Optimized load for 308 Win.

[Buckfever]

Gents I am wondering if you were to optimize a round for < 150yds for  large Canadian deer what bullet and weight would you use.  Also may  have to shoot through brush in tight spots, lots of brush.  Does it really matter to get optimum velocity at these close range shots?  I have other calibers but I would like to use this one and leave it in country for the hunt each year.  Any and all thoughts appreciated!  With all the bullet choices I have not used anything other than 165gr. or 180 gr.  Nosler Partitions.   Thanks  Buckfever

[Brian T]

I have had very good luck using Varget with 150 and 165 grain bullets.  I would use one of the Nosler or Hornady bonded bullets.

[Mark whiz]

My Choice would be 165/168gr class bullet.   If hunting in heavy brush, bullet weight isn't that big of a deal since any weight bullet will get deflected by any object of substance anyway.

The Partions will work great. I've also had great results with the new Barnes Triple Shocks in 168gr - worked perfect on hogs at fairly close ranges, where Ballistic-tipped bullets would explode on contact with them tough critters.

[lilabner]

I would load for best accuracy if I knew my longest shot would not exceed 150 yards. You might have to cut back on the powder charge a bit to get the best groups, but you'll be able to confidently slip the bullet through holes in the brush.  I'd probably stick with 165 grain bullets as they have good sectional density for penetration on those big guys you hunt.

[jd45]

I've had great results in my Remington Varmint Synthetic-26" barrel, (1" in 12" twist) with Hornady 165gr Interbonds; Norma cases: Federal 210 match primers ;& 44grs of Hodgdon's Varget. Get 1" groups @ 200yds. jd45

[Don Fischer]

I have alway's considered that the 165 gr bullet's are best in the 308. Have had my best luck with 3031, BLC /2 and 4064. Have heard good thing's about Varget but like to stick with what has alway's worked.

Any bullet of 165 gr that shoot's well in your rifle will be fine as long as the box is red and it say's Hornady on it. I've been a Hornady fan for close to 40 yrs, see no reason to change now. That's a personal opinion and there are many fine bullet's out there that will work just as well.

Any bullet you try to get thru heavy brush ain't gonna make unless you aim very well, identify all the stuff that is in the way and pray like hell!

The cartridge is fine, what rifle you shooting it in? I used a Rem mod 600 in 308 w/ 2 3/4 Redfield for many year's, great rig. My son swiped it on me!

[Buckfever]

Bought it last summer at a gun fair a dealer has outside in the country.  I don't think they sold Tikka for a while and it was left.  $ 425 brand new in the box.  Has a very small rub mark on the barrel where it sat in the sales rack made of wood.  Blued and Walnut, great stock.   I really appreciate the help here.  I have never had a 308 before.  Thanks  Buckfever

[jd45]

Don, correct me if I'm wrong, but deosn't the twist-rate come to bear on the optimum bullet weight? For example, if you have a 1" in 10" twist barrel, wouldn't a 180 or heavier bullet work better? Course, I don't know if .308 barrels come with that fast a twist. jd45.

[Buckfever]

The Tikka has a twist rate of 1" in 11".   Buckfever

[Don Fischer]

Yes sir, your right about twist rate. My mod 600 wouldn't shoot 200 gr bullet's very well but shot 180 gr bullet's as well as the 165 gr bullet's. My understanding is that the twist should work for the heaviest bullet and should be alright for lighter one's. Yet with that in mind, I never was able to get a 150 gr bullet to shoot in that rifle.

I think that the optimum bullet for the 308 is the 165 gr because, it will hold together as well as the 180 gr, penetrate more than enought on anything you'd normally use it on and give a bit more velocity than the 180 gr. Now when I lived in Alaska and carried a rifle in the bush, I carried that 308 with the 180 gr bullet, not sure it was really necessary.
Never was in a position where I needed to find out!