HODGDON BENCHMARK AND VARGET RIFLE POWDERS

In addition

In addition to using the 168 grain BTHP bullet, loads were assembled using 145 grain FMJ bullets, as this is also a popular bullet type and weight in this calibre. These loads were assembled using both Benchmark and Varget powders. The rounds were loaded to an overall length of 2.800 inches. The loads were shot in a Steyr SSG in .308 Winchester calibre with a 26 inch barrel. The velocities were recorded in feet per second ( FPS ) using a CED M2 chronograph. The velocity was an average of three rounds. The extreme spread is the difference between the highest and lowest velocity in feet per second ( FPS ). The rifle was supported front and rear. All loads using 145 grain FMJ bullets produced groups of between 0.75 and 1.25 minute of angle at 100 meters range. If all your shooting is done at between100 and 300 meters then these loads will fulfill your needs.

For those who prefer a heavier bullet for hunting the following loads were assembled using Hornady 165 grain SST bullets. The SST bullet is designed for expansion at long ranges, even when the velocity is decreasing. If you neck shoot deer at close range this is a good choice, as the bullet will disintegrate and produce a large wound channel. When using a conventional soft point bullet there is not enough resistance in the neck of the smaller species of deer to achieve proper bullet expansion, which results in a small wound channel. The group size got better as the powder charge increased and ran from just over 1 minute of angle to 0.7 MoA.

Steyr Scout

The Steyr SSG was supported front and rear to keep it as stable as possible.

Examples

These four groups used Hodgdon Benchmark powder and Lapua Scenar 168 grain BTHP bullets.