.308 deer load

R-15 is another good powder.

It would be Varget or IMR 3031. Maybe to be different, I will recommend IMR 3031, in this case, that powder provides excellent accuracy and decent velocity.

My testing was with the old, Lincoln Log IMR 3031, and with 150 grain FMJ's. But still, the loads shot well.

Ruger M77 MKII
26 " Barrel 1:10 twist


148 gr IMI FMJBT 41.0 grs IMR 3031 wtd Lot 385 Mixed LC WLR OAL LT 2.800, set to cannelure
30 April 2008 T = 62 °F

Ave Vel = 2697
Std Dev = 29
ES = 105
High = 2743
Low = 2638
N = 10

150 gr Hornady FMJBT 40.0 grs IMR 3031 wtd Lot 385 Mixed LC WLR OAL 2.785
30 April 2008 T = 62 °F

Ave Vel = 2676
Std Dev = 21
ES = 61
High = 2705
Low = 2644
N = 10

150 gr Hornady FMJBT 41.0 grs IMR 3031 wtd Lot 385 Mixed LC WLR OAL 2.785
30 April 2008 T = 65 °F

Ave Vel = 2718
Std Dev = 54
ES = 157
High = 2780
Low = 2623
N = 10

Outstanding accuracy

IMR3031... particularly with the 150grn boolit.

Isn't benchmark the replacement for 3031 and light bullets in the 308?

Bfh_auto said:

Isn't benchmark the replacement for 3031 and light bullets in the 308?

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Not sure it’s a replacement for 3031 but it’s certainly a faster powder in the .308 spectrum and best suited for bullets on the lighter side

I have a load for 110 VMAXs using Benchmark that was a laser in my 1:12 twist barrel

I went with benchmark for mine. If I recall 42.5 gr. Not in front of my notes at the moment. I know its accurate.

I have been well served with a 150 Nosler Ballistic Tip & Varget.

The ph Sierra is a good bullet i bet it would shoot well with any powder. I have had some bad results with 150s in 308 and up, so I don't use them anymore.

I like 165 Sierra gameking hp with imr 4895, 43 grains with lc brass. Don't know if the fps but it's one hole at 100 with my 308 mili spec.

I haven't reloaded for 308 in a number of years, but always used imr 4064 for 150 - 180 gr bullets.

I use Varget with a 150 gr. Interlock, and save my Benchmark for my 55 gr. 223,s.

Varget and partitions.

troy fairweather said:

The ph Sierra is a good bullet i bet it would shoot well with any powder..

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I worked up a load for my .30-06 using a 180g ProHunter and hunted with it two years ago. It got the job done, but countless other combos would also


We probably overthink these things, but that’s why we reload, right?

For deer? Bubba's 150 grs cup-n-core and 1 grain less than max of whichever powder you have in hand will get you minute o' deer and something in the freezer. Good luck.

Whatever shoots best. Make up five or ten of each and try 'em out off the bench. Add some 4895 (H or IMR) in there too. 150, 165, 180 - nothing on the receiving end will know the difference - it will be hard to go too far wrong. Are you out West taking 300+ yard shots, or in the PA woods where 75 yards between the trees will be about the longest?

Nature Boy said:

I worked up a load for my .30-06 using a 180g ProHunter and hunted with it two years ago. It got the job done, but countless other combos would also

View attachment 867137
We probably overthink these things, but that’s why we reload, right?

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Why can’t I find a big buck out in an open field ( during deer season) lol

You'll also find BLC2 will measure easier than the stick powders, and also gives good performance.

South Prairie Jim said:

Why can’t I find a big buck out in an open field ( during deer season) lol

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Because they don't get big being in the field during shooting hours

I have had very good results with 150gr AccuBond and Varget. I use this load for deer and elk. It is very consistent whether shooting from my pre-64 model 70 or from my AR frame Noreen BN308. I believe that the Varget gives a consistent round regardless of the temps. Weather can be very warm during early mule deer and very cold for late elk.
However, find what you like. One of the fun parts of reloading for me, is taking the time to find what works in my rifles.

150 SST, 43.5 Varget, WW brass, WW primers - as accurate as I can shoot out of my Winchester EW. I have taken many of the Big Five on the Dark Continent with this combo; I recall one shot thru an elephant, then a rhino and then a old male lion that had lined up for me - the recovered SST could have been reloaded again. Then I sat around the camp fire with Clark Gable, John Wayne and Stewart Granger drinking bourbon as the camp help processed my game.
I know that it sounds like I made up this story but, I assure you the the load I quoted works great for deer.

Bfh_auto said:

Because they don't get big being in the field during shooting hours

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Bill found one....

My Deer load is that same bullet over a charge of IMR 4064. I use LC Match brass and CCI primers. I have used FC, RP, WW and Lapua brass. I've also used Varget, 4895, 3031, 748, BL-C2 and RL-15 for the powder. They all have the potential to work really well.

I have a couple of loads that are accurate but I don’t really like the report or the kick. How’s the 4064 (H or IMR) for recoil with maybe a 165gr ?

I have used 3031 in .308 with 150s. I still havent found anything better than IMR 4064.

I dont know why but I prefer 165 game King soft points. Over 4064.

I used Benchmark in .223 and really liked it. Clean burning and good metering. I don't know how it would perform with the 150s.