Thread: 308 Bergara B13 takedown ammo

Originally Posted by drunk_mexican

Great time of the year isn't it @grandpamac,
Out of interest how did the lower velocity rounds preform? Is there a sweet spot velocity wise for a shorter barrel?
Had a 16in .308 bolt action years ago and it did prefer loads closer to the starting powders weights.

I think it all depends on the rifle rather than specific loads. Years ago working up with Dupont IMR4064 groups in the .308 did tighten with the increasing loads up to book max and slightly beyond (this was in the 1970's aka the intrepid years of handloading). More recently a series of loads with three different projectile weights and four different powders showed better groups as the projectile weight increased. The same .308 used has quite a long throat so this may have been the cause. The Bergara, with it's break open action, may work better with loads that are a little below max but this is just my thoughts. The 41 grain load mentioned above is slightly below start load and may be increased after testing.
When starting with a new rifle I usually start with some research into the available pressure tested data to determine what should be possible. Next I look at what level of performance is needed for the rifle. Some number crunching at this point usually provides a probable load and this is worked up to with chronographing and any needed adjustments to achieve the required performance. I just can't see any point in using shitloads of components to achieve a miniscule increase in velocity that may never be noticed in the field.
Regards Grandpamac.