Q's about a 16.5" .308

[Walsh]

What are some good bullets for a hunting rifle with a 16.5" barrel, 1-12" twist to be used on deer out to 300 yards?

I have been reading about the 208 AMAX's and they seem like they have great performance, but out of a 20"+ barrel.

I am worried that the AMAX's will not have enough velocity for humane kills at 300 yards and/or will not stabilize from 0-300 yards.

If AMAX's are out of the question, then what are some good bullts for my 16.5", 1-12" twist rifle?

Thanks in advance,
P.B.Walsh

 

[nicholst55]

Re: Q's about a 16.5" .308

Deer aren't exceptionally difficult to kill, and 208 grains is way more bullet than you need for the task. I've not tried the 208 AMAX in any .308, but I doubt a 1-12 will stabilize it. I'd suggest something in the 130-165 grain weight range for deer.

I've always had good luck with the Nosler Ballistic Tip bullets for deer; a 150 NBT should stabilize fine in your barrel.

 

[oneswithfunes]

Re: Q's about a 16.5" .308

I have shot 208 amax's with 1-12 and got moa or just over out to 600 yards. That was with a 20" at 2450 fps. I would think you would want to be looking at something like the 150 nbt or Hornady 150 interlock

 

[former naval person]

Re: Q's about a 16.5" .308

Try the Sierra 165 HPBT Pro-hunters. I've used them for years. Great accuracy...you can use the same dies and loads for them as the 168 SMK without changing a thing. BC isn't quite as good as the SMK but to 300 yards it doesn't matter. The core is harder and the jacket is thicker than the SMK to provide good penetration and the serrated nose gives good expansion.

 

[Onemoretime]

Re: Q's about a 16.5" .308

Most guys are reporting that their 1-12's do stabilize the 208's but YMMV.

With the right load you should be able to get almost 2400fps.

At 2350fps the 208 will still have 1834ft/lbs of energy... more then enough to kill a deer.

 

[Walsh]

Re: Q's about a 16.5" .308

Has anyone used the 208's out of a 16.5" barrel. If this dosen't work, I would go to something in the 150-168 grain.

Thanks,
P.B.Walsh

 

[Onemoretime]

Re: Q's about a 16.5" .308

I haven't seen many guys using less than 18" barrels.

You can break new ground!

 

[Downzero]

Re: Q's about a 16.5" .308

Definitely the wrong bullet. I'd be using Nosler 125s or 150s. Target bullets are not for hunting, and the A max is not a ballistic tip type bullet. Sierra has a 150 game king as well.

Inside of 300, it probably doesn't matter that much, but I wouldn't take chances.

 

[cwshooter]

Re: Q's about a 16.5" .308

155 Amax is what I intend to use when I finish mine up. I'm currently using it in a 16" dpms carbine, and have had good luck. I've yet to kill anything larger than a possum with it, but I've killed quite a few white tails and hogs with a 178 Amax, and I've been quite pleased. There are those that prefer a more controled expansion in a hunting bullet, but I don't see that as much of an advantage on the game around here. If I were shooting bear or moose, I'd shoot another rifle anyway.
CW