.308 load
- Thread starter dbaird
- Start date
In this projectile weight class (I'm using 130's) a max listed load of ADI AR2208 (Varget) of 50gr compressed has served me well for hunting the lighter deer. Single digit ES and 1/2" groups @ 100 yds. Expect 3k+ fps. After just checking ADI's 2010 charts I see the same load is listed for 125 grainers too with very similar velocities. Not thinking this is suitable as a long range load so I use flat base Hornady pills but my 150 load is with BT's. They group similar but the ES is not as low.
I have used this load for years and turned others on to it for white tail deer. 46 grs IMR 4895 Winchester or Remington case CCIBR2 125 Nosler BT. Will do 3000 fps from a 22" barrel and usually shoots bug holes and SMOKES deer out to a touch over 300 yards so far for me. On game you need to keep the impact velocity of this and most any Nosler Ballistic Tip bullet under 3000 fps.
Shynloco
You can lead a horse to water, but ........
I have never loaded that light a weight bullet in any of my .308's. But historically speaking, .308's have always liked Varget, IMR 4895 and RL 15 (the newest powder to this group). I will also add TAC to the list of potential powders I'd be wanting to test in a .308. I've loaded probably thousands of .308 rounds and tested several different bullets. Whether its just my rifles, I've not had great success with the Nosler brand, though I still keep trying. Either Sierra, Berger or even Hornady have performed well in my rifles, with Sierra taking the edge in accuracy and 1st choice. But test as many as you can to find what your rifle like the best. But know what what works in one rifle, is not guarantee the 0same success in another. Good luck and have fun!
Alex
Alex
About API, no info on the weapon; gas gun, M1A, or bolt gun, and as "chkunz" asks application ? bears in Alaska, youth load for deer in Tenn. ??
H4895 with 125g Speer TNT or 125 Hornady SST
That’s my prairie dog load
That’s my prairie dog load
A lot will depend on the size of the animal and the conditions hunted in. I tend to think of a worst case scenario where the only shot you might get in bush will be a Texas heart shot where you'll want the deepest penetration. There I wouldn't count on anything less than a tough 150 grainer. Open country, hide and bush fringe shooting is very different to hunting in heavy bush where shot placement options can be very limited.
Whenever a new projectile is needed I head for our NZ site Ballistic Studies and the Knowledgebase where projectile performance is based on field results.
Scroll down to the Hand Loading section:
http://www.ballisticstudies.com/Knowledgebase/.308+Winchester+7.62+NATO.html
Prose
Silver $$ Contributor
I've checked that site out too. Very good info.
We've shot the 125bt with IMR 4320 in my boys Kimber for several years. We're trying the 125 Accubonds this year in 3 different rifles. Found a load that all of them shoot good. We'll see how they do on deer this year. Bt's have done good over the years in the Kimber.
Kermit
Kermit
I've been experimenting with 125 grain bullets in my 308 Tikka. I've tried the 125 Sierra Pro Hunter and the Hornady 125 SST. With both bullets H4895 has worked very well for me especially with the 125 SST. I'm loading, 40.0 grain of H4895, which is driving the bullet at about 2600 f/s. This load is shooting sub 1 moa. I wanted a mild recoil load for deep woods hunting white tail where most shots are well under 200 yards. I haven't taken a white tail yet with this load or bullet so I can't comment on the terminal performance. If I get lucky this fall I might be able to comment on it.
I have killed in excess of 50 white tail deer with the .308 125 gr Nosler Ballistic Tip bullet. I have used it in a number of rifles and a 30-30AI 14" barrel Contender pistol. As long as you keep the bullet under 3000 fps impact velocity it works very well. With an impact velocity of between 2800 and 3000 fps this bullet will usually penetrate both scapula of the average 100 to 200 lb deer and stop fully expanded sometimes leaving just the jacket just under the off side hide. When the bullet impacts under 2800 fps it will then exit the hide after going through both scapula in my experience. I most often take the shoulder shot on deer and most of the time they drop in their tracks with their vitals scrambled because of the swamp and thick jungle that a run off deer can get inaccessible quickly. Before I started using the 125 Nosler I shot a few deer with the 125 Sierra with my previously posted load. The Sierra is a bit softer bullet and I would suggest keeping impact velocity under 2800 fps. If a rear end shot on a deer is the only shot presented I personally would pass on the shot. Too much could go wrong no matter what caliber and bullet is used. I hunt for the meat not the head. I once saw a deer that a fellow shot "Texas Heart Shot" with a 7mm STW with a 154 gr Hornady Interlock. Both hams looked like you had set off a hand grenade in each of them.
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