[dakotasnow44]

First time poster, although I've been reading the forum for a little while. I'm a relatively new owner of an XS7 .308 and I really like it, although I haven't gotten it to perform like what I've been reading about. I've ordered a Boyd's Dakota Hunter stock (in walnut) for it and once I get that on I'm going to start reloading to see if I can get it to dial in. This is a hunting rifle (deer, antelope...and any varmints that present themselves along the way) and I need to get more accurate for those 300-400 yard shots out on the prairie. Anyone have any handload recipes they want to share, or any other advice for that matter?

BTW, it's great to find an active forum full of information and resource like this!

 

[dmsbandit]

I have a Marlin XS-7 carbine in 308 and it likes the 150gr Hornady SP the best. For deer and such they should work well.

The 150gr Hornady SST don't shoot too bad either.

I've also had very good luck with the Speer 130gr HP. That should make for a dandy coyote,crow, and woodchuck load for you.

If something tougher than deer is on the menu the 165gr Sierra gameking HPBT shoots well too.

If your hunting brings you into the timber where shots get close and fast, try a 170gr FP for the critters. They hit like sledgehammers at woods ranges and kill very well at 308 velocities.

Hope this gives you an idea of what your "X" gun is capable of.

 

[dakotasnow44]

Thanks, appreciate the info. I see you used a few different powders--does the X gun seem to have a "preference"?

 

[luvalever]

the marlin rifles seem to preffer the K.I.S.S. system. ball(c)-2 under a 150 grain hornady interlock would be a phenominal place to start. also try one of those limbsaver vibration dampener pucks that go on the barrel. i got a few good reports from savage and remington owners about them recently. also i seen a picture of a few of dangerous dans guns and i seen a few of those things as well. after seeing and hearing that i garantee it wont hurt.

 

[dmsbandit]

Thanks, appreciate the info. I see you used a few different powders--does the X gun seem to have a "preference"?

the only "new" powder I've tried in the 308 is Rel-15. IMR 3031, 4064, and 4895 are classic 308 powders and should ALWAYS be on the shelf of any serious 308 shooter. Winchester 748 and 760 are also tried and proven powders in the 308. While there are many powders that will work well in the 308, if it won't shoot one of the 3 IMR powders I listed here, it's a gun that doesn't deserve to be kept.

 

[dhbwa]

I'm not a big fan of the 308 but have owned a few and every one shot the 165 Hornady with a stiff charge of reloader 15 well