308 hunting loads
 

Hey guys my first post in the reloading section, I have always shot a 125gr ballistic tip on South Ar deer which are plentiful but small (75-130#)and have always dropped them in their tracks with a neck shot but I have switched clubs and am now hunting much larger deer 150# up and at distances up to 500yds. I took I shoulder shot at 264yds and eventually found the deer but it was obvious I need a larger bullet for long body shots. Any suggestions, I shoot a Ruger Target Model 308 with 6x18 Redfield Illuminator

RE: 308 hunting loads
 

Use 165 grain bullets for longer range shooting. They hold up a bit better beyond 250 than the 150 grainers do and hold energy/penetration levels up.

RE: 308 hunting loads
 

I agree with this. My all-round .308 Win load consists of the 165-grain Sierra HPBT loaded to 2800 FPS MV using H380 powder. For really long shots, I would switch to the 165-grain Nosler Partition, as it will expand better at the lower velocities you get at long range. Believe it or not, the 165-grain Sierra HPBT is a pretty tough bullet!

RE: 308 hunting loads
 

What do you guys think of the Federal Tactical 165 gr? It appears to be a bonded round.

RE: 308 hunting loads
 

165 gr sierra gameking is my current favorite.
I've heard a lot of good things about Berger VLD bullets for hunting and will be trying those this yeAr.

RE: 308 hunting loads
 

I have used the 150 and 165 grain noslerballistic tips with very little difference in performance. I max out my loads to produce almost 3000 fps with the 150's and they are my best shooting round yet as far as accuracy goes. I am considering going to the accubonds to test the differences. I glassed a deer at 400+ yards for a friend who shot it with the accubonds and they left a very nice hole through the chest. Any of the nosler huntingbullets in the 150 to 165 range would suit you well.