bullets and loads in .308 for deer

[sbwaters]

Just got my first .308. A Ruger American. This is fun!

Picked up some Hornady 150 gr SP Interlock and some Hornady 165 gr SST because they were available.

Your thoughts for bullets and powder for whitetail deer loads?

Thnx!

 

[astocks2622]

Either of those bullets will work well, keep the sst's off the shoulder, they're a bit fragile. If you tuck one just behind the shoulder, they work great. The Nosler Accubonds are great bullets too, but more than you "need" for deer. Lots of good powders.

Sent from my MotoG3 using Tapatalk

 

[Grumulkin]

For bullets use any made out of lead and/or copper that shoot well in your gun.

 

[sbwaters]

keep the sst's off the shoulder

I probably should know what that means, but I don't. Little help?

 

[rodregier]

Lot of good powder choices for .308 Win.

I like Varget / H4895 / N140 with those bullet weights.

 

[rodregier]

"Shoulder" reference is aiming point on the game animal.
Shooting thru the bones on the shoulder requires a moderately stout construction projectile to ensure it passes thru successfully. The Hornady SST is a little delicate for that usage.

 

[Double Naught Spy]

"Shoulder" is probably a bit too generic. "Shoulder" is inclusive of the humerus, scapula, clavicle (where applicable) and all associated musculature. The SST can go through the shoulder blades and ribs on both sides and exit just fine. Probably what might have been better to suggest is to not hit the heavier humerus, or upper arm bone.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

IMR4064 is what I would use. Many reloaders like Varget too. AA4064 is very similar to the IMR variant. Most quality bullets will shoot well in the .308.

 

[sbwaters]

Thanks for the info on the SST and the shoulder.

Perhaps, since I will likely be in the woods at 50-100 yds, the Sierra .308 150 gr. RN might be a good choice.

. . . these bullets are highly recommended when good expansion and deep penetration in medium and heavy game are required at short to medium ranges.

 

[judgedelta]

If you're looking at Sierra, the Sierra 165 Gameking HPBT is great on deer. Leaves a bloodtrail Ray Charles could follow.

 

[351 WINCHESTER]

If you want something that is pure poison, and will work just fine at reduced velocity try some ancient .30-30 bullets.

 

[LeonCarr]

The 150 Grain Nosler Ballistic Tip has been very effective for me in the .308 since the early 90s.

Sub-MOA accurate with excellent terminal performance on deer and hogs. About 90% of the 100-150 animals I have shot with that load were DRT.

Just my .02,
LeonCarr

 

[GooseGestapo]

The Hornady 150 Interloks are superlative.
Avoiding the shoulder with the SST's means heart-lung shots. Bone hits with the SST's generally means extreame damage and meat loss.

I use the 150's with a "pedestrian" load of H4895 in a 24" bbl '06. It's "only" 2,850fps and an infallible deer slayer. Shoots under moa from my Colt Lt. Rifle.

 

[ericuda]

Remington core-lokt is one of best bullets around for price but never available anymore.