Since my 308 barrel is throated a bit long I have found it easier to get close to the lands with hunting bullets. Especially Hornady innerlocs, Speer spitzers and Nosler Ballistic tips. I know they are way behind the average match bullets in BC but they shoot really well in my rifle. With 168 gr.match bullets the base of the bullet is even with the shoulder junction and the supported bearing surface is pretty short. Usable though. I will order some heavier bullets just haven't decided which ones yet.
Hunting bullet accuracy
- Thread starter rickt300
- Start date
My Remington 700, 308, sporter weight rifle had a long throat which was typical for Remington when I purchased mine in the early 90's.
After free floating the barrel and bedding the action, I had no problem obtaining close to 1/2 moa groups with the no frills, Sierra Pro Hunter bullets, IMR 4064, and Federal 210 Primers with the bullet seated well off the lands out of necessity due to the long throat.
After free floating the barrel and bedding the action, I had no problem obtaining close to 1/2 moa groups with the no frills, Sierra Pro Hunter bullets, IMR 4064, and Federal 210 Primers with the bullet seated well off the lands out of necessity due to the long throat.
All my rifles are set up to shoot hunting bullets and I work loads until I get sub 1\4 " groups at 100 yds. One rifle prefers a Berger VLD hunting bullet and also a Nosler BT. Two others likes just Berger (but in two different weights). A fourth likes multiple Bergers, multiple Sierras, and a Barnes. Lots of really good hunting bullets out there with more than adequate BCs. If the first couple you try out don't deliver try a different bullet and maybe a different powder. Tons of data on this sight! I have shot antelope at 400 yards with a 308 WIN using 150 gn bullets several times (easy to manage recoil). Good luck!
Rube Shooter
Gold $$ Contributor
My experience with hunting bullets accuracy has been positive as I have had great success with 117gr Sierra spitzer boat tail gamekings in my model 700 25-06, both 24" factory sporter barrel and a 26" Sendero contour Krieger barrel.
I copied the old Federal premium boxload I received with the rifle when I bought it in 1997 using the same OAL and matched their velocity, 2930 FPS and have put meat in the freezer with it for many years.
I expected to have to adjust something when I put the Krieger on but I was getting the same results so I didn't change a thing. I have always managed to keep all 5 shots in an inch, what I like to call minute of dinner plate because whatever I shoot is going on the dinner plate.
I copied the old Federal premium boxload I received with the rifle when I bought it in 1997 using the same OAL and matched their velocity, 2930 FPS and have put meat in the freezer with it for many years.
I expected to have to adjust something when I put the Krieger on but I was getting the same results so I didn't change a thing. I have always managed to keep all 5 shots in an inch, what I like to call minute of dinner plate because whatever I shoot is going on the dinner plate.
Last edited:
An idea from f open friend I have.work up a load off lands and keep those in butt stock ammo pouch then have mag length ammo that shoots to your liking to go into magazine .makes great sense to me.ill be trying it out this year anyways...
Basically first round loaded off lands to your liking then others in mag box that shoot good enough to kilt one or possibly another node.
I prefer a long throat myself.i have two rifles that hit lands before max oal with average weight bullets which sucks imo for a handloader?
Maybe more of Alabama white tail thick woods hunting idea not shooting at prairie dogs out west but I'll give it a go.
What y'all thank?
Basically first round loaded off lands to your liking then others in mag box that shoot good enough to kilt one or possibly another node.
I prefer a long throat myself.i have two rifles that hit lands before max oal with average weight bullets which sucks imo for a handloader?
Maybe more of Alabama white tail thick woods hunting idea not shooting at prairie dogs out west but I'll give it a go.
What y'all thank?
Last edited:
Well my 308 is a pretty accurate rifle. With some bullets mag length is every bit as accurate as loaded out to the lands. What I am noticing is that flat based hunting bullets have more bearing surface and shoot just fine with a bit of jump. Bullets with long sloping boat tails and long ogives in my experience like to be seated closer to the lands.
FNSafari
Gold $$ Contributor
A couple of years ago I had a moose permit. Developed a load for my 308 with a 220 gr Nosler partition semi spitzer (semi round nose as they used to call them) and about 65 gr RL 19. At 200 yds it put three shots into a 1.7” group. Velocity was 2600 FPS. Oh, it’s a Norma mag. Have often read where these bullets don’t give the best accuracy. Not in my rifle. Unfortunately we saw no bulls in a week of hard hunting.
Upgrades & Donations
This Forum's expenses are primarily paid by member contributions. You can upgrade your Forum membership in seconds. Gold and Silver members get unlimited FREE classifieds for one year. Gold members can upload custom avatars.
Click Upgrade Membership Button ABOVE to get Gold or Silver Status.
You can also donate any amount, large or small, with the button below. Include your Forum Name in the PayPal Notes field.
To DONATE by CHECK, or make a recurring donation, CLICK HERE to learn how.
Click Upgrade Membership Button ABOVE to get Gold or Silver Status.
You can also donate any amount, large or small, with the button below. Include your Forum Name in the PayPal Notes field.
To DONATE by CHECK, or make a recurring donation, CLICK HERE to learn how.