Most popular weight of .308 commercial ammo?
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Re: Most popular weight of .308 commercial ammo?
Wow- lots goes into this question. If you want fast and flat, the 155's are going to be very common. If you want higher BC, less wind drift with slower speeds, your 185 VLD, 190 SMK, or even you 208 A-max are common. If you split the difference of these 2, you have your 175 to 178 grain bullets. The middle weights will probably be your most common weights. It depends on what you preference or desire for your 308 trajectory as to what bullet you run.
Wow- lots goes into this question. If you want fast and flat, the 155's are going to be very common. If you want higher BC, less wind drift with slower speeds, your 185 VLD, 190 SMK, or even you 208 A-max are common. If you split the difference of these 2, you have your 175 to 178 grain bullets. The middle weights will probably be your most common weights. It depends on what you preference or desire for your 308 trajectory as to what bullet you run.
Re: Most popular weight of .308 commercial ammo?
Agreed Chad, Asking a lot, not to mention what shoots best out of your rifle. Just trying to get an idea on what most guys think is the best store bought ammo for hunting and or target shooting. I relaize many guys use different ammo's for hunting and target shooting,especially long range target shooting.
Thank you for your reply. I knew there would be no easy answer and I guess I should have tried to make my question a bit more narrow.
thanks
Agreed Chad, Asking a lot, not to mention what shoots best out of your rifle. Just trying to get an idea on what most guys think is the best store bought ammo for hunting and or target shooting. I relaize many guys use different ammo's for hunting and target shooting,especially long range target shooting.
Thank you for your reply. I knew there would be no easy answer and I guess I should have tried to make my question a bit more narrow.
thanks
Re: Most popular weight of .308 commercial ammo?
I think it depends on where you shop. Walmart basically only has hunting ammo, but I would say one of the most commonly bought match round would be federal gold 168 or 175.
I think it depends on where you shop. Walmart basically only has hunting ammo, but I would say one of the most commonly bought match round would be federal gold 168 or 175.
Re: Most popular weight of .308 commercial ammo?
Best Factory match 308 for target shooting: Federal Gold Medal, Black Hills match, Southwest Ammo not in any particular order.
Best Factory match 308 for target shooting: Federal Gold Medal, Black Hills match, Southwest Ammo not in any particular order.
Re: Most popular weight of .308 commercial ammo?
Most popular would be a different question then "best" or most accurate. It will depend on your rifle and twist rate. But in general black hills offers very accurate match ammo.
Most popular would be a different question then "best" or most accurate. It will depend on your rifle and twist rate. But in general black hills offers very accurate match ammo.
Re: Most popular weight of .308 commercial ammo?
My LAR-8 w/ 20" barrel shoots the FGM 168's well. I am planning to try some 155's out shortly.
My LAR-8 w/ 20" barrel shoots the FGM 168's well. I am planning to try some 155's out shortly.
Re: Most popular weight of .308 commercial ammo?
Try out everything, since after all it's all about what's best for you. And, remember usually this sort of research is a running game, that's to say, it's always about what's best so far. However, when you do find something you perceive is getting the job, rather than continue your research in the cartridge arena, you might want to explore another what's best category. These activities are fun games, which can go on and on, especially for folks with too much time and money.
Try out everything, since after all it's all about what's best for you. And, remember usually this sort of research is a running game, that's to say, it's always about what's best so far. However, when you do find something you perceive is getting the job, rather than continue your research in the cartridge arena, you might want to explore another what's best category. These activities are fun games, which can go on and on, especially for folks with too much time and money.
Re: Most popular weight of .308 commercial ammo?
FGM 168gr. SMK's have never let me down. I shoot a custom Rem 700 SPS Tactical w/ 20" barrel. "Sterling Shooter" is right...try everything and you will eventually find a perfect fit. IMHO it helps to keep a data book during this process. Happy shooting!
FGM 168gr. SMK's have never let me down. I shoot a custom Rem 700 SPS Tactical w/ 20" barrel. "Sterling Shooter" is right...try everything and you will eventually find a perfect fit. IMHO it helps to keep a data book during this process. Happy shooting!
Re: Most popular weight of .308 commercial ammo?
For hunting, I would prefer the 150gr Softpoints; the bulk of my game opportunities being (sometimes well) under 200yd. For bigger deer and/or over 200yd (which I honestly don't have a lot of hunting experience at), the 165gr Softpoints will probably be an improvement.
I think that handloading for hunting, while it may be satisfying, is probably not cost/effort effective; given the multiplicity of good commercial hunting ammo.
For target shooting, the 168gr Match loads will work well enough to 600yd, and I'd recommend 175's for further.
I think that the initial expense of setting up a handloading capability may not be cost/effort effective until the shooter has demonstrated a clear accomplishment in the ability to put handloaded and lead-developed match ammunition to proper use.
The process of getting to that point is probably best accomplished with a .22LR. Until such time, the expense of good centerfire match ammo is probably harder to justify.
What the heart wants is not always what we are prepared to deliver.
Greg
For hunting, I would prefer the 150gr Softpoints; the bulk of my game opportunities being (sometimes well) under 200yd. For bigger deer and/or over 200yd (which I honestly don't have a lot of hunting experience at), the 165gr Softpoints will probably be an improvement.
I think that handloading for hunting, while it may be satisfying, is probably not cost/effort effective; given the multiplicity of good commercial hunting ammo.
For target shooting, the 168gr Match loads will work well enough to 600yd, and I'd recommend 175's for further.
I think that the initial expense of setting up a handloading capability may not be cost/effort effective until the shooter has demonstrated a clear accomplishment in the ability to put handloaded and lead-developed match ammunition to proper use.
The process of getting to that point is probably best accomplished with a .22LR. Until such time, the expense of good centerfire match ammo is probably harder to justify.
What the heart wants is not always what we are prepared to deliver.
Greg
Re: Most popular weight of .308 commercial ammo?
Federal Gold Medal Match 168s are probably the most popular store bought ammo out there.
Under 800 yards Hornady 168s are probably the best.
I REALLY like the 168 Amax for target and hunting. Took a really nice 8pt out at 486 yards with the Amax. Plenty of coyotes as well.
Plenty of students have attended tacti-cool schools with FGGM or Hornady 168s and passed with flying colors.
Federal Gold Medal Match 168s are probably the most popular store bought ammo out there.
Under 800 yards Hornady 168s are probably the best.
I REALLY like the 168 Amax for target and hunting. Took a really nice 8pt out at 486 yards with the Amax. Plenty of coyotes as well.
Plenty of students have attended tacti-cool schools with FGGM or Hornady 168s and passed with flying colors.
Re: Most popular weight of .308 commercial ammo?
At one time and likely today, Sierra said the most popular bullet in the world was the 168 SMK and the only bullet that was ran on two machines at the same time. The 175 SMK will have cut into it's popularity to some degree now.
I shoot mostly 175 SMK for LR and game up to deer now, when I use 30 cal.
At one time and likely today, Sierra said the most popular bullet in the world was the 168 SMK and the only bullet that was ran on two machines at the same time. The 175 SMK will have cut into it's popularity to some degree now.
I shoot mostly 175 SMK for LR and game up to deer now, when I use 30 cal.
Re: Most popular weight of .308 commercial ammo?
i have had good hunting accuracy in my g.son's savage edge and my mdl 10 PC using federal 180gr game shok-blue box.
i have had good hunting accuracy in my g.son's savage edge and my mdl 10 PC using federal 180gr game shok-blue box.
Re: Most popular weight of .308 commercial ammo?
I've fed 7-800 rounds of various flavors in my FN A2 over the last 3 months: S.W.Ammo 155 Scenar, 175 SMK; Black Hills 168,175 BTHP; Hornady 168 Match, 175 SST; Winchester Supreme Match 168 BTHP; FGGM 168, 175 BTHP, all out to 200 yrds. at temps from a cool 95 to 108 degrees in balmy N. Tx. with reasonable documentation.
FGGM 168 time and again (.80" groups at 200 yrds.) with Win. 168 and Hornady 168 second and third respectively. Still looking for a better heavier round for longer range. I may revisit the Black Hills 175 as they were early in the process with more shooter effect. Any thoughts from anyone on the 185, 190, 208 rounds through a 24" 1:12?
I've fed 7-800 rounds of various flavors in my FN A2 over the last 3 months: S.W.Ammo 155 Scenar, 175 SMK; Black Hills 168,175 BTHP; Hornady 168 Match, 175 SST; Winchester Supreme Match 168 BTHP; FGGM 168, 175 BTHP, all out to 200 yrds. at temps from a cool 95 to 108 degrees in balmy N. Tx. with reasonable documentation.
FGGM 168 time and again (.80" groups at 200 yrds.) with Win. 168 and Hornady 168 second and third respectively. Still looking for a better heavier round for longer range. I may revisit the Black Hills 175 as they were early in the process with more shooter effect. Any thoughts from anyone on the 185, 190, 208 rounds through a 24" 1:12?
Re: Most popular weight of .308 commercial ammo?
1 in 12-i bet you are getting your best from 168s for that reason. i suspect 185,175 and 190s for sure won't be at their best in 1/12 twist rate
1 in 12-i bet you are getting your best from 168s for that reason. i suspect 185,175 and 190s for sure won't be at their best in 1/12 twist rate
Re: Most popular weight of .308 commercial ammo?
I like the SMK 175 gr in my Savage 10FP with a 1 in 10 twist.
I like the SMK 175 gr in my Savage 10FP with a 1 in 10 twist.
Re: Most popular weight of .308 commercial ammo?
BHA .308WIN 175gr Hollow Point BT are SMK 175.
So is the FGMM2 175gr .308WIN.
And M118LR.
They are all 175gr SMK.
BHA .308WIN 175gr Hollow Point BT are SMK 175.
So is the FGMM2 175gr .308WIN.
And M118LR.
They are all 175gr SMK.
Re: Most popular weight of .308 commercial ammo?
Agree with everyone on the Hide. Most people on here are not your average shooters. Depending on your barrel length...and how far your average distance to target is, and what you are shooting (game, paper or steel) will pretty much give all of us an idea of where to point you.
I shoot either 168gr or 175gr SMK's out of a 20 inch barrel with a 1:10 twist. With a .308 cartridge the higher the BC the better accuracy you will have at the longer distances.
Stick with the factory match ammo...hornady, black hills, federal gold match. If you want something that is close to custom I highly reccomend Southwest Ammo...they are a Hide sponsor and offer both Winchester and Lapua brass in several different bullet weights. Just try a few different boxes and find what your rig likes.
Agree with everyone on the Hide. Most people on here are not your average shooters. Depending on your barrel length...and how far your average distance to target is, and what you are shooting (game, paper or steel) will pretty much give all of us an idea of where to point you.
I shoot either 168gr or 175gr SMK's out of a 20 inch barrel with a 1:10 twist. With a .308 cartridge the higher the BC the better accuracy you will have at the longer distances.
Stick with the factory match ammo...hornady, black hills, federal gold match. If you want something that is close to custom I highly reccomend Southwest Ammo...they are a Hide sponsor and offer both Winchester and Lapua brass in several different bullet weights. Just try a few different boxes and find what your rig likes.
Re: Most popular weight of .308 commercial ammo?
Bart,
Everyone covered precision shooting quite well, and I can't add anything.
I use Federal Premium (P308C) for hunting. It is loaded with 165gr Sierra GameKing BTSP.
I use my GAP 308 for deer & hog hunting, as well as precision. On my first outing with the rifle, I was shooting FGMM 168 <.4 MOA. I had a box of this Federal 165gr with me. I was impressed! This factory softpoint ammo still maintained a one-hole group, opening up to <.5 MOA. Though I handload, it is my go-to hunting round. BTW, a friend had given me 200 rds of the stuff - what luck!
Kevin
Bart,
Everyone covered precision shooting quite well, and I can't add anything.
I use Federal Premium (P308C) for hunting. It is loaded with 165gr Sierra GameKing BTSP.
I use my GAP 308 for deer & hog hunting, as well as precision. On my first outing with the rifle, I was shooting FGMM 168 <.4 MOA. I had a box of this Federal 165gr with me. I was impressed! This factory softpoint ammo still maintained a one-hole group, opening up to <.5 MOA. Though I handload, it is my go-to hunting round. BTW, a friend had given me 200 rds of the stuff - what luck!
Kevin
Re: Most popular weight of .308 commercial ammo?
I've always been happy with FGMM in 168 but have also been equally happy with Black Hills 168 using the moly coat.
I've always been happy with FGMM in 168 but have also been equally happy with Black Hills 168 using the moly coat.
Re: Most popular weight of .308 commercial ammo?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: invincible03</div><div class="ubbcode-body">FGM 168gr. SMK's have never let me down. I shoot a custom Rem 700 SPS Tactical w/ 20" barrel. "Sterling Shooter" is right...try everything and you will eventually find a perfect fit. IMHO it helps to keep a data book during this process. Happy shooting! </div></div>
second this, or is this now third.
Anyway. Answer to your question. Most pop. weight. Probably 168 Sierra. What does that mean. Absolutely nothing. What do you like, or more importantly, what does your rifle like. That is who or what you should ask. Every rifle likes what it likes. Unfortunately my 308 does not like the heavier rounds, pretty much 168 or below. I really like heavier rounds. So, that is why I am getting an SSG 04 300 wm. Know what specs of your barrel are, twist, length, etc. and then narrow down somewhat til you shoot a pretty good group a few times and your rifle turns to you and winks and smiles.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: invincible03</div><div class="ubbcode-body">FGM 168gr. SMK's have never let me down. I shoot a custom Rem 700 SPS Tactical w/ 20" barrel. "Sterling Shooter" is right...try everything and you will eventually find a perfect fit. IMHO it helps to keep a data book during this process. Happy shooting! </div></div>
second this, or is this now third.
Anyway. Answer to your question. Most pop. weight. Probably 168 Sierra. What does that mean. Absolutely nothing. What do you like, or more importantly, what does your rifle like. That is who or what you should ask. Every rifle likes what it likes. Unfortunately my 308 does not like the heavier rounds, pretty much 168 or below. I really like heavier rounds. So, that is why I am getting an SSG 04 300 wm. Know what specs of your barrel are, twist, length, etc. and then narrow down somewhat til you shoot a pretty good group a few times and your rifle turns to you and winks and smiles.
Re: Most popular weight of .308 commercial ammo?
The weight of the bullet can mean something. I shoot 168 grain naked Sierra bullets to mid range rather than 175's when I have a choice, since the 168's kick a lot less and this makes consistent control of the rifle easier to realize. I can get the same results with the 175's because I am a hard holder; but, I am greatly fatigued coming off the firing line, perceiving that this fatigue could have undermined the results sought had I not been diligent. I use the 175's for LR since the 168's are simply inferior for shooting at LR.
BTW,for any here just getting into LR, you may be thinking about taking something like a .300 Win. Mag. to the firing line rather than a .308. Unless the rifle is really heavy, controlling such a rifle consistently shot to shot will be exhaustive. And, when shot to shot control is less than perfect the resultant inconsistent recoil will increase the magnitude of angular error, making hitting where aimed unlikely.
The weight of the bullet can mean something. I shoot 168 grain naked Sierra bullets to mid range rather than 175's when I have a choice, since the 168's kick a lot less and this makes consistent control of the rifle easier to realize. I can get the same results with the 175's because I am a hard holder; but, I am greatly fatigued coming off the firing line, perceiving that this fatigue could have undermined the results sought had I not been diligent. I use the 175's for LR since the 168's are simply inferior for shooting at LR.
BTW,for any here just getting into LR, you may be thinking about taking something like a .300 Win. Mag. to the firing line rather than a .308. Unless the rifle is really heavy, controlling such a rifle consistently shot to shot will be exhaustive. And, when shot to shot control is less than perfect the resultant inconsistent recoil will increase the magnitude of angular error, making hitting where aimed unlikely.
Re: Most popular weight of .308 commercial ammo?
Thanks for all the input guys. It really has been quite valuable and hopefully for 2012 we will have some new products that interest you based on your replies.
Happy Hollidays!
Thanks for all the input guys. It really has been quite valuable and hopefully for 2012 we will have some new products that interest you based on your replies.
Happy Hollidays!
Re: Most popular weight of .308 commercial ammo?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Sterling Shooter</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
BTW,for any here just getting into LR, you may be thinking about taking something like a .300 Win. Mag. to the firing line rather than a .308. Unless the rifle is really heavy, controlling such a rifle consistently shot to shot will be exhaustive. And, when shot to shot control is less than perfect the resultant inconsistent recoil will increase the magnitude of angular error, making hitting where aimed unlikely. </div></div>
Sterling -
My thoughts exactly, I have LR308 and a 2 lb scope and a 5 lb buttstock weight (A2) altogether it is about 19 lbs. I dont even feel recoil. Now, I would not go hiking throughthe woods too far with it, but I am getting a Steyr SSG 04 300 win mag, and was thinking about some recoile options for that. It comes with a brake, but what else would you do in terms of killing recoil and not sacraficing accuracy. My biggest concern is lr accuracy. I thought about a 338 lapua, but I felt the same you do, and would not want that recoil over many shots, as I would not have great accuracy.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Sterling Shooter</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
BTW,for any here just getting into LR, you may be thinking about taking something like a .300 Win. Mag. to the firing line rather than a .308. Unless the rifle is really heavy, controlling such a rifle consistently shot to shot will be exhaustive. And, when shot to shot control is less than perfect the resultant inconsistent recoil will increase the magnitude of angular error, making hitting where aimed unlikely. </div></div>
Sterling -
My thoughts exactly, I have LR308 and a 2 lb scope and a 5 lb buttstock weight (A2) altogether it is about 19 lbs. I dont even feel recoil. Now, I would not go hiking throughthe woods too far with it, but I am getting a Steyr SSG 04 300 win mag, and was thinking about some recoile options for that. It comes with a brake, but what else would you do in terms of killing recoil and not sacraficing accuracy. My biggest concern is lr accuracy. I thought about a 338 lapua, but I felt the same you do, and would not want that recoil over many shots, as I would not have great accuracy.
Re: Most popular weight of .308 commercial ammo?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JK one shot</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Sterling Shooter</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
BTW,for any here just getting into LR, you may be thinking about taking something like a .300 Win. Mag. to the firing line rather than a .308. Unless the rifle is really heavy, controlling such a rifle consistently shot to shot will be exhaustive. And, when shot to shot control is less than perfect the resultant inconsistent recoil will increase the magnitude of angular error, making hitting where aimed unlikely. </div></div>
Sterling -
My thoughts exactly, I have LR308 and a 2 lb scope and a 5 lb buttstock weight (A2) altogether it is about 19 lbs. I dont even feel recoil. Now, I would not go hiking throughthe woods too far with it, but I am getting a Steyr SSG 04 300 win mag, and was thinking about some recoile options for that. It comes with a brake, but what else would you do in terms of killing recoil and not sacraficing accuracy. My biggest concern is lr accuracy. I thought about a 338 lapua, but I felt the same you do, and would not want that recoil over many shots, as I would not have great accuracy. </div></div>
It is what it is. For me, even the recoil of my 12 lb .308 is too much, so mostly, I shoot my .223 Service Rifle in LR competition these days. I like the 6.5/284 too; but, I can't afford it. With the Service Rifle I believe I have the best platform to reach the highest plateaus of good shooting as it requires me to make up in position and hold what I can not resolve. That's to say, with a somewhat uncertain relationship between target and sight, I've needed to hone my picture and motor memory to better understand aim.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JK one shot</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Sterling Shooter</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
BTW,for any here just getting into LR, you may be thinking about taking something like a .300 Win. Mag. to the firing line rather than a .308. Unless the rifle is really heavy, controlling such a rifle consistently shot to shot will be exhaustive. And, when shot to shot control is less than perfect the resultant inconsistent recoil will increase the magnitude of angular error, making hitting where aimed unlikely. </div></div>
Sterling -
My thoughts exactly, I have LR308 and a 2 lb scope and a 5 lb buttstock weight (A2) altogether it is about 19 lbs. I dont even feel recoil. Now, I would not go hiking throughthe woods too far with it, but I am getting a Steyr SSG 04 300 win mag, and was thinking about some recoile options for that. It comes with a brake, but what else would you do in terms of killing recoil and not sacraficing accuracy. My biggest concern is lr accuracy. I thought about a 338 lapua, but I felt the same you do, and would not want that recoil over many shots, as I would not have great accuracy. </div></div>
It is what it is. For me, even the recoil of my 12 lb .308 is too much, so mostly, I shoot my .223 Service Rifle in LR competition these days. I like the 6.5/284 too; but, I can't afford it. With the Service Rifle I believe I have the best platform to reach the highest plateaus of good shooting as it requires me to make up in position and hold what I can not resolve. That's to say, with a somewhat uncertain relationship between target and sight, I've needed to hone my picture and motor memory to better understand aim.
