What twist for 308 hunting rifle?

[G6br]

I have a tikka with a 11 twist...it shoots 178g very well.

 

[Doug Casner]

I dont know ebb. I think I just aint as tuff as I used to be. Gave it to my son. Hes young and tuff. Doug

 

[Dimner]

I dont know ebb. I think I just aint as tuff as I used to be. Gave it to my son. Hes young and tuff. Doug

I am getting close to the age where I'll retire the heavy hitters. For now, I do the shooting and load development in late fall or early spring when I have lots of clothing layers to help manage recoil.

 

[Doug Casner]

Ive got a pad I wear. 3006 is my max. and its too much some times. Dont go to the max. load anymore. Doug

 

[Timberyote]

Cautionary Tale: Years ago, a fellow shooter purchased a Remington Model 7 in 308. This had the configuration similar to one you described aggravated by a light plastic stock. His goal was to have a light rifle for field carry in the mountains. Sounded good but reality was something different. The recoil was brutal. Forget load development - it battered him so bad that he flinched almost always. He ended up selling it and replacing it with a 243 Win in the same model.

However, you will never feel the recoil shooting at a game animal in the field. So, if this is a once-a-year proposition then the recoil is no big deal but don't expect dime size groups. For me, I like to shoot my rifles at lot, even big game rifles in that day, so and very light 30 caliber rifle is not for me.

Your friend did a silly thing by getting rid of the model 7. He should have replaced the stock with a timber one.

My wife has a model 7 in .260 and loves it - timber stock.

 

[K22]

Your friend did a silly thing by getting rid of the model 7. He should have replaced the stock with a timber one.

My wife has a model 7 in .260 and loves it - timber stock.

He couldn't handle the recoil of a 30 caliber in that model. He did get another model 7, as I stated, only in 243 Win. Took several deer with it.

PS: After he got punched above the eye from the scope and had a nasty cut, he decided that was enough for the 308!

 

[Konocti's Wigwam]

I have a Criterion 24" 1:10 and it has always shot 168s and 175s just fine. I'm getting ready to prepare a load for 150 grain Hornady CX as I figure I can get just a tad more speed out of it. Normally faster twist is for heavier bullets, so a 1:12 may have some problems shooting 175s or 180s. I have some 180 grain CX bullets, but that would be on the heavier side for a 308, IMO. Faster twist will do better with those. It really depends on what you expect out of the barrel and what you intend to use it for.

A 150 grain CX would take down most game in NA. A 180 grain CX would likely take an Elk. Either would take a black bear.