.308 Win - 175gr Sierra Match King with IMR 4064 (part 1)

Published on June 5, 2018
Duration: 42:39

This guide details the process of handloading .308 Winchester ammunition using 175gr Sierra MatchKing bullets and IMR 4064 powder, based on expert instruction. It covers brass preparation, load ladder development, and range testing both unsuppressed and suppressed. The instruction emphasizes methodical testing and analysis of results for optimal performance.

Quick Summary

Expert reloading for .308 Win involves using 175gr Sierra MatchKing bullets with IMR 4064 powder, starting at 40.4gr and increasing to 42.0gr. A 1:10 twist rate barrel is recommended. Testing showed factory ammo achieved 0.611" suppressed, while handloads peaked at 0.912" unsuppressed with 42.0gr, indicating potential for further tuning.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Hardware Overview
  2. 00:54Components and Factory Baseline
  3. 03:42Powder Comparison and Load Data
  4. 07:14Reloading Process
  5. 16:37Range Testing - Unsuppressed
  6. 19:57Range Testing - Suppressed
  7. 21:54Results and Analysis

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the recommended load data for .308 Win using 175gr Sierra MatchKing bullets and IMR 4064 powder?

A load ladder test was performed using 175gr Sierra MatchKing bullets, Lapua brass, and CCI 200 primers with IMR 4064 powder, ranging from 40.4gr to 42.0gr in 0.4gr increments. The 42.0gr load yielded a 0.912-inch group unsuppressed.

How does Federal Gold Medal Match .308 Win ammunition perform in an AR-10 platform?

Federal Gold Medal Match .308 Win 175gr Sierra MatchKing ammunition performed exceptionally well, achieving a 0.611-inch group when fired suppressed from an Aero Precision M5E1 rifle. The factory load had an OAL of 2.796"-2.806" and averaged 42.4gr of powder.

What is the optimal twist rate for stabilizing 175gr bullets in a .308 Win barrel?

A 1:10 twist rate is suitable for stabilizing 175gr bullets in a .308 Winchester cartridge. This twist rate allows the rifling to impart sufficient spin for stable flight, especially with heavier projectiles like the Sierra MatchKing.

What are the key steps in developing a precision handload for .308 Winchester?

Key steps include selecting quality components (bullet, powder, brass, primer), performing a load ladder test to find the optimal powder charge, measuring OAL and CBTO, and testing groups both unsuppressed and suppressed while tuning the rifle's gas system.

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