308 Powder Choice - 155/165

shells were coming out dark and had a few crack so im assuming to fast i am also a rookie at the reloading and only been at it for 2 years between a 270/308/45-70 as my learning rounds
 
I have chronographed once and the data was also all over the place so much so i kinda assumed the graph was wrong but my buddy who has been mentoring me a wee bit through this blamed the powder and told me find H or 3031, or varget
 
RL15, Varget, 4064, CFE223, Precision Rifle.
RL15 WITH 150s tightens up as you load hotter.
Varget is great.
4064 is great but my groups opened up as I approach max loads.
CFE223 is fast with 150s.
Precision Rifle I have not tested yet. But I will because 8 Pounds of Varget is a unicorn right now.

I shoot an M700 with 22 inch sporter taper.
 
I’ve developed a few good loads with CFE223. I haven’t tested them in a wide range of temperature changes but got sub moa with 150 and 165 out of my ruger American
 
I load for M1A in .308. I read lots of data and IMR 4064 was highly recommended and I had decent success. Now its Varget pushing 150 ballistic tips and its money.
 
T3 Lite with 155 Scenar
47g Varget
CCI-200
R-P Brass
2.810" or 2.192" CBTO
2862 avg
10 shot under 1 MOA

CTR 20" with 155 Scenar
47.5g Varget
CCI-200
2.810" or 2.192" CTBO
R-P Brass
2840 avg
10 shot under 1 MOA

Get a little umph from the CTR load and that damn near makes up for the shorter barrel. Funny thing is at 92*, 47.5 still didn't have any pressure signs in the CTR. I took Form's advice and stopped there, shot the 10 shot group.
 
I’ve had good luck with H4895 for 308 with bullets in that weight range. I did a load ladder with H4895 and with Varget for a 168gr 308 load and found a node at a higher velocity with H4895. No pressure signs and it shoot’s great.
 
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