need help with bullet choice in 30 cal

[Johnboy]

well guys I am trying to pick out the best for the money.and with all the 308 guys even myself shooting the 208gn A-max its just too hard to get them right now.so here are a few of choice that I am looking at.

1.210gn Berger VLD @ 45.99 per 100
2.210gn Berger BT Match @ 45.99 per 100
3.220gn Sierra Match King @ 38.99 per 100
4.208gn A-max @ 29.99 per 100 just gotta love the BC on this one thats why I listed it.

now with the list to pick from this is my concern.I am not only shooting the 208gn A-max just in my 308.I am all so shooting it in my 300wm.I have all so shot the 210gn Berger BTM in both.but really don't like the cost of this bullet.so I am asking you guys just what bullet would you shoot for the cost and best BC of the bullet.because we all know BC is the key factor.and if you guys even think a little lighter bullet with a great BC would be the choice please let me know.because I am really thinking of just useing the choice of bullet for my 300wm only.

thanks for reading and for your choice of bullet.this info will be the call for my next order I make.John

 

[texwelder]

I have alot of luck with the Amax's 168g and 178g in both my .308 and .300WM. Dont get me wrong, I'm not shooting paper at 1000 yards, but rather wild porkers up to about 800. So far, the loads I have been tinkering with are maintaining sub-MOA in both guns using these two bullets. The .308 is a 11.25 twist Rock Creek and the .300WM is a Shilen Stainless Select Match with a 10 twist......both are at 26".
Just my .02

texwelder

 

[bozo699]

I don't have any .308s or .300wms with a long enough throat to keep the bullet above the shoulder/neck junction where it belongs or magazines long enough either, but I have tried all mentioned and they shot satisfactory in one of my .300wm. I am able to get a satisfactory seating depth in the 190 serrias in both .308 and .300wm and the .300wm does good past 1000 yards w/them. good luck.
Wayne.

 

[Johnboy]

thanks guys I am really going to put this into some thought.as we all know we sometimes just have to pay no matter what to play with our toys.John

 

[4xforfun]

Sorry....BC is NOT the key factor....PERIOD!!!

Next point.....exactly how much are you going to shoot. With the cost of guns/bbls/smithwork/cleaning supplies/components/loading equipment/ect..........why worry about .10 a shot. Yes, I guess if you are going to shoot 10,000 rounds a year it may be an issue.

Oh ya...the key factor is ACCURACY!!!

Is this going to be for plinking, hunting, or some kind of formal target shooting. I use the Berger 210 VLD for all three!!

Good luck.

 

[bozo699]

4xforfun,
Are you saying BC is not a key factor in 1k br shooting or in long range in general?
I thought one of the key factors for long range accuracy was a high BC. I don't belive I have ever heard of anyone using 100 or 110gr .30 cal bullets for long range compitition. Oh ya I do shoot more than 10,000 rounds a year, easy. The 210s you shoot for a everything round is a awesome bullet with a high bc.
Wayne.

 

[4xforfun]

4xforfun,
Are you saying BC is not a key factor in 1k br shooting or in long range in general?
I thought one of the key factors for long range accuracy was a high BC. I don't belive I have ever heard of anyone using 100 or 110gr .30 cal bullets for long range compitition. Oh ya I do shoot more than 10,000 rounds a year, easy. The 210s you shoot for a everything round is a awesome bullet with a high bc.
Wayne.

That is exactly what I am saying. ( insert....Just re read your post..."a key factor"...yes. "The key factor"...no) "My BC is better than your BC" has never won a thing. I shoot the 210 Bergers because I have been shooting them for many years and I can get them to shoot better than the AMAX, Sierra, JLK, ect...... If I could get the 110 gr 30 cal to group better than the 210 in the competition that I shoot in, then that is what I would shoot.....they don't. And yep...the BC is higher on the 210. BC is important.......but it is in no way the "key factor". If BC was "the key factor", everyone would be shooting the "specialty" extream high BC turned solids....they don't. Why, cause they shoot like krap. A lot of the 1K guys out east have been shooting the 187 BIB flat base for years....and kicking ass, by the way....no where near the best BC.

Now , I shoot 1000 BR. There is a mountain of guys shooting the 117 gr 30 cal bullets in 100, 200, 300 comp......they will tell you the same thing....BC is NOT the "key factor"....accuracy is....PERIOD.

Also..he answered his own question...The AMAX is cheaper and has pretty much the same BC.......Math tells me that price vs BC..the AMAX wins hands down....if that is the criteria that is important to him.

By the way.....the initial post said nothing about "long range".

 

[Johnboy]

OK giys this is what I am will be useing the bullets for.I can shoot out to 500 yards all day if wish too.and I can all so shoot that fare for a kill shoot if I need too.do I shoot in matches no.but might one day.just love to shoot my 223,308,and 300wm.the bullets for my 223 are all great bullets and alot cheaper than the 30 cal bullets.so no worry in that cal.and that I have all Ineed right now.

my thing was that after getting into the 208gn thing with the 308 it just started to eat up my supply.and now they are hard to get.so I asked the question because I wanted a high BC bullet that would cost just as much as the 208gn A-max with just as good of accuracy (wind bucking ability).and yes I know that BC is not the MAIN factor but it takes a high BC to help getting to the main factor of reaching accuracy.such as bucking the wind.

again I thank you guys for all of your input.maybe I should have asked the question a little better or gave better info.John

 

[Kenny474]

For a bullet with a reasonably high BC that is usually available most everywhere and won't break the bank, maybe have a look at the 180gr Nosler Ballistic Tip. They have an advertised BC of .507. I can find them locally for about $18 per box of 50. Do they have the highest BC, no. Are they reasonably accurate, oh yeah.

I will admit there are bullets on the market that will buck the wind a bit better, but the Nosler's do pretty well and are usually available when the match bullets have dried up.

Or you could go with the Nosler 180gr E-Tip with a .527 BC, or their 175gr Custom Comp with a .505 BC, and they also have a 190gr Custom Comp that should be available soon as well.

Unless you are shooting competition or using them at 1000yds, the bullets I have listed will get the job done if you are having an issue obtaining the others or want to spend a little less for paper punching. Would I choose them over a 210 Berger for a 1000yd match, hell no. Would I shoot them at 500yds just punching paper or even shooting at game, you bet.

All I am trying to say is you don't need the absolute highest BC for shooting 500yds when you are just doing it for fun. If you are having an issue with availability, the Nosler's are worth a shot. You will also gain a bit of velocity to help make up for some of the lost BC.

Now if you really want the high BC, the Berger's are probably the way to go. Though they are a bit more money than your other choices.

 

[bozo699]

4xforfun,
I miss understood your post. I thought what you were trying to say was bc wasn't important. I agree that accuracy is the most important period. I should pay closer attention. Thanks.
Wayne.

 

[Johnboy]

thanks Kenny thats what I am trying to do.all I need to do know is make the choice.should have known the answer myself since I do shoot the NBT for a hunt'n round.just put the match bulllet in thought to much.thats why I love this site so much.you guys keep in focus when needed.I just try to over think it sometimes and forget about the other just as good shooting bullets.

again thatnks guys for the input.if you still have ideas of a bullet please post them.John

 

[bozo699]

Thats why we keep kenny around,....... He is always thinking..LOL That is a good idea,accurate-cheap and usually abundent.
Wayne.