So I finally got to get the new toy out to the range, and tested 3 different rounds. Was about 80 deg and wind blowing about 10-15 mph

1st Group - Factory 150 gr SST Hornady
2.737" OAL


2nd Group - Factory 175 gr SMK Black Hills Match
2.784" OAL
I pulled the first group, second group was the cloverleaf one


3rd Group - Reloads I bought from dieselgeek: 178 gr A-max
Lapua Brass with GMM Primers
2.800" OAL
44.2 gr Varget


I noticed when shooting the reloads the bolt was a little tighter to close than the factory rounds. My next step will be to measure the Chamber on my rifle and see how far they need to be loaded and then see how much I can get away with and still fit in the AICS mag.

Any feedback would be appreciated!

The smaller and larger holes were sighting in a 22-250 and shooting the 45/70 with ghost ring sights...

The bolt being hard to close could also be from the way the brass was sized. They may have fit dieselgeek's chamber perfectly, but be a tad tight in yours. As you said, it could also be seating depth being a bit long for your rifle, so check both.

One thing about the AICS stocks (I have one, too) is that while they have a great aluminum bedding block, it might not hurt to go ahead and glass bed the area where the barrel/receiver lug fits so that you get a tighter and consistent fit.

Otherwise just work on getting your barrel broke in if it isn't already. It looks like your gun likes the SMKs pretty dang well, so that seems like an obvious good bullet choice. I cannot tell if the A-max's are a 2 or 3 shot group. If it is a 3-shot group, the one flyer could have been a slight pull or a hair-of-a-grain different powder charge, so it might be a good bullet to use too (and slightly less expensive than the SMK).

It was a 3 shot group for the a-max 2 were in the bottom right hole. I may have jerked that one as well...

Brass might need to be bumped back a little more on the reloads or the bullets were seated out a little too far given the OAL's you listed I would think more of a sizing issue.

Dieselgeek's chamber is a bit longer than yours, just set your FL die to bump the shoulders .003" and you'll be good to go.

The A-max seems to be "the" bullet for .308, they all like shooting it. Tweek seating depth (even with the lands is where I like it) and powder charge .1 .2 .3 gr up and down and I bet you have your recipe.

I always check my loads in my rifle when beginning to setup a load prior to loading a lot..I've loaded for probably more than 100 rifles over the past 50+ YRS and never needed to measure one
loaded round or chamber..You can feel the projetile hit the throat if too far out and you are careful closing it..If loading multiple weapons w/different chambers, same caliber, I make a dummy round to set my dies on ..DD

The reloads are very close to what I'm reloading for my SPS Tactical.

Fed Gold Metal brass, once fired, 178 AMAX, 44.5 gr Varget, at 2.825 COAL. I'm getting sub 1/2" at 2700 fps with that load in an otherwise factory gun. I will say that load is pushing the pressure limits, so I'm going to try backing off a little.

I would check and see if you can seat the bullet a little longer. If you were having problem closing the bolt you may not, or it may be the brass causing it.

John, catch me some weekend when we can get together at Bandera
at the range and I'll let you try some of my reloads I use in the TRG and the SPS..I have about 4 or 5 that all shoot touching hole or 1/2 in or less groups..Don

Sounds good Don! April is fairly busy for me but towards the end of the month my schedule frees up.

Where's the range in Bandera? Headed to Pipe Creek in a couple weeks and will be staying there for a month. Should have some free time while I'm there.