Author Topic: 180 grain bullet in a .308 Handi?? (Read 1334 times)

Jeffery8mm · « **on:** January 12, 2005, 05:46:21 AM »

Does anyone shoot a 180 grain bullet in the .308 caliber? Is it going to be very accurate in a NEF Handi Rifle with a 1 in 10 twist rate. I hardly have a hunting situation that calls for a shot over 200 yds. What are some thoughts on a good, accurate bullet for this caliber. I am pretty new to the 308. Mostly Whitetail deer , maybe a small feral pig, no BIG game.
Thanks
Jeff

High Brass · « **Reply #1 on:** January 12, 2005, 07:29:34 AM »

Jeffery,

I load and hunt with 165gr. bullets out of my 30-06 at about 308 velocities. One of which that I have used and like is the 165gr. Remington PSPCL. I now have been loading the 165gr. Nosler BT but will go back to the Remingtons most likely. For 180gr. in the parameters you mentioned I think that the Remington PSPSLs will serve you just fine. They're inexpensive, accurate in the guns I've shot them in, and work great on game. I have no idea what they look like as I've never recovered any. They leave about a nickel sized exit wound. I figure my performance in this load is equal to that of a 308 load. If you decide on a lighter bullet, I figure that the 165gr. Remington would work great as well on deer and hogs. Good luck.

Rmouleart · « **Reply #2 on:** January 12, 2005, 07:50:58 AM »

A 150gr bullet would be preferred and perform better at the max 200 yard range you mentioned, I like Hornadys 150gr interlock SP/BT, very accurate bullet with the right powder. I like IMR 4895, CCI mag primers,Lee factory crimp. Good to go. I think you loose more than you would gain using a 180gr bullet. The 150gr bullet is plenty for deer size game. Aim small hit small. RAMbo.

Jeffery8mm · « **Reply #3 on:** January 12, 2005, 07:51:23 AM »

Thanks . Is there an advantage that the 180 has over the 150 or 165 at short ranges, say out to about 150yds. I have not actually shot any 180 stuff through my handi, but out of the 150 and 165gr stuff that I have shot, it seems to like the lighter stuff better!!

Thanks
Jeff

Rmouleart · « **Reply #4 on:** January 12, 2005, 08:16:45 AM »

I use to use 180gr winchester silvertips in my Model 99 300 Savage before
I started reloading, I have to say killed many deer using those 180gr bullets, but all my shots were under 100 yards. I felt at the time since I was hunting heavy brushed area's the 180gr was my choice. I now hunt area's where there is open fields and some nice clear shots up to 400 yards, deer cross these fields during rut, So I worked up a good load using a 150gr bullet, flatter shooter than 180gr bullet. Aim small hit small. RAMbo.

Mac11700 · « **Reply #5 on:** January 12, 2005, 08:39:37 AM »

Jeff:

Most any of the 180 grainers at 308 velocities will work good on deer...and give you an advantage if for some reason..make a bad shot and hit heavy bone...but as been said...for long range shots...go with the 150 grainers or 165 grainers...they will extend your P.B.R...if your only hunting thick stuff and have only 100-150 yard shots...they will work good.....

Each rifle is different...and the Handi's are not an exception to this...try some and see how they shoot...and when you start reloading for it...you'll be able to try out many different bullet types and weights...because you'll find that it may like 1 paticualr bullet over any others...of 1 manufactures...and something totally different from another..

Mac

Mac

Broken-arrow · « **Reply #6 on:** January 13, 2005, 05:47:32 AM »

Hey Jeff, What kind of accuracy you gettin outa that .308? Don't keep me hangin like this. The .308 Win. is a fine caliber and in my experience, is not too finicky when it comes to reloading. The NEF is not your typical .308. :wink:
Broken-arrow

Jeffery8mm · « **Reply #7 on:** January 13, 2005, 06:34:45 AM »

I have not put alot of effort into load development as I am not a handloader. But with good factory ammo, such as hornady and winchester, I am able to achieve a good solid 2" 100yd group. No tack driver but definately a hunter for my type of terain!!! I love this caliber. The recoil is so different than my 30.06. The 308 will probably be my "NEW" favorite caliber before long.. I ahve some more work to do, and a freind of mine is helping with some handloads, but I see this thing getting better and better. NO REGRETS. Now what about the 20 ga barrel???

Jeff

smokey66 · « **Reply #8 on:** January 13, 2005, 08:53:37 AM »

Quote

I am able to achieve a good solid 2" 100yd group.

Wow, just wait til you put a scope on it!! :-D :-D just kidding

Jeffery8mm · « **Reply #9 on:** January 13, 2005, 09:17:57 AM »

that was a cheap shot there smokey :grin:
I know that sounds kinda bad, but This is a rifle that was called a "jack handle" so 2" aint to bad for now

Jeff

Broken-arrow · « **Reply #10 on:** January 13, 2005, 10:56:03 AM »

No Jeff, Half of that rifle was called a jack-handle, the Bbl. The other half is yours. It fits your receiver differently,therefore it shoots differently. On RHs rec. it would'nt shoot a 2" group @ 50 yards, much less 100. And even if you have seen "solid 2" groups", thats pretty sorry for a .308 in my opinion. I can match that with my old 30-30 with open sights. And besides that, 2MOA bench accuracy and hunting situation accuracy are 2 different things.

Broken-arrow

Jeffery8mm · « **Reply #11 on:** January 13, 2005, 11:46:21 AM »

Yeah 2" is not great, but it is a start. Lets not get into a shoving match over it, there have been plenty of those. I hope to play with it a bit and get it better. Ya know, when a relatively new shooter with a relatively new gun gets his 2" groups called sorry, it does not do much for his morale. A simple I am glad for you would have been nice.
Jeff

ONE HOLE 4570 · « **Reply #12 on:** January 13, 2005, 01:37:57 PM »

Jeffery8mm

I have used remington 180's in a weatherby vangaurd with a 1:10 twist they shoot under MOA if I can do my part but I have lost one deer & tracked anouther 200yrds no expantion shot at less than 60 yrds I am going to try some hornady sst & nosler BT's hand loads when I have time to work it up. Shot all kinds of factory & hand loads of 150's & 165 looks like a shot gun patern 180's are all it likes. You may have one too in your handy. Don't give up :-)

Mac11700 · « **Reply #13 on:** January 13, 2005, 08:01:50 PM »

Jeff:

2" at 100 yards from a barrel that would only shot buckshot patterns...and being a new rifle shooter as well...all I can say my friend is .....Congratulations....KEEP up the Good Work......don't ever be discouraged...by someone who isn't happy for a beginners hard work,or with them having better luck...you've already had better luck than what he's had from it...and that says a-lot......now you just have to keep looking for a load that will improve your groups...and striving to improve your shooting techniques as well...these little rifles are quite paticular on how they are held on the bench...and any minute movements of the rifle at the bench... are amplified out at 100 yards.....

Try some of the Federal Match ammo thru it...if you get a chance... my old bull barrel loves those 168 grainers.......

Keep us posted on your progress...and don't give up on it...I'm sure it will settle down even more in the long run...

Mac

superhornet · « **Reply #14 on:** January 14, 2005, 02:09:04 AM »

After trying many bullet weights in the NEF 308, I tried the Winchester bulk bullets in 180 JSP. Worked it up with a load of IMR 4350 and WLR primer Win brass.........finally able to get the 308 to shoot like it was suppose to..........1" five shots at 100 yard . Was searching for accuracy not high velocity.... should be capable of hitting that whitetail out to 200, but of course down here in Florida, most shots are pretty much up close.......IMHO

Broken-arrow · « **Reply #15 on:** January 14, 2005, 02:29:29 AM »

OK Jeff, 2" groups are a good starting point. Keep trying, don't let me discourage you. But you're rubbing a sore spot. I put a LOT of time into that bbl and it never improved , in fact it got worse. The more it was shot the looser it got. I'm satisfied that I did my part and did not give up easily. And I'm NOT a new shooter. I hope it turns out to be a shooter for you, But whether or not it shoots on your rec., has nothing to do with how it shot on RHs. Lets just get along here, OK. :toast:

Question for Mac

Quote

...these little rifles are quite paticular on how they are held on the bench...and any minute movements of the rifle at the bench... are amplified out at 100 yards.....

How about hunting accuracy? Is'nt that what its all about?

Jeffery8mm · « **Reply #16 on:** January 14, 2005, 02:51:42 AM »

Here is what it all boils down to.

BA: had barrel that would not shoot; he NOT happy
J8: Bought BA barrel; he not sure if he happy yet
BA: got a nice 20ga barrel and got rid of the 308; now he happy
J8: shoots the 308; now he happy.

Sounds to me like everybody got happy in the end.
So lets wrap this up and let each person go about their merry way where this .308 barrel is concerned. All that REALLY matters now is MY opinion of it. I do owe a debt of gratitude for the ones that are kind enough here to jump in and help out with any and all problems that a person ,may have. I think sometimes we try to ask enough questions and beat a subject around until we get the answer WE want, even if not the correct answer!! There are those here that are a wealth of info!!
Jeff

Broken-arrow · « **Reply #17 on:** January 14, 2005, 04:14:15 AM »

:grin: You're right Jeff, there is a wealth of knowledge here. I asked a lot of questions back in '99 on the old NEF forum. (You'd think they would remember ME ,Ha,Ha,Ha.) :-D These guys were real helpful, and I do appreciate all the help. But I'm not making a career out of a $150 gun.
And lets get real here, 2 MOA accuracy from a solid bench, IF you hold the gun juuust right. Whats it gonna do in a high psi hunting situation , THAT is what matters my friend. Am I right?

Broken-arrow

High Brass · « **Reply #18 on:** January 14, 2005, 04:33:50 AM »

Jeff,

2" groups should be plenty out to 200 yards. I posted earlier about the 165gr. bullets and stand by my original post. I thought that you were dead set on 180gr. but if not, those 165gr. are worth looking into. Good luck on whatever you decide.

Chad

Mac11700 · « **Reply #19 on:** January 14, 2005, 07:43:15 PM »

B.A.

Quote

And lets get real here, 2 MOA accuracy from a solid bench, IF you hold the gun juuust right. Whats it gonna do in a high psi hunting situation , THAT is what matters my friend. Am I right?

First off...your starting to go at this wrong again...remember what I said before...don't take things out of context...2" groups from the bench from a person not used to shooting from the bench with a "new to them" barrel...unknowing which ammo will or will not group from it .......IS DAMN GOOD...period...I don't care how much YOU spent..how many hours YOU put into it...or whatever YOU did to make it shoot...Jeff is the one who is being congratulated...not YOU...

Quote

OK Jeff, 2" groups are a good starting point. Keep trying, don't let me discourage you. But you're rubbing a sore spot.

...Why don't you just congratulate him and move on...instead of being sore about it...and being happy for someone else isn't a bad thing

Read this all the way thru..read what I said...and in the context of how I said it...

Quote

2" at 100 yards from a barrel that would only shot buckshot patterns...and being a new rifle shooter as well...all I can say my friend is .....Congratulations....KEEP up the Good Work......don't ever be discouraged...by someone who isn't happy for a beginners hard work,or with them having better luck...you've already had better luck than what he's had from it...and that says a-lot......now you just have to keep looking for a load that will improve your groups...and striving to improve your shooting techniques as well...these little rifles are quite paticular on how they are held on the bench...and any minute movements of the rifle at the bench... are amplified out at 100 yards.....

This was advice given...to someone who doen't know these rifles ..and all their peculiarities.real well...right now...he's just starting out with it...and finding the right load is the primary objective. and to do that requires most folks in his position to shoot it off the bench.....and improving ones bench technique will improve ones groups ...and let one know how well his rifle shoots that paticular load....hunting accuracy is entirely different...and if you don't know how well a load combination works from a stable bench you may or not be able to hit anything with it in the field...

This is all I have to say it the matter...

Mac

magnum308 · « **Reply #20 on:** January 27, 2005, 01:40:27 PM »

Jeffrey8mm,

I shoot a .308 Win in a Winchester pre 64 M70 featherweight (22" barrel) and have found that my favourite load is with 150 gr bullets. I particularly like the Winchester silvertips with the generous amount of lead exposed at the nose. For the loads I use and the customary loading caution see my post at another thread on this forum http://www.graybeardoutdoors.com/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?t=53270 .

I don't know the NEF Handi rifle nor have I hunted in the US after Whitetail (an omission I intend to rectify as soon as I get an opportunity), but there is a well know (and extremely experienced) hunting and outdoors writer here in Australia (Nick Harvey) who's favourite deer rifle for many years was a Remington Mohawk 600 in .308 Win and his pet load was 150gr Remington Core-Lock driven by 48grs Win 748.

As you'll see from my other post (see above) my pet load requires no hold over (or under) out to beyond 200 yards. This load is a good deer load (up to a good sized red deer) which out to be more than adequate for Whitetail in the US. As for pigs (or boars) the Winchester silvertips load is just dynamite on them. Only if you're hunting in heavily wooded areas would you need to got to 180gr bullets and if you do use round nose.

Magnum308