So I'm trying to find some data for some 200 grain bullets for my Ruger M77 in .308. I believe my twist rate is 1/10, this M77 was manufactured in 68' so not sure. Is it recommended for this heavy a bullet or larger? And if you guys have any load data for this particular round that would be great, not sure what powder would be best either, I was thinking Varget.
200 grain bullets in my Ruger .308
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Art Eatman
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Bullet technology has improved in the last twenty or so years such that for hunting, the 180s work as well as the 200s and 220s of yesteryear. Well, a very high percentage of the time, anyway.
From what I've read, target shooters seem to stay in the 172-grain area, or go on up to 230-grain VLDs. I'm no expert on that, though.
FWIW, I've excellent accuracy with 180s in 1:10 '06. Sierra 180, SPBT.
From what I've read, target shooters seem to stay in the 172-grain area, or go on up to 230-grain VLDs. I'm no expert on that, though.
FWIW, I've excellent accuracy with 180s in 1:10 '06. Sierra 180, SPBT.
rcmodel
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Jim Watson
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There is a trend towards heavier bullets for long range shooting, even in .308.
A friend was getting 2500+ fps with 208 gr AMax in his match .308 last Saturday.
No doubt his loads were stout.
The gun will handle it, if you can.
A friend was getting 2500+ fps with 208 gr AMax in his match .308 last Saturday.
No doubt his loads were stout.
The gun will handle it, if you can.
You can find some data here.
http://hodgdon.com/basic-manual-inquiry.html
I can only think of 2 reasons for a bullet that heavy in a 308. Long range target shooters really like the BC of those heavier bullets. Or a 200 gr Partition for Grizzly. You should be able to get 2500 fps or so based on what I saw in the above link, but you'd probably need a 26"-30" barrel to do it. I'd guess 2400 fps would be about the best you'll ever do with a 22" gun.
While it is feasable, and the 1:10 twist is fine, I don't really see the need for anything over 180 in a 308 for hunting. In fact a Barnes TTSX 150 from a 308 will out penetrate a standard 180 gr bullet.
http://hodgdon.com/basic-manual-inquiry.html
I can only think of 2 reasons for a bullet that heavy in a 308. Long range target shooters really like the BC of those heavier bullets. Or a 200 gr Partition for Grizzly. You should be able to get 2500 fps or so based on what I saw in the above link, but you'd probably need a 26"-30" barrel to do it. I'd guess 2400 fps would be about the best you'll ever do with a 22" gun.
While it is feasable, and the 1:10 twist is fine, I don't really see the need for anything over 180 in a 308 for hunting. In fact a Barnes TTSX 150 from a 308 will out penetrate a standard 180 gr bullet.
Jasper1573
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If you have the Lyman 49th edition Reloading Manual, it has data for Sierra HPBT 200 grain bullets in the 308 Winchester section. Even with a max load of IMR 4064 or Varget and a BC of .565, you will get about 2500 fps and approximately the same trajectory (within a few inches) and ballistic performance at 500 yards as a Sierra HPBT 175 grain bullet with a BC of .496 at 2600 fps.
I too have considered loading 200 grain bullets, but to me there is really no considerable advantage for long range target shooting or hunting, unless maybe you are shooting large game like a bull elk; then maybe the additional 25 grains of bullet weight might be of some use?
I too have considered loading 200 grain bullets, but to me there is really no considerable advantage for long range target shooting or hunting, unless maybe you are shooting large game like a bull elk; then maybe the additional 25 grains of bullet weight might be of some use?
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