Thread: .308 win powder choice

After 30 years of using WW748 for my .308 loads I’m having to use an ADI powder.

In a 20 inch barrel with 165 gn boat tails the first sweet spot / accuracy node with 2208 lies between 43.5 and 44.5 gns. Velocity range across these and 44 gns is at 2582 to 2587 fps.

I can live with this velocity and am Pretty keen to drill down for accuracy now but wondering wether 2206h or AR8208 might give me a bit more fps.

How do you find 2208 in your short barrelled moderated outfits with 165/168s?

The slightly faster 2206H is often used in short barrels. Its also has a reputation for accuracy.
43.5gr of 2206H gave me just over 2600 fps from a 19" barrel with 165gr SST and 165gr SP.

I've never tried 2208, so can't give you a comparison

CFE223 Is another worthwhile option.

Greetings Dicko,
I ran a series of tests recently to compare velocities of different powders in the .308. Using a standard charge of 43 grains and 165 grain Hornady Interlok projectiles AR2206H produced 2,575 fps and AR2208 2,424 fps. The rifle has a 510mm barrel and a DPT suppressor. The AR2208 velocities are a little slower than your results which are more in line with the ADI predictions so perhaps my lot is slower. My AR2206H velocities are spot on ADI predictions. I used CAC cases which are light and roomy, close to the Winchester cases from the ADI data. I didn't test BM8208 with the 165 grain projectile but it was just a little faster than AR2206H with the lighter projectiles. There are wide variations in case weight in the .308 and the heavier cases produce significantly more velocity and pressure. There are some test loads for this in the blocks but not shot yet.

For simplicity of stock keeping my standard .308 (and .303and .30-40 Krag) powder is AR2206H and I try to keep enough in stock to ride out the occasional shortage.
Regards Grandpamac.

2208 would normally be my pick.
However as you'll appreciate theres bugger all of it available.

2206H would be one option, RL 16 also or n540 are not bad substitutes either.

My brass is RWS which seems to be heavy compared to WW but need to weigh it to confirm.

GPM I tried the 165 hornady SP. 45 and 46 grains gave 2566 and 2630 fps however not to accurate. More bearing surface and friction than the NBTs. Have seen this in the past with these two pills in other calibres.

Maybe another node past 46 but pressure will be borderline?

2208 seems more available here than 06h but both are a buy when you see action now. Winchester no longer bring in WW or H Superformance powders. No importer of VV powders. Very limited imports of RL powders and now reduced manufacturing and supply of ADI options.

Interesting side note is the accuracy node in my 06 with this pill and 2209 is between 58-59 grains and 2900 fps in a 24” tube, a 300 fps gain.

I have always used 2208 with anything 150gr or over

Your velocitys seem slow did you reach preasure signs?

I used to run a 168gr amax at 2750fps from 22" in lapua brass with a magnum primer.

If it's any help I'm running 42.5gn 2206h in a adi case cci primers and a 165 sierra btsp in a 16inch how barrel and getting just over 2500 fps

I used to use 2206 and 2208 for loading 308’s from 16 to 24 inches, as well as 30-30 and 223.
Nowadays I find it simpler and just as effective to just use 2208.

Cam, not getting pressure signs but not sure ill hit another node with acceptable pressure limits. Likely to be at 46 or more grains which is what I’d use for a 150 gn loading normally.

You'll get roughly the same speed with either, if you are getting good accuracy, stick to 2208

Beavis, that might be the answer I’m looking for. Cheers

If you need 748, I'm pretty sure that one of the Belmont powders is from the same factory and soooo close. I would even go so far as to say the same. Just use the usual precautions. ( and save any available 2208 for me...)

Originally Posted by rifleman orewa

If you need 748, I'm pretty sure that one of the Belmont powders is from the same factory and soooo close. I would even go so far as to say the same. Just use the usual precautions. ( and save any available 2208 for me...)

If you need Belmont powder, look for it at a gunshop. Belmont seems to have been out of stock of powder for some time, along with most of their other compentry.

Oh the can of worms. My 2c is win 760 boom!