Thread: Powder recommendations for short barrel 308?

Originally Posted by bjp

I've had good accuracy with both 2208 and 2206h with 150-168gr projectiles. Just recently got a Bergara with 16.5" barrel, plus just picked up some IMR3031 powder so will be trying some 168gr projectile loads in the next few weeks in 3031, 2206h and 2208 to see how they compare - also hoping to line up a chrono to borrow! I'll respond here with the results... but if I had to pick one right now, I would say go with 2206h. Shot a few 168gr a-max last week with 43gr of 2206h in my 22" single shot 308, and was happy with the 30mm group at 100m. Could have been better most likely, but I was in a rush...

The 3031 is a faster powder, slightly faster than 8208 according to the ADI chart, similar to Benchmark 2, so will be interested to see how it goes. I was after some 8208 a little while ago as I thought would work with both my 222 and 308, but seems hard to find locally...

I was put on to 3031 for the 168's (in a 16inch barrel) and it's been a game changer... over 12x 3 shot strings I've got 0.53MOA average.. and 2 of those groups had fliers (included).
Want to get my hands on BM2 to see if the results are repeatable.
Couldn't get the 150SST to stabilise well enough with 2208, but the load may have been a bit hot for the short barrel.

Sticking with 168gn & 3031 for hunting.. will look at trying the 150sst & 2208 when time allows.