Model12 Savage Fv.308 Reload?

[stallard]

I'm new to this forum so if this is an old subject, I beg your pardon.
I recently purchased a new Savage 12FV in .308 WINCHESTER chambering.It is my 1st .308 and I expect this rifle to shoot as well as any other .308 varmint class rifle.
I plan on loading & using 125-150gr jacketed bullets.
My question is:
Do any of you load for the Savage12fv 308, and what are your proven loads for this firearm? Accuracy is my main goal.
So far the three loads I've tested with 125gr Sierra Spitzers with IMR4320 powder, all shoot under an inch at 100yards.
I appreciate a place like this to learn and also share what I have been privledged to learn over the years.

 

[Dave R]

Welcome, stallard! Glad to have you with us.

I think the tricky part of this for most people is that you are asking about a specific rifle. There may not be many or any here who have that rifle.

Also, its been my experience that rifles are individuals, and the most accurate load for my rifle might not be the most accurate for yours, even if they are the same mfgr. and model.

I'll tell you what my Rem700 likes...150gr. Speer/Sierra softpoint under 46 gr. of H335 (that's near the published max in Speer 13) lit by a CCI magnum large rifle primer.

Conventional wisdom is that, to determine the best load for your rifle,

1. Start well below the max. Often times the most accurate load is below max.
2. Work the powder charge up in small increments, checking accuracy and pressure signs all along the way.
3. When you determine the most accurate powder load, you can fine-tune by adjusting bullet seating depth, within reason, and keep the bullet off the lands.

 

[RugerOldArmy]

I'd bet you'll see no better accuracy from a .308 than you get with 168Gr or 175Gr Sierra Matchking BTHP. (They're just very well made, and that matters.) Lapua Sceanars are good too. I'll bet that most competitive shooters user SMKs. Try Varget and RL-15 for powders. Win or Lapua brass.

If you doubt this, try a box of Federal Gold Medal Match BTHP in 168 or 175 Gr. (although they may use different powders).

For 125 Gr or smaller, I'd want a 1-12" or slower twist for decent Varmint accuracy. 150 Gr's should do OK, with a decent bullet (SMK, A-Max, Lapua Scenars, Nosler).

Each gun is different, but savages are well respected for out of the box accuracy, and there has been an awful lot of folks using .308 win as a target cartridge.

My suggestion to try:

2.81" OAL
Win Brass (trimmed and chamfered)
WLR Primers
44 Gr Varget (Start Below 44, MAX would be 46, 44 by some references. 45 is my load)
168 Gr SMK BTHP