So I'm building a .308 AR rifle with a DPMS compatible upper with a Noveske 16" 10P bbl. I haven't fooled around in the .308 world too much so I am coming here to see what the Hide thinks. I am thinking about using either Lapua 155gr Scenars, or 168gr or 175gr SMKs. What do you think would probably be best with a 16" bbl with 1/10" twist rate?
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What ideal bullet should I use?
- Thread starter dangerdan87
- Start date
Re: What ideal bullet should I use?
Your bullet selection depends on what you plan to do with the rifle and the ranges you plan to shoot.
I have really gotten hung up on the 155gr Scenars. With a shorter barrel like the 16" you are using, they give you increased velocity over the 168gr/175gr loads, a great BC for long-range use, and they make for a good all-around bullet for punching paper, steel, medium game (although many will advise against match bullets for hunting), etc.
If you won't be shooting beyond 500yds with your setup, the 168gr loads will work okay too, but you'll lose some MV and terminal performance out of a 16" barrel.
The 175gr loads will work well too, but again, you definitely lose some performance with a shorter barrel and the heavier, slower bullets.
Your bullet selection depends on what you plan to do with the rifle and the ranges you plan to shoot.
I have really gotten hung up on the 155gr Scenars. With a shorter barrel like the 16" you are using, they give you increased velocity over the 168gr/175gr loads, a great BC for long-range use, and they make for a good all-around bullet for punching paper, steel, medium game (although many will advise against match bullets for hunting), etc.
If you won't be shooting beyond 500yds with your setup, the 168gr loads will work okay too, but you'll lose some MV and terminal performance out of a 16" barrel.
The 175gr loads will work well too, but again, you definitely lose some performance with a shorter barrel and the heavier, slower bullets.
Re: What ideal bullet should I use?
Just at 100 yards my POF 308 16.5" bbl has better groupings with 175gr over the 168gr. My suggestion is shoot it and see what works.
Jamie
Just at 100 yards my POF 308 16.5" bbl has better groupings with 175gr over the 168gr. My suggestion is shoot it and see what works.
Jamie
Re: What ideal bullet should I use?
The Lapua 155's seems like they'll be good. I always say, "even if you dont have room to shoot past 2-3-400 yds, always plan to as if you do, you never know when the opportunity will arise". In this case, I have plenty of room. As for hunting, I'd just load some hunting round I have available. Our stands only have about 150yds of clearance anyway. A quick zero should work.
Thanks
The Lapua 155's seems like they'll be good. I always say, "even if you dont have room to shoot past 2-3-400 yds, always plan to as if you do, you never know when the opportunity will arise". In this case, I have plenty of room. As for hunting, I'd just load some hunting round I have available. Our stands only have about 150yds of clearance anyway. A quick zero should work.
Thanks
Re: What ideal bullet should I use?
Bullet selection also depends on the chambering you have: throat length, etc.
Bullet selection also depends on the chambering you have: throat length, etc.
Re: What ideal bullet should I use?
Like has been said it depends on what you will be doing with the rifle. If you want to hunt with it look at the 180 Sierra Game Kings, they have better BCs then the 175 SMKs and are expanding rounds. On the other hand if you are just wanting to punch paper or ring steel then I'd stick with SMKS or Scenars.
Like has been said it depends on what you will be doing with the rifle. If you want to hunt with it look at the 180 Sierra Game Kings, they have better BCs then the 175 SMKs and are expanding rounds. On the other hand if you are just wanting to punch paper or ring steel then I'd stick with SMKS or Scenars.
Re: What ideal bullet should I use?
I'm gonna have to try those Scenars; I keep hearing good things about them. I've been stuck on SMKs for years, and they have done me good. But, I suppose variety is the spice of life.
I'm gonna have to try those Scenars; I keep hearing good things about them. I've been stuck on SMKs for years, and they have done me good. But, I suppose variety is the spice of life.
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