So, I'm just starting to get everything ready to do my first .308 loads

168 grain Sierra TMK
Varget
Winchester LRP
Federal cases sized, trimmed, and chamfered.
COL of 2.8

22 inch barrel, bolt action precision, Rem action

For the Varget load data, is there a big difference in the TMK vs the HPBT? It looks like the same projectile with the exception of the ballistic tip/HP, no?
Should I make any changes to my starting powder drop? I know the range is 42-46

Sorry if this sounds like a dumb question, I'm used to pistol loading, so this is relatively new to me.

OK experts, weigh in

I am far from an expert but i have some experience with reloading, including 308. Rifles are different because you can and should chronograph them. For myself when loading something new i look at the powder range and start low and work up to my desired speed/energy. I am always mind full of my maximum velocity. For a 308 (verify this yourself) if your velocity is north of 2,500 fps you really want to be sure.

So if the powder range i wanted to try was 42-46 grains i would load:
3 cartridges at 41
3 cartridges at 42
3 cartridges at 43
3 cartridges at 44
3 cartridges at 45
3 cartridges at 46
I would stop testing if i got to my maximum velocity. Then I would fine tune my cartridge based on the data.

Choose your desired speed by determining the force needed to drop your intended target http://www.shooterscalculator.com/bulle ... energy.php
A deer is around 1,200 ft# (this can be argued).

Once you have your cartridge speed/energy dialed in then start adjusting your powder for your grouping.

I dont think you will notice a difference in the charge/bullet flight path relationship until you start the grouping process.

I'd use 168-grain HPBT data for that bullet without a second thought. Close enough!

While not exactly the same bullets you were asking about these are kinda the same comparison... Look like the TGK is longer than the soft point. And as far as I know the SMK and the soft point are the same size.

thanks guys - Steve, see you on Saturday at CSF?

I wouldn't split the weight so much. I do my testing in .3 increments. 44.3gn of varget is my honey spot.

Maybe . . . I might be in SHOT recovery mode.

it looks like this is seated too deep? Am I crazy? the one on the left is a factory Federal Gold Match

I don't know about to deep, but its definitely shaped different.

What's the caliper say? What's the OAL?

Nm I'm wrong

Is that at 2.8"?

It is a little disturbing that the bullet doesn't even seem to be at its full diameter at the case mouth.

Looks funny to me.

The ogive of the bullet on the right looks to be, from the picture, below the case mouth.

Photos lie but calipers rarely do....

its exactly 2.8. the photo doesn't lie, it does look funny

Well, you can go longer as long as it fits in your magazine, and doesn’t hit the rifling in the barrel when chambered.