Bullet for 308 varmint shooting

[ScottMcc]

What has a good combination of relatively light weight, decent BC, and rapid expansion? Shooting a Rem 700 sps varmint, 308, 26", 1-12 twist.

 

[MrMajestic]

Since you requested a "decent BC" I would probably look a the 125 grain Speer TNT. I have a love affair with the Speer 130 grain HP but the BC sucks. I have also had some amazing terminal ballistics with the Hornady 155 gr. A-Max at 2-300 yard ranges but as velocity reduces you may not get the desired results on Varmints. JMHO

 

[mmcu]

The 125 grain TNT is tough on varmints and is quite accurate to boot.

 

[2506]

Work up to it but try 46 grs IMR 4895 with the 125 gr Speer TNT. It will run around 3000 fps be super accurate and will open up a ground hog like a hand grenade. Then for deer hunting just sub a 125 Nosler ballistic tip and watch deer drop in their tracks. ;D

 

[PhulesAu]

Can you use something that light in a 20" 1/10 twist?

 

[jonbearman]

Absolutely!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[ScottMcc]

Thanks, good tips! The 125 TNT looks like the way to go, it's BC is listed at .341, the Sierra 125 (part 2120) is only .277, and the Hornady 125 SST is .305. Could that 125 tnt number be a bit, um, optimistic maybe? Also with 125 grs, how does Varget stack up?

 

[MrMajestic]

With a 20" tube and the 125 grain bullets IMR3031 will be your friend.

 

[PhulesAu]

With a 20" tube and the 125 grain bullets IMR3031 will be your friend.

Thanks, I need all the friends I can get.

 

[2506]

With the 125s any of the medium burning powders will do about the same velocity. Max loads will get you around 3000 fps. Varget, IMR or H 4895, IMR 3031, IMR 4064, H335, H380, Bl-C2, 748, RL15, RL12, RL7.
The reason that I use IMR 4895 is because I have a LARGE supply of it and it shoots very accurate. With the about powders you can find the same accuracy and velocity though. The 308 is one of those rounds that it is not hard to find a good load with many different combinations.
With 125s I have just found that 46 grs IMR 4895 shoots fast and accurate in about any 308 Win rifle.

 

[GSPV]

Additionally might want to look at IMR 8208 XBR. It's a bit faster than 4895. Meters very, very well.

If you can't get your hands on the 125 TNT, you might look at the 125 grain Nosler Ballistic Tip.

 

[ScottMcc]

Yeah good call the Nosler green tip 125 gr has a bc of .366, which really makes me think speer is 'exaggerating' their 125 tnt BC. It figures Nosler wins again - they are more expensive.

 

[CJ6]

125 Nos BT , 110 Horn. V-Max.

 

[CatShooter]

Yeah good call the Nosler green tip 125 gr has a bc of .366, which really makes me think speer is 'exaggerating' their 125 tnt BC. It figures Nosler wins again - they are more expensive.

Two things...

First, the different bullet companies do NOT calculate BC the same way, so 5 maker's bullets with a BC of .350. will not fly with the same drops.

Second, I shoot the 125 Speer TNT, AND the Nosler 125 V-BT... the Speer is no slouch!

I would not doubt assume that they are cooking their BC numbers.

If you use BC to make long range drop tables, then you must do drop tests and integrate them into whatever software you are using.