18" barrel .308

[redding]

Quick question to the experienced long range members.

I have an 18" barrel .308 Sauer with a 1 in 12 twist fitted with a Zeiss 4-16X50 with ASV and a 60i reticle.

I know its a sporting rifle but in your opinions do you think it would be ok for starters, say out to 500 yards?

 

I have been reloading for about 15 years, the rifle currently groups 150 grn Sierra Pro Hunters at 0.50 moa @ 100 yds.

 

Finally, are there any ranges near to Newtown (Wales) that I could go to

[tackb]

providing you have enough elevation on your scope then i'd say no problem?

[CZ Varminter]

You can shoot .308 with 18inch barrels out to a grand no probs, with a sub moa. Rifle. Maybe not in strings of fire with that set up. But with a decent BC bullet and good load I'd say no worries.

[gbal]

Yes and no-it really depends on what sort of accuracy you need-which will depend on various factors,not barrel length (i.e. bullet velocity) alone.

Most normal (say 25")308 rifles struggle to remain supersonic at 1000y,and bullets tend to be somewhat unstable,which is not good for consistency /precision groups. 30 inch barrels and near hot loads may be OK. 800 yards is generally OK for 308s,and 500 y poses no problems-but you will be losing about 20 fps MV with each inch in a short barrel,and that comes into play at the longest ranges.If you just want to hit a fairly large target-say 25 inches,more often than not,and can walk shots in,you should achieve that even at 1000,and might just do better in very good conditions. Sub moa groups though are unlikely to be typical at 1000y. Hitting a ten inch gong regularly at 500y should not be too difficult with an 18 inch barrel,assuming reasonable rifle and decent ammo.

To dial in to 1000y you will need 32+ moa from a 1000y zero for 1000y,maybe 12 moa for 500y,more in a shorter,slower barrel-ball park figures,as MV/BC etc really come into play with distance.

It's try and see,but the 18 inch barrel means some compromise,at extended distances,given the 308w is challenged in any rifle at 1000y,though specialised rifles can make it perform.Good luck,enjoy.

Gbal

[redding]

Thanks, when I had the barrel shortened from 22" to 18" (Mike Norris) I lost 37fps per inch using 150 grn Horn SST) a total of 147 fps.

 

According to the exbal chart you are bang on with the 12moa @ 500 yds.

 

I will give it a go and see how it performs. (If the gales ever stop)

[gbal]

Thanks, when I had the barrel shortened from 22" to 18" (Mike Norris) I lost 37fps per inch using 150 grn Horn SST) a total of 147 fps.

 

According to the exbal chart you are bang on with the 12moa @ 500 yds.

 

I will give it a go and see how it performs. (If the gales ever stop)

OK-fps loss depends on how short etc-it's not linear,more as you go shorter.. (and varies a bit rifle/calibre ).Glad exball is in reasonable agreement with empirical shooting-the ballistic calculators are a very good indicator,but hardly ever get really pertinent data input for the actual conditions of use...but well good enough (it's not unknown for fps to be 'optimistic'-none of this matters here) go shoot and see-don't of course expect (5x.5) 2.5 groups at 500-other factors come in that are negligible at 100y,but .55 is very good for a sporter-and will do nicely for 500...as you know,wind will really upset the apple cart-there is no way of guaging it all the way out to 500y with real accuracy-that's what sighters do! Been a bit breezy,hasn't it!!

But I think you will be pleasantly surprised-not on for stalking shots (at 500y you have not stalked!),but 20cm gongs are bang&clang-quite satisfying in a tin can way. Can get absorbing-check out Accurate Shooter site,and something better for purpose than 308- 6BR is a treat to shoot....less recoil,more accuracy. ( 260 if you want best compromise stalker/target).Enjoy.

Gbal

[marty]

Try sierra matchking 155 palma bullets , I use 44gr n150 but you start low and work up .Palmas stay supersonic if you can start them @2750fps .Do in my rifle .