.308 bullet choices

[adam308]

I have been doing a lot of reloading as of recent just for fun mostly, but I have hit a snag. I am at a loss as to what bullet I need. I would like to find a bullet that, if necessary, would take down a target with one decently placed shot (up to 600 yards). Before I go too far I would like to assure you that I will not use the information for nefarious purposes. However much like I carry SXTs in my Glock I would like an effective bullet for my rifle.

I currently am working on a .300 WinMag in a Savage 110FCP (which they no longer make) setup. I have noticed that people often recommend Hornady TAP ammo which looks like regular SST bullets. I have also looked at Woodleigh Hydrostatically stabilized bullets which, according to the description, are a very deadly dangerous game bullet.

I am not worried about a bullet that would over penetrate. Considering the caliber I am using most bullets would over penetrate regardless. Price is of no concern either. All that maters to me is the end result.

Well, I hope that doesn’t sound too creepy. I have no intention of using these bullets. It is one of those “better to have them and not need them then to need them and not have them.” things.

Thanks for the help!

 

[JSTARSZ]

Re: .308 bullet choices

When you talk about take down power I usually discuss the four legged versions so that is where I will stay. If money is not an object I like the Barnes 168 GR TTSX because it flat out mushrooms well and holds its weight retention. The TAP rounds are a fine round too as well as the Hornady 168/178/208 AMAX bullets which Hornady uses in their TAP rounds.

Quite a first post but you will also find that this topic has been discussed a lot so you can use the HIDE search engine tool to help you in that endeavor.

HIDE Search Tool

happy hunting

 

[Victor N TN]

Re: .308 bullet choices

I would suggest either Nosler PARTITIONS, or one of the Barnes solid copper alloy bullets. Traveling at the velocities the 300 WinMag is capable of, most thin jacketed hollow point designs can disentegrate if they hit something as little as a rain drop or oak leaf.

I commend you for having a USE chosen for your cartridge before loading for a reason and not knowing what it will be used for.

Some people want to know what's the best bullet for XX.XX cartridge. But they don't say what they will use it for. I have specific loads for under 300 yards on paper. 400 to 1,000 yards for match. And then I have hunting loads. All my hunting loads are with one of the bullets I mentioned above.

But my eyesight is dimming somewhat in my years. I will no longer take a shot at any kind of game over 300 yards. Groundhogs and crows are a different matter. In our area they are still considered pests.

Good luck in your choices on this matter.

 

[TimK]

Re: .308 bullet choices

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Grinder</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

Well, I hope that doesn’t sound too creepy.

</div></div>

Pretty creepy. Why not just ask about appropriate bullets for thin skinned game? Quite a first post.

I think you'll find your question has been discussed at length, without the creepy overtones if you search a bit.

 

[patriotoutlaw]

Re: .308 bullet choices

If accuracy and destroying innards are your desire, Berger VLD's are hard to beat. If you want weight retention and an exit hole, Barnes TSX's are the king.

 

[coldboremiracle]

Re: .308 bullet choices

I'm not a huge believer in "premium" bullets, I have nothing against them, just that I have a limited budget and have found that the extra coin hasn't always paid off for me. If money was no factor as you mention, then I would probably go with something already listed above, like a tsx, partition, accubond, ect. But just another point of view; Because most of the shooting I do (and those with me) is either target, steel, stone, or varmint, I am not too worried about what a bullet does when it gets to target, just that it gets there, and does it well. So as I build up a load for myself or teamates, I typically start out with something cheap, and readily available (SMK's, Hornady interlocks, ect.)
I have found that these bullets shoot within my accuracy expectations, and conveniently happen to do well on the four-legged targets that I occasionally happen into.

 

[300ATT]

Re: .308 bullet choices

You need to better define the species you are hunting. Thin skinned? dangerous game? I have shot game in Africa as well as NA and would never try a match bullet in Africa as everything there is really tough and have seen lesser bullets break up. Based on my experience you can't beat a Barnes TSX for lights out instant kill on any game from little Dikers to elephant and cape buffalo. Check out the Accurate reloading forum - there are miles of pages discussing which bullets for which game ...

 

[vman]

Re: .308 bullet choices

Berger bullets are a superior bullet to many others.

If that doesnt fit the bill, Lapua Scenar, altho a match projectile work well on animals that take shoulder shots and vitals. The Scenars can pass through soft tissue easily, so an impact with bone usually helps. I have seen many a photo of very large game taken with this projectile. Check out the hunting section of this forum, I know PGS has dropped some scary looking beasts with scenars.

 

[fatdaddy1]

Re: .308 bullet choices

Barnes

 

[samnev]

Re: .308 bullet choices

Barnes or Nosler partition.

 

[BCP]

Re: .308 bullet choices

Nosler accubond.

edit: re-reading your post I think you'd be more than happy with a target bullet. Sierra Matchking, Nosler Custom Comp, Hornady AMAX, etc. Accubond is a hunting bullet and at 50 cents apiece they aren't cheap.