Thread: Which powder? .308 168g eldm 22”

I have 2208 and 2206H both of which I have used before in .308, just wondering pros cons or any relevant info. Cheers.

I'm running 178g eldx from a 16" with n150.... getting 2475fps.

In my experience you'll get slightly lower extreme spreads (for velocity) and maybe better accuracy from 2208. A "goto" load that works very well in a lot of rifles is 46.0 of 2208 for 150 to 165 gn (so will be hot with 168's - work up). I run this with 165 Targex s at 2730 from 22" - 1/3 moa in my LA102.


My 308 hunting load that gives 2550 fps from 21" with 178 Eld-x's is 43.8 of 2208.

2206H will probably give better velocity in shorter barrels . . . .

2208

Thanks guys, looks like I’ll do the development with 2208.

Originally Posted by robh500

Thanks guys, looks like I’ll do the development with 2208.

Did I tell you that?
I cant remember.
Just trying to work out what to feed my sako 3006.
Looks like 178 eldm and 2209

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2206H.

Originally Posted by Tentman

My 308 hunting load that gives 2550 fps from 21" with 178 Eld-x's is 43.8 of 2208.

I get 2560 fps with 42.5 of 2208 from a 24 inch barrel, same bullet.

I have used 2208 and 2206 (the original, not 2206h). Published data suggested 2206 better for lighter projectiles, 2208 better for heavy pills. The only significant difference I found was when I pulled the projectiles on some old reloads - the 2208 looked normal, the 2206 was caked inside the cases.

If you ever feel so inclined, try Hodgdon CFE223 with the .308 168g ELM bullet or for that matter any 150g-165g bullet. Also, incorporates a copper fouling eraser additive which seems to work on my Sako .308 barrel.

Originally Posted by 10-Ring

If you ever feel so inclined, try Hodgdon CFE223 with the .308 168g ELM bullet or for that matter any 150g-165g bullet. Also, incorporates a copper fouling eraser additive which seems to work on my Sako .308 barrel.

Tried CFE223 recently, got a solid increase in recoil for a modest velocity gain (50fps) and a solid loss in grouping accuracy, was quite miffed and went back to 2206H. 168Amax and 150 Hotcor.

Originally Posted by 257weatherby

Tried CFE223 recently, got a solid increase in recoil for a modest velocity gain (50fps) and a solid loss in grouping accuracy, was quite miffed and went back to 2206H. 168Amax and 150 Hotcor.

I have found in my 20" barreled .308 I get the best accuracy with CFE223 and Lapua cases, Federal Match primers and 150gr Sierra GK's. It consistently shoots under .50 MOA and can put 3 shots into .25 MOA as long as it's not windy. This morning I did a single 3 shot group at 200m that measured .685". Slightly larger groups with 165-168 bullets. Of course, every rifle is different and my Finnlight II is a very fussy rifle with regards to loads and the torque pressure of the action screws. The skinny, fluted barrel doesn't help either. I anneal after every shot and generally get anywhere between 4-8 fps SD. I guess that makes the AMP annealer a good investment for target shooting although for deer hunting at up to 300m it probably doesn't make much difference.

yeah, same experience as @257weatherby - could not get a grouping under 2 moa with CFE223 & 168 NBT's in my 18in bush 308. Also a sharper recoil. With 2208 and same pills in that rifle its >0.5moa.

Originally Posted by 10-Ring

I have found in my 20" barreled .308 I get the best accuracy with CFE223 and Lapua cases, Federal Match primers and 150gr Sierra GK's. It consistently shoots under .50 MOA and can put 3 shots into .25 MOA as long as it's not windy. This morning I did a single 3 shot group at 200m that measured .685". Slightly larger groups with 165-168 bullets. Of course, every rifle is different and my Finnlight II is a very fussy rifle with regards to loads and the torque pressure of the action screws. The skinny, fluted barrel doesn't help either. I anneal after every shot and generally get anywhere between 4-8 fps SD. I guess that makes the AMP annealer a good investment for target shooting although for deer hunting at up to 300m it probably doesn't make much difference.

I bet now you have the amp annealer that you do every thing every time!
I know I do.
I really reckons it makes the seating feel a lot more even.
If your serious about accuracy and looking after really expensive brass its indispensable.

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44.5gr 2208 gives me 2680 fps from a 20" for the 169ge TMK.

Obviously work up from below but try that load. SAAMI spec.

0.5MOA and doesnt feel like a 308 to shoot. Very soft.

New lapua brass should be here tomorrow, looks like I’ll do a ladder with 2208.
I’ve got high hopes for the rifle and will post results.