Can you reload .308 Winchester for increased accuracy?

Choosing the Right Brass

To reload .308 Winchester for increased accuracy, start by selecting high-quality brass cases. Look for cases with consistent head stamp, tight tolerances, and minimal residual powder capacity. A good starting point is to use factory brass from a reputable manufacturer, such as Hornady or Winchester, which are known for their precision and consistency.

Loading Techniques

When loading .308 Winchester for accuracy, pay close attention to the powder charge and charge consistency. Aim for a charge weight of around 43-44 grains, which is a common starting point for many .308 loads. Use a high-quality powder, such as Hodgdon H4895 or IMR 4895, which are known for their accuracy and burn rate. Make sure to maintain consistent powder charges across all cases to minimize variations in velocity and pressure. Use a powder scale with a resolution of 0.1 grains or better to ensure accurate charge weights.

Bullet Selection and Seating

Select a bullet that is designed for accuracy and is suitable for your specific rifle. Look for bullets with a high ballistic coefficient (BC), such as the 150-grain Hornady A-Max or the 150-grain Sierra MatchKing. When seating the bullet, use a seating die with a precision seat to ensure consistent seating depths. Aim for a seating depth of around 0.015-0.020 inches to avoid over- or under-seating the bullet.