The .308 Winchester: a cartridge revered for its versatility, accuracy, and widespread availability. From hunting medium to large game to dominating the shooting range, the .308 Winchester, or simply .308, continues to be a favorite among shooters worldwide. For those who seek optimal performance and customization, reloading this classic cartridge opens up a world of possibilities. Reloading enables you to tailor your ammunition to the specific needs of your rifle, maximizing accuracy and potentially saving money in the long run. This article serves as your comprehensive guide to navigating the world of reloading powder for .308, helping you make informed decisions to achieve peak performance. We’ll delve into the critical factors to consider, explore some of the best reloading powders on the market, and arm you with the knowledge to create accurate and consistent loads.
Choosing the Right .308 Powder: Factors to Consider
The selection of reloading powder is arguably the most crucial step in the reloading process. The right powder will not only optimize your rifle’s performance but also contribute significantly to your overall shooting experience. Several factors play a vital role in this decision. Understanding these factors will lead you to the best reloading powder for your specific .308 needs.
Bullet Weight
One of the primary considerations is the **bullet weight** you intend to use. The .308 Winchester cartridge can accommodate a wide range of bullet weights, typically spanning from 150 grains to over 180 grains, though some specialized loads use even heavier projectiles. Lighter bullets, around the 150-grain mark, generally benefit from faster-burning powders. These powders allow for efficient combustion and can achieve excellent velocities without excessive pressure. As you move towards heavier bullets, say 175 grains and above, you’ll typically want to transition to slower-burning powders. Slower-burning powders provide the necessary energy to push the heavier bullets to their optimal velocities without creating dangerously high pressures in the barrel. Matching the powder’s burn rate to your bullet weight is paramount for achieving accurate and safe loads. For instance, a fast powder that might perform wonderfully with a 150-grain bullet will likely produce extreme pressure spikes if used with a 180-grain bullet, leading to dangerous results.
Burn Rate
Related to bullet weight is the concept of **burn rate**. Powder burn rate defines how quickly the powder combusts and generates pressure within the cartridge. It’s a crucial characteristic because it affects the velocity of your bullet, the recoil, and the overall performance of your loaded round. Powders are rated on a burn rate chart, which is a comparative table. While no single standard chart exists, most charts place similar powders in comparable positions. A powder that burns quickly creates pressure rapidly. Slower-burning powders generate pressure over a longer period. Understanding the burn rate is crucial because, for optimum performance, the energy of the burn has to be matched to the bullet weight.
Application
The intended **application**, or the purpose for which you’ll be using your reloaded ammunition, is another significant factor to consider. Are you primarily interested in hunting, or are you focused on competitive target shooting? For hunting applications, you might prioritize powders that deliver high velocities and consistent expansion for a particular bullet type. This choice is all about putting down the target with maximum effectiveness. Powders that can achieve this are usually medium to slow-burning propellants. For target shooting, especially at longer ranges, the emphasis shifts to accuracy and consistency. This may lead you to powders known for their temperature stability and consistent performance, minimizing variations from shot to shot. Powders suitable for long-range shooting usually produce high velocity with low standard deviations in velocity. Tactical shooters may require powders with specific characteristics, such as being less sensitive to temperature fluctuations and delivering consistent ballistics. The ideal powder choice will depend on the demands of your chosen shooting discipline.
Accuracy and Consistency
The importance of **accuracy and consistency** cannot be overstated. Accuracy refers to the ability of your reloaded rounds to consistently group tightly on the target. Consistency, on the other hand, refers to the uniformity of the rounds from shot to shot. In essence, you want each round to perform as close to identical as possible. Reloading allows you to finely tune your loads to achieve both characteristics. Your choice of powder plays a major role in this, as some powders are known for their inherent accuracy-enhancing properties. Also, the correct amount of powder must be charged into each cartridge to ensure consistency. This typically involves the use of a scale to precisely measure the powder charges. It is essential to weigh each powder charge for the ultimate level of accuracy. Using a powder charge that is too little will reduce your velocity. Using a powder charge that is too much can cause pressure spikes that can damage your rifle.
Temperature Sensitivity
The **temperature sensitivity** of a powder is also a critical consideration. Some powders are more susceptible to changes in temperature than others. Temperature-sensitive powders can experience significant changes in velocity and pressure as temperatures fluctuate. If you reload for use in a variety of conditions, or if you live in an area where temperatures vary widely, look for powders with low temperature sensitivity. These powders provide a more stable performance across a broader range of temperatures. Powders like this allow you to trust your load regardless of weather conditions. This is essential for hunting and target shooting where reliable and predictable ballistics are crucial.
Availability and Cost
Finally, the **availability and cost** of a powder are practical considerations. Powders vary in price, and availability can fluctuate, especially during periods of high demand. Choosing a powder that is readily available and affordable allows you to consistently reload your .308 Winchester rounds without breaking the bank. Consider the cost per pound, and the amount of powder needed per cartridge, to arrive at a true cost per round. The ideal powder is effective, reliable, available, and within your budget.
Top Powder Recommendations for .308: A Deep Dive
Now, let’s delve into specific powder recommendations, examining their strengths, weaknesses, and ideal applications.
IMR 4064
This single-base, extruded powder has long been a favorite among .308 reloaders. It’s known for its versatility, working well with bullet weights ranging from 150 to 180 grains. This powder is often a first recommendation for .308 reloading. Its versatility makes it perfect for hunting, where a range of bullet weights might be required, or target shooting. IMR 4064 offers good accuracy and delivers consistent results. A lot of reloaders claim that it’s easy to work with, which increases its appeal. A potential drawback is that it might not offer the absolute highest velocities compared to some newer powders.
Varget
A spherical powder celebrated for its exceptional accuracy and temperature stability. Varget, another single-base powder, is especially well-suited for target shooting and long-range applications. It performs optimally with bullet weights from 168 to 175 grains. Its temperature insensitivity makes it ideal for varying shooting conditions, providing reliable ballistics regardless of the weather. Varget is generally easy to find and work with, and it delivers very impressive performance for most shooters. However, like all powders, it is only useful when paired with the correct bullet and charge.
Reloder 15
This is a versatile powder that often shows up as a top choice among reloaders. This is a double-base powder that offers a good balance of performance and availability. Suitable for a range of bullet weights, Reloder 15 is often employed for both hunting and target shooting. It’s known for its relatively fast burn rate, which can achieve high velocities, and it has a reputation for good accuracy, although perhaps not as outstanding as Varget in some circles.
Hodgdon H4895
This single-base, extruded powder is another excellent choice for .308 Winchester reloading. It’s known for its versatility. This powder is an extremely popular option, as it’s known to perform well with a broad range of bullet weights, from 150 grains to 175 grains, making it suitable for both hunting and target applications. It’s relatively temperature-stable, although not as renowned as Varget in that regard. It is also easy to find and readily available in a variety of reloading supplies shops.
Accurate 2520
Often lauded for its exceptional performance in delivering high velocities, Accurate 2520 is a spherical powder that can be a great choice for those seeking to maximize performance in their .308 loads. This powder shines with bullet weights that are on the lighter side, typically from 150-168 grains. Although it’s a favorite among many shooters, it may not be as effective in the heavier bullet weight arena. It is a solid choice for hunting applications, and it’s relatively temperature-stable.
Other Powders to Consider
A few other options that are worth consideration include Alliant Reloder 16, Hodgdon CFE 223, and Ramshot TAC. These choices provide distinct characteristics, such as high velocity, enhanced accuracy, and temperature stability. These will vary from cartridge to cartridge, so always double-check the data from manufacturers before loading them.
Resources, Safety, and Responsible Reloading
Before you start reloading, make sure you have the proper resources. You should consult reputable reloading manuals, which are essential for finding accurate data. These manuals, like those published by Lyman, Speer, or Hornady, provide detailed instructions, load data, and crucial safety guidelines. It is dangerous and irresponsible to reload without using the data.
Reloading forums and communities can be useful for information. However, remember that the information you receive from online sources must be double-checked against the published data. Avoid blindly trusting any information, and always exercise caution.
Safety is paramount when reloading. You must always wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from accidental debris. Reload in a well-ventilated area to avoid exposure to fumes. Precision is key, so always double-check your measurements for powder charges, bullet seating depth, and other crucial factors. Thoroughly inspect your brass and components for any defects before you reload them.
Furthermore, you must understand the warning signs of excessive pressure. If you experience flattened primers, difficult bolt extraction, or other unusual signs, immediately cease firing and re-evaluate your load. Finally, you should properly store your powder in a cool, dry place, away from sources of ignition.
Conclusion: Making the Right Choice
The best reloading powder for .308 is ultimately the one that best suits your shooting needs and preferences. Your decision will depend on the combination of bullet weight, burn rate, desired application, and the factors discussed. By carefully considering these factors and consulting the recommended powders, you can tailor your loads to achieve optimal accuracy, velocity, and consistency.
Experiment safely, following the data, and recording your results. With careful reloading, the .308 Winchester is a cartridge that offers a high level of potential for all shooters. Your dedication will lead to more rewarding shooting sessions, and the satisfaction of creating loads perfectly matched to your rifle. With the correct powder, your .308 Winchester will allow you to reach new heights!
