762 NATO equivalent, expanding bullet for dangerous game.

[WaitsLong]

Is there a 308 loading or factory made load that would be OK for

1)Shooting in various military-type (M14-like, FN-FAL, HK).
   (Workings of some rifles are sensitive, according to some
     manuals.)
2)Bullet that is reasonably effective on dangerous game,
    expands, but does not disintegrate.
3)Bullet, fairly accurate, so I could use at longer range.
  (I have not had good luck with Nosler accuracy.)

Though I have hand-loaded before, this is beyond my experience.
I would like to have one loading that I can use in a semi-auto-mil
and also in a bolt sporter rifle. If there is commercial factory
ammo that does this, so much the better.

Thanks in advance.

[jd45]

What kind of "dangerous game" are you intending to hunt with this cartridge? The reason I ask is that I don't associate the .308 Winchester cart with effective stopping power on dangerous game. The old adage is "bring enough gun". I don't think it's enough, for dangerous game. Just my 2 cents,  jd45

[WaitsLong]

You make a good point about larger caliber; recoil above
a 3006/308 is a problem for me.

I should have  been specific, and my word "game" implies Hunting;
but I am not sure that I would hunt.  I do  enjoy the camping 
experience, woodcraft, bush craft, fishing etc. Moose and Bear are
dangerous animals, whether hunting is involved, or not.

I am a senior citizen; any big game hunting could be
quite a workout, so I may never do it again. It is not
"out of the question", but special arrangements would
have to be made.

A semi-auto camp gun would seem very good protection
from Moose and Bear, at any time of year.
I do not even know if such a gun would be legal to hunt
with in Alaska, Idaho, Montana. Any info on legalities of these
guns would be appreciated. I am aware that the sight of a
semi-auto would draw the attention of any LEO or citizen.

[stimpylu32]

WaitsLong

With the info at hand i would look at the Hornady 150gr Interbonds in a 308 or maybe a better choice would be a semi-auto 12 ga loaded with a good sabot slug , because if you need to knock something down to protect yourself it will be at fairly close range . 

JMHO

stimpy

[WaitsLong]

Thanks for the info. I am googling based on your post, and I
am learning a lot.

I knew that Alaskans often used slugs in  12g shotguns
for protection. And some even hunted with them.
Some modern pump shotguns will not fire, if the pump has
a pulling force on it, as might happen in a high-stress situation.
Just something to consider.

I was looking for a do-all (sorta) cartridge, knowing do-all's are illusory.

[stimpylu32]

WaitsLong

I have a friend that worked for a timber company , his gun of choice was a 12 combo gun , a semi-auto that could also be pumped it the case that it did not cycle for some reason . it could be fired from the hip if need be . he would load 2 slugs followed by a round of 000 buck shot and 2 more slugs . he said it would do a wonderful job on bears , wolves and all sort of 2 legged critters , at close range , 20 yards or less .

stimpy

[jd45]

WaitsLong, given your recoil aversion level, you might have good luck with Hornadys .308 Light Magnum. It uses a 150gr Spirepoint expanding bullet at an advertized 2980fps. Just might be the ticket for ya. jd45

[Cheesehead]

Check out  a Springfield socom 308. A very reliable semi auto with 150 Coreloct Remington ammo.

Cheese

[Dand]

In Alaska some folks hunt with 308 / 7.62 semi autos and its legal except where hunts are limited to shotgun, archery or such.  I have problems with the idea of using a 150 bullet for anything dangerous.  I don't think they will be that effective in a self defense situation - maybe black bears depending on the bullet and situation. I think your concerns for moose are unnessary - yeah they are big and they can be scary and I climbed a tree once when I was young and thought a problem might develop. But it is rare.  I agree with the use enough gun concept.  I'd highly recommend a sturdy 165 gr or better yet 180gr if you  think you want to pack a 308 - consider the Barnes solid copper bullets. I have a hard time believing you can't find an adequate load for Noslers - you won't be needing bench rest accuracy either.  I'd prefer a bolt 30-06 with 180, 200 or 220 gr bullets for Alaska work - or the 12 ga pump.  I do know a guy who stopped a brown bear with a Win 100 in 308 - can't remember how many shots he fired - I'm pretty sure he had at least 180 gr bullets.  It died at his feet.

Your bigger concern will be the weight and convenience of whatever gun you plan to tote around.  I can tell you it gets REALLY old packing something heavy around day after day just in case.  I've done it- still do it. Its one reason people carry short barrel 12 ga pump - they can be lighter than a rifle and pack a heck of punch when you need it - and they are built for rough conditions.  But I got to hate packing even those guns if it didn't seem necessary - and I used to work salmon streams in the fall in bush Alaska.

I don't know much about the rifles you listed except I think the M14 is pretty heavy.

Its a lot easier to make a lot of racket, go slow and keep your eyes open. While being cautious is always wise, don't let the scary stories get too big a hold on your imagination or deter you from enjoying the back country.

[leverfan]

WaitsLong, given your recoil aversion level, you might have good luck with Hornadys .308 Light Magnum. It uses a 150gr Spirepoint expanding bullet at an advertized 2980fps. Just might be the ticket for ya. jd45

That's generally a good line of ammo, but the last time I checked, Hornady was telling folks not to use it in semi-auto rifles.  Because of its pressure characteristics, it's for bolt guns and single shots and such.  The peak pressure lasts too long for it to be good for your semi auto actions.

My Hornady 5th edition reloading manual has a section for the 7.62x 52mm.  Powder choice and pressure levels are tailored to suit semi auto versions of the .308 Winchester.  I'd pick a sturdy 165 or 180 grain bullet for general defensive use.  Don't worry if the velocity is a little low, it sounds like you'll be using your rifles at "across the campsite" range, and you don't need to go mach 3 just to hit something on the other side of your camp fire.

[jd45]

Good point, Leverfan. I'd forgotten he wants to run the carts thru an autoloader. jd45