180 SST vs 180 GMK for deer and hog

[.308 garand]

I am looking to load some hunting ammo for my .308. I am currently loading 175smk but need something better suited for hunting. My rifle (Savage 10fp) really prefers the heavy stuff so I am looking for something around the 180gr weight. The SST and the Gameking both have very similar ballistics to the 175smk so that is a plus. Has anyone had any hunting experience with either or both?

Thanks,
.308

 

[Shawnee]

I've used both the SST and the Gamekings in .243s, and .25/06s and the Gamekings in 7mm/08 - excellent performance in every one of 'em.
However - I haven't used either in any .30 caliber.

 

[texastony]

Never used 180 SST in my .308, but the 150 SST @ 3000 fps smacks texas whitetails like the hammer of God.

Never used the gamekings, but heard their good.

 

[longrifleman]

I have very good luck with 180 gr Gamekings out of my Rem 700 .30-06. 180 is plenty heavy for whitetails, but like yours, my rifle likes them better.

 

[.308 garand]

Shawnee,

How did the accuracy of the 2 compare?

.308

 

[Shawnee]

They were actually pretty close.

The SST had a clear advantage in the .243 (at least five different rifles - 4 Rugers and a Remmie 700 VLS) but they were about even from the 25/06 (only two different rifles - a Ruger #1 and Browning A-bolt). The 7mm/08 (two rifles - a Remmie 700 CDL and a Ruger 77) did great with the Gamekings. Fact is, all three calibers did darned well with both bullets although no deer or hogs were shot with the Ruger 77 7mm/08. I'm not sure about the Ruger 77 7mm/08 but all the other rifles have shot sub-MOA with hunting loads.
Since I posted before I called an amigo to see what he loads and he says he handloads nothing but Gamekings for the two .270s he and his wife hunt Mulies with. He swears they haven't had a Mulie make it 40yds. in the passed 15 years.

I think it would be well worth it for you to try both in your particular rifle but I'll bet Art Eatman's next paycheck you'll find out you have two really good bullets to choose from.

HTH

 

[.308 garand]

Thanks for all the help. I think I have decided to give the SSTs a try.

.308