Where to start, factory loads for Howa 1500

[roundyuk]

Evening all,

 

So I have my new Howa 1500 Varmint, and I've finished breaking in the barrel and put roughly about 20 more rounds through her.

 

So far I've been using the 155gr RWS NRA match rounds (which a friend gave me) and they seem to be performing ok at 100yrds. I also have some Federal Sierra Match 168gr rounds to try.

 

She is the 24" barrel which is 1/10 twist, so I am wondering if anyone has some experience with factory ammo loads and advice on what to run?

[snakeman]

For factory ammo see if you can get hold of 'Federal Gold Medal Match'... topped with the 175g SMK...top-notch accurate for a factory round and by far the best best factory ammo I've used... The 175g will suit your 1/10 twist. ..I believe GMK distributes them so ask your local RFD to get some for you

 

https://www.federalpremium.com/ammunition/rifle/family/gold-medal/gold-medal-sierra-matchking/gm308m2

 

ATB

[Chanonry]

When I got my Brock & Norris Contractor ( semi custom built off a 1500 varmint) Mike gave me some 165gr Geco (ballistic tip thingy).

 

Shot very very well. Pretty frangible round.

 

I have also been running a 165gr Gameking load. It is hand loaded but happens to be identical to a Federal round and that goes well, so worth a try. Dropped Reds at 325 so can't complain.

 

Numbers are meaningless as I have 20" barrel, recrowned and lapped.

 

You could try those for what its worth.

[stu47]

HPS have created a load using TMK175's, RS50, Murom Primers and GGG brass (I think). About the same price as FGMM 175's.

 

A friend bought both the HPS and FGMM to try in his Howa (same spec as yours) and the HPS where slighly better at 100 and significantly better at 500 yds.

 

He didn't measure MV on the day but his scope required less elevation adjustment with the HPS loads indicating they where traveling faster.