Need a Do Everything 308 load- Pigs, Deer, Cats

[Crang]

After my last hunting trip in S.Texas at a friends ranch- I think I may hang up my 6.8 for awhile and switch over to my SCAR-17. We were in the brush and saw no shortage of 500+ lb pigs with signs of one a few hundred pounds more than that. While we were deer hunting primarily, there is a 200+ lb mountain lion thats has been taking 1-2 deer a week there. No kidding- tracks as big as my fist, and the one guy who saw it swears its 225. Tried to call it in at night with some bait, and while there were signs of it, never saw it. A couple of bobcats and what we think was a 50 lb panther- but kind of hard to tell at 1am in the rain with NV on. Anyway- looking for a round that would be just as good on big pigs but not ruin the pelt of what would be a trophy cat if we can actually get it in. Kind f a tall order I know BUT looking for a 308 round which can do all of the above.....

Thinking a Barnes 130gr TTSX pushed about 3000 fps may do it. Plenty for pigs and deer for sure but hopefully passes through enough to not obliterate thin skinned cats. Thoughts? Better bullets for this purpose? A lot of the lighter 30 cal rounds seem to rupture violently enough they would probably ruin a cat. Any pet loads for this bullet? I keep lots of 4895 around that I use for everything from 223 on up to 308. Would prefer to start testing with that, but I could change if needed.

I like the idea of a light fast round with a flat trajectory as I use an IR laser at night so holdovers are limited. Prefer not to have to range at night and just use a dead hold on everything inside 200 yards. On a side note- waiting on a new Nightforce 2.5-10x42 to arrive for this rifle so pretty stoked about the day hunting as well! Looking forward to putting it through its paces. The SCAR seems to becoming my do everything but long range rifle....

 

[leadbullet]

It is a 308, they are all good. Just go to the bullet store, buy a bunch of different brands and figure out which one your rifle likes best, that means going to the shooting range for some fun times, you are welcome.
Cheers.

 

[Crang]

Yeah- its the pelts on the cats I am worried about.

 

[dbateman]

If you're using that stupid 130gr 308 load you're a punce.

Buy a 243 or something.

Go with something around the 180gr range that should work well for hogs and deer and not blow the cat a part.

For factory hunting ammo I like the 180gr power points myself.

 

[Bradu]

I know Hornady discontinued them but what about the 110 v max?

 

[Huckleberry75]

150gn Nosler Partition?? Not the latest/greatest, but definately tried and true. Should be fine on penetration for deer/piggies without blowing out the off side of a cat too bad. Will exit, but shouldn't come out like a volley ball like the 110 Vmax or 125 Ballistic tip bullets. The 130 TTSX should do fine as well. Load it up and try it on a coyote or two and that should give you a good idea on the kitty cats.

 

[rdinak]

I would use the 175 amax and have no worries

 

[Blackbrush]

Barnes - minimal hydrostatic damage, deep penetration, smallish exit. Use a heavy for slower velocity and zero at 150yds.

 

[LawDog101]

If you have 4895, we have had excellent luck with 125 Sierra Prohunter. We roll 47.5gn at 2.700 coal. Speed through 20" barrel is 3100 avg. No way a pig, even a shoulder shot, cat, deer, or anything will stand up. Drop is around 3.0" at 200y.

Plus, they are half the price of everything else.

LD

 

[SWThomas]

Barnes all day. Their bullets are awesome and won't fragment all to hell, even if they hit bone. Great, great bullets.

Get the TTSX. I hear the TSX are picky about expanding only at certain velocities.