Savage 308 fcp-k loads

[BudgetBucks1]

Just recieved a Savage 10 FCP-K in .308 from Budsgunshop.com. I am going to start load development this weekend but was wondering if any of you fine fella's would mind giving me your experience with what the Savage 308 LE series likes to eat. I have several thousand Nosler 168 CC's and need a recommendation on powder and brass. I don't currently have any brass so I can start from scratch but can't afford Lapua. Thanks in advance.

 

[jwrowland77]

I think the most plentiful commercial brass out there is probably Federal. I look every day for Winchester headstamp but can't find any.

The two powders I use are IMR4895 and PP 2000-mr. I also use CCI 250 primers with it.

 

[JDGray]

Winchester brass, and an 8# jug of Varget should get you going.

 

[DDawg]

I too recently bought the 10 FCP-K 308 from Buds. I had some IMR 4064 laying around so I figured I'd start with that.
I used 42grns IMR 4064 and 168 SMKs. I was quite pleased with my 100yd groups. I fired 1 shot and let 2 friends each fire a shot, all 3 shots were touching at 100yds. I haven't been able to do much more than that yet.
But the one thing I know for sure is, I love the Savage 10FCP-K. It's a great shooter, you'll enjoy it..

 

[BudgetBucks1]

Thanks for the input so far. I am starting fresh. The only powder I currently have is IMR 4831 and 4350 that I shoot in my 30.06. Several of my local stores are fully stocked with 4064 even when Varget and RL15 can't be found. How much more does temperature effect IMR 4064 compared to Varget or RL15. I shoot alot during the summer and hunt during the cold temps of the winter. If I go with 4064 how much could it be off during hunting season or if I had time to shoot long distance during the winter. If I go with the less temperature sensitive powders I could have a long wait until the stores get some in stock. Thanks.

 

[USSR]

BudgetBucks1,

Temperature sensitivity is highly overrated, although it does help sell a lot of powder. Do your load development in the summer with IMR4064 and magnum primers, and you will have no problems during your winter month hunting.

Don

 

[Bad Flynch]

168 gr bullet and near-maximum/maximum loads of 760/H-414 and a Winchester primer. Start about 7.5-10% be;pw max and work up in half-grain steps. Somewhere near max you will get a couple of good loads in a row. Then experiment between the two for best results.

 

[BudgetBucks1]

Thanks for all the input guys. I checked 7 dealers today and no one has any Reloader 15 or Varget and no one has a clue when a shipment will come in. However, everyone has loads of IMR 4064. I think I could get some anytime I wanted some. I went ahead and purchased the 4064 as at this point Varget doesn't seem to be an option as there isn't any out there for sale and I refuse to order online and pay a ridiculous hazmat fee. I pay enough fees to the man as it is. Thanks for the help and I'll post the results of my most accurate load.

 

[savagegunfighter23]

Just recieved a Savage 10 FCP-K in .308 from Budsgunshop.com. I am going to start load development this weekend but was wondering if any of you fine fella's would mind giving me your experience with what the Savage 308 LE series likes to eat. I have several thousand Nosler 168 CC's and need a recommendation on powder and brass. I don't currently have any brass so I can start from scratch but can't afford Lapua. Thanks in advance.

I have the FCP-K. I use Fed Gold Medal Brass, 175 gr Barnes Match Burner, CCI large rifle primer, and 42 gr of Reloader 15. I get 0.465 inches at 100 yards with it. Tack driver!

 

[Glockula]

41 and 42.8 gr of IMR 4064 drives tacks for me with 168 gr Berger VLD's in Winchester brass over a CCI LRP. I have the Savage 11xp so it is not the same model. I do have to get the Bergers a few thou off the lands for my rifle.