30 caliber, low velocity bullets

[Dezynco]

Does anyone know of a .308 diameter bullet in the 170 - 180 grain weight range that will make a good hunting bullet at 1500 - 2000 fps?  I want to shoot heavy bullets from my Contender 7.62x39 pistol (12" barrel).  The highest velocity I can expect to get is about 1850 or so.  I've got some surplus 175 grain HPBT's that are superbly accurate out to 150 yards, but they will not expand at the low velocies that I'm getting.

I've thought about some 170 grain flat points for a 30-30, any suggestions?

[Davemuzz]

Hmmmm......I've not shot any 30 caliber at that low of a velocity. Maybe you should look at shooting all lead bullets. This question may be best answered by.....oh heck.....Veral?? Iff'in I have spelled his name right.

He has his own forum here and can give you the skinny on if lead would be a good choice or not.

Dave

[Lone Star]

Heavy bullets for caliber are usually designed with tougher construction than lighter bullets.  For your use I'd choose 125 or 150-grain Nosler BallisticTips, they are known to expand well out of the similar .300 Wisper.  If you insist on a heavier bullet, try the 170-grain .30-30 bullets.  But keep your shots close to maintain velocity....


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[Dezynco]

The Nosler Balistic Tips sound good.  I've shot almost everything through this little barrel, and they all shoot great, but the long heavy bullets will punch one little hole at 100 yards.

My second choice for bullets that I have on the shelf are some Speer 130 grain flat points that are designed for the 30-30.  I can get about 2100fps with them, but they are not as accurate.  My best group so far is about 2", which is fine for hunting out to 150 yards.

[1sourdough]

 I'd try the "30-30" bullets. They are listed seperate from the higher speed 30 cal offerings & open at a slower velocity.

[mcwoodduck]

Since the 7.62X39 is a .311 why not try 303Brit bullets?
remington loads a 180 grain soft point 303.  Not sure if they load it with 308 bullets but it is worth a try.
7.62X39.
7.62X54R
303 Brit
and 7.7 Jap all use the .311 bullets.
that are made for mild to moderate velocities.

[Dezynco]

My 7.62x39 barrel should be called a .308x39.  It has a .308 bore, with a really tight chamber.  .310's abd .311's are a no-no.

I have to load it as a 30 caliber.

[mcwoodduck]

OK, so much for the 312 pistol idea's that I was going to look up when I get home.
What about going the other way?
110 grain JSP or JHP 30 carbine rounds only faster?  They would work for deer and smaller critters?  giving you a flat nose and an expanding bullet?
Or an all lead bullet with a gas check?  i have seen 308 lead molds in the Lymann loading manual.
I will look to see if they have any loads for 7.62X39.

[Dezynco]

I have a lot of reloading data collected for this cartridge in .308 bore.  What I'm hoping for is experience with "hunting" loads for it.  I need bullets that will expand, or yaw upon impact to make a clean shot at a deer.

The Nosler's that folks have used in 300 Whispers sound pretty good, so I may purchase a box of those for hunting purposes.  Boy are they expensive!  about .35 each not counting powder and primers!

[mcwoodduck]

I found a few loads last night for 150 grain bullets.
if you want I will copy the loading data for you.
they also had a few loads of 125 grain Soft points.
I remember the 125 grain win loads out of the 308 Win being a good deer round up close.
I think I only had a few boxes of it before they stopped loading it in the mid 80's.  And it worked on a doe in Up State NY.

[BBF]

The bullets designed for the 30-30 are your best bet IMO. The Rems have a lot of exposed lead, they would be my fist choice. If none of the 30-30 style work for you, try Hdy, Sierra, or Speer's 150 gr RN's

[R.W.Dale]

for what you outline 30-30 bullets will be best, however Ive used the 125grn Nosler with great success in 7.62x39 see the sig links for more info