS LR.308. I can interchange them with no issues. The remingtons make 3098fps. with an SD of 5.