.280 and .308 reloading what bullets

seastrike · 01-26-2010, 03:43 PM

I hunt with a guy who is retired, and is always looking for some offseason projects. He is a big reloader and wants fix me up with some reloads for next year. rounds are for deer only

Rifle 1 is an A-bolt .280 about 15 or so years old, rifle # 2 is a ruger m77 .308 probably at least 30 years old

I have always shot 20 dollar boxes of core locks and never had a problem. So i am hesitant to change

I generally hunt where long shots are an option so i am thinking 130 grain for the 280 and 140 or 150 for the .308/ what is yalls opinion on the bullet weight and what type bullet should i have him get.

seastrike · 01-26-2010, 03:45 PM

sorry, guess i should have put this in the reloading section!!

ajstrider · 01-26-2010, 05:31 PM

As far as deer hunting goes, I really like the Nosler Accubond bullets. They are a nice sleek profile for longer shots, but are bonded and will hold up great for close shots. I would step up the weight a little bit if longer shots are involved, that way the bullet still carries a little bit more energy out there at the longer range. I think the sectional density of 165 grain .308 bullets is perfect for deer.

sns21 · 01-26-2010, 05:49 PM

You can still load the cor-lokt bullet in your hand loads as well. Those bullets have killed a ton of deer over the years. A better bullet for longer shots may be the Hornady SST, Sierra Gameking, or Nosler Ballistic Tips. I would go with 140 grain bullets for the 280 and 150's for the 308. Deer are not extremely tough animals, so these bullets will put them down if you do your part on shot placement. I'm partial to the Hornady's myself, but have used all to kill deer before.

Pygmy · 01-27-2010, 06:22 AM

My pet load for my .280 features the Nosler 140 grain ballistic tip... The bullet is very accurate in my rifle and has excellent long range form...I've taken pronghorns, mule deer, caribou and a bunch of whitetails with this bullet and it has always done the job, from 20 yards to 400 yards..

That said, there are many excellent deer bullets out there.. No need to buy super expensive premium bullets for deer... Choose any 130-150 grain bullet for the .280, and any 150-165 grain bullet in the .308 that groups well in your rifles, and you'll be fine..

BarnesX.308 · 01-27-2010, 09:18 AM

I would go with the Barnes TSX in 140gr for the 280 and 150gr for the 308.

We use these bullets with great success. Although our 280 is actually a 7mm Rem Mag.