30 cal hunters your input please

[No_Regerts]

I know some people have several rifles in 308. I only have one. It is a Savage model 12. It is designed to be a target rifle. Otherwise it has all the same features as other 308 rifles.
I have yet to find the right load for this rifle. I have tried Berger, Nosler, Barns and Hornaday brands.
I have not found that loading ammo to maximum helps with accuracy. Something in the low 2800 FPS seems to work fairly well, shooting bullets in the 150 to 168 grain weight.

Try the 155gr Lapua Scenar or 175gr Sierra MatchKing. What powders are you using?

 

[turq]

I used Benchmark and BC-2.
More weight needed at 450; I know you know already, just saying.
Post up the results.

 

[best defense]

Try the 155gr Lapua Scenar or 175gr Sierra MatchKing. What powders are you using?

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Most of the time I use Varget but there are a few others I have tried. I prefer Varget because of the consistant kernel size.

 

[best defense]

What's the twist on that rifle?

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I'm not absolutely sure but I think it is 1:10.

 

[No_Regerts]

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Most of the time I use Varget but there are a few others I have tried. I prefer Varget because of the consistant kernel size.

I generally have good luck with Varget. The 155gr Sierra Palma MatchKing is also a winner. Those, and the Scenar, are pretty aerodynamically slick and carry energy very well despite their weight.

 

[KKG]

Several folks have suggested the Match King Bullets but these are not the Best choice for Hunting. They are fine for Head Shots but those Ain't likely to be had at 350-450 yards unless he's REAL good. If he can stand up on his mind legs and hit an 8" Gong at those distances, then he's REAL good. But it sounds like he's just starting out so...

 

[eightyeight mag]

I like imr 4046 or reloader 15 for my .308 loads.
For deer hunting I prefer nosler accubonds in the 165gr flavor.

 

[flashpan]

Another vote for the Barnes light bullet. Years ago I was a speed freek with a 300 Weatherby. Destroyed the front half of an antelope with a light bullet going about 3700 fps. I know a 308 is quite slower but I learned the hard way about bullet performance. Did not have the Barnes TSX around at that time.

 

[snarlingdog]

Several folks have suggested the Match King Bullets but these are not the Best choice for Hunting. They are fine for Head Shots but those Ain't likely to be had at 350-450 yards unless he's REAL good. If he can stand up on his mind legs and hit an 8" Gong at those distances, then he's REAL good. But it sounds like he's just starting out so...

I am not just starting out. Just starting out with a fun thing to do on my gun. I have other rifles I normally use. This 308 has it been to the range and really I never liked 308 cause its slower than my 3006. I have made 300 yard shot before but not off hand I used a fence post on public land. I dont normally stand in spots with out cover where I'd have to make off hand shots. That's just poor hunting in my opinion. If I'm standing I have a possible rest with in a few steps if need bee. I believe the animal deserves that.

 

[Xaevian]

165 grain Speet HotCor. Head shot at 270 yards (laser range finder verified):

In one ear and out the other. Picking the head up by the antlers, the skull felt like a bag of broken glass. I am not at home, so I can't provide the load or FPS. Out of a 22" barrel 1963 M99 Savage lever action. I chose the 165 as a general purpose deer/elk load. Umm, no tracking needed lol.

 

[gflapg]

With the 125gn I'd be looking at hunting deer. Out to maybe 350 to 450 yards. I know a 150gn bullet will do it too but I was just wanting to do something fun.

As for the 110gn I'd probably just shoot paper for range fun and sometimes to shoot with.

 

[gflapg]

I have used the 308 exclusive since 1968. I suggest you shoot 165/168 gr bullets, your choice , I have killed everything from ground squirrels to elk. Never a falure.

 

[FishnhuntOR]

The light fast bullets loose their velocity fast.
You'd be better off with 150.
Get a ballistics calculator and punch the numbers in.
I'd bet the 150 or 168 is as fast or faster at 400 yards than the 110 or 125.
You also Get much More energy and better wind resistance .

 

[Twodogs]

I run 125gr Noslers and 130 gr Barnes both with 50 gr of W-748, My Savage pc-10 shoots them both very well.

 

[KKG]

I run 125gr Noslers and 130 gr Barnes both with 50 gr of W-748, My Savage pc-10 shoots them both very well.

But to what distance? The OP is talking 350-450 yards on Deer.

 

[snarlingdog]

I did do some number crunching on a calculator. With everything the Same other than bullet weight just to make it easier on me 3100fps muzzle velocity. The 125gn at 400yards would be 2090fps and 1213ft$. The 150gb at 400yards 2335fps and 1816ft#. I'd say that's pretty different.

 

[snarlingdog]

I did do some number crunching on a calculator. With everything the Same other than bullet weight just to make it easier on me 3100fps muzzle velocity. The 125gn at 400yards would be 2090fps and 1213ft$. The 150gb at 400yards 2335fps and 1816ft#. I'd say that's pretty different.

And there is a 2.75" drop difference.

 

[FishnhuntOR]

I don't think 308 runs the 150s at 3100 FPS.
Maybe 2800-3000?

 

[v0lcom13sn0w]

What's the twist on that rifle?

if it helps, all 3 of my 308 barrels are 10 twist.

 

[snarlingdog]

I don't think 308 runs the 150s at 3100 FPS.
Maybe 2800-3000?

I was just showing the difference at the same fps. 3100 is what I'm wanting out of the 125 or 130gn bullets but it looked like it would only be good for about 200yard shots.