I take it from some of your responses that you haven' t hunted much in thick Maine cedar swamps. Maine and New Hampshire is arguably one of the toughest places to hunt whitetails. The definition of a clear shot is quite different in the Maine woods than it would be hunting agricultural areas. If you spend 4 weeks hunting and never see a buck, then on the last day you see a bruiser standing broadside but with a twig in the way.......guaranteed you will take the shot!

I personally find the heavier bullets perform better in these close range, thick woods situations. I' m not saying I' m right, it' s just what I have observed from experience. Some guns don' t like the heavier grains though, which is why it' s best to try out different bullets to see which is best suited to your particular gun.

Pluto' s right about practicing your off-hand shooting. Practice is invaluable for making a quick shot count!

P.S.> handloader - Remington makes round nosed bullets in 180 gr. for .30-06, which is what I use, not sure if they make the same for .308 or not.