Need Help w/.308 round

MD Piney · 10-25-2005, 07:59 PM

Hey Guys,

I know this isn't exactly a reload question, but I figured the bullet/round experts are on the Reloading segment so here it goes...

Heading up to Maine in a few weeks to hunt whitetail. Plan on using a .308 Rem 760 Gamemaster pump that was passed on to me by my father-in-law and would like some advise on round selection. Up until now I've been shooting 150 grain Remington Express Core-Lokt PSP at the range just to have some fun shooting the rifle. Not sure this is the best round for this caliber while stalking/stand hunting up in Maine. This will be my first time rifle hunting - up untilthis season I've used shotgun for whitetails. I've been told that the Federal Nosler in 180 grain and Barnes TSX in 165would be a good selection... any thoughts on that?

Any assistanceon this topic would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Scott

handloader1 · 10-25-2005, 10:36 PM

The Rem Core Lokt will do a good job for you; the Nosler Partitions will do an excellent job. The Barnes will also do a great job for you. I would go with the Nosler Partitions, so you will get the best of both worlds on deer. Good luck.

mainehunt · 10-26-2005, 10:39 AM

Here in Maine, many of my friends and myself use .308's to hunt deer with. We all use 150 grain bullets. I feel that anything heavier is a waste of energy. We mostly get all pass-throughs with the 150's. Some use the Rem. core-locks that you mentioned, while the rest of us use the Winchester CXP-2"'s. The bullets that I've seen that didn't pass-through were mushroomed out well.

Kev

Superpig · 10-26-2005, 11:11 AM

There is no need for you to change anything. The Remington Core-Lokt has taken more deer than any other bullet. If your gun shoots well with the 150's I would change a thing. I hunted for several years with a Winchester model 100 in 308. All I used was 150 gr. Core-Lokt's and I've never had a deer get away with them. As always shot placement is critical as it is with any bullet.

wjsmall97 · 10-26-2005, 11:12 AM

MD,when & where are you going in Me. I will be going up to Howland,Me. on 11-11 - 11-20.
Bill

MD Piney · 10-26-2005, 08:21 PM

Never had a problem shooting the 150 grainCore-Lokts. Didn't know if 150 grains would be an issue or not. Doesn't appear to be the case.

Appreciate the feedback on this topic!

Bill, planis to bein Maine 10-20 November... central Maine. I'm filling a last minuteempty spotso still learningspecifics.The one thing I know for sure is I'm looking forward toit! Good luck on your hunt!

eldeguello · 10-27-2005, 08:57 AM

There is certainly NO NEED for a premium bullet to shoot whitetail deer. There is certainly no need for any bullet heavier than 150 grains for them, either. Use the same load you have been shooting. It will work as well as anything in the .308!

wjsmall97 · 10-28-2005, 10:46 AM

MD,looks like you will beat me up there by a day.That is typically a good week for the big boys to be chasing the does, and a full moon so they can show up at any time during the day.
Good Luck Bill