Need Help fast! Tough bullet in 165 grain range for 1:12 twist

[goon]

So my Barnes 168 grain TSX bullets arrived from Midway today...
They're really long, which got me thinking about twist rate. My FAL has twist of 1:11.9 according to the manual, which I don't think will be fast enough to reliably stabilize such a long bullet in cold temperatures (and I really need a bullet what will shoot accurately in cold temps). I don't think they are going t work for my needs. I need a replacement.

So my criteria...

The bullet needs to be tough. It may be delivered in a volley from my FAL in a desperate attempt to stop a large bear, should the be necessary.

The bullet needs to stabilize well in a 1:12 barrel. I am thinking something in the 165 grain is the best I can do, but would be open to advice from the more knowledgable guys on here if anyone has any.

It will need to be able to reliably feed in a semi-auto. I've never had a problem in this rifle with any bullet, but pointier and smoother is preferable to short and squat.

I've got two decent sized gun stores within ten miles, so there is a good chance I can get a box of most bullets without too much trouble, but lets try and keep it something common - I need something that will work this weekend.

Any advice?

 

[Certaindeaf]

Well, since tomorrow is the weekend, I'd just use some military ball.. unless you're hunting them.. but then you wouldn't be using that FAL anyway probably.
Oh wait, today's Thursday.. nevermind.. I'd still probably use ball.

 

[rcmodel]

A 1/12 .308 should stabilize the 168 TSX just fine.

Barnes reloading data makes no mention of a faster twist being necessary.
http://www.barnesbullets.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/02/308WinWeb.pdf

rc

 

[MtnCreek]

At bear defense range, I doubt it would matter how well it stabilized. Just to add a bullet, Hornady 165gr Interbond shoots great.

 

[goon]

For future reference, I will be hunting with this FAL. It's the only centerfire rifle I have and I'm moving to Alaska in less than a week. It is going to have to work for defensive uses (I am not terribly worried about this but still...) and for hunting game up to the size of a caribou if I get lucky enough to shoot one. I have to ship my guns by monday - that's why I need a suitable handload by this weekend.

How do the 165 grain Interbonds hold up? I need something with deep penetration as well as expansion.

 

[Sidewinder72]

Interbonds are about like partitions

 

[GJgo]

I bet it will stabilize, try it out. I've used that bullet a lot, and have read about guys who shoot the 208 Amax in 12 twist barrels. Just remember to go at least .050"-.075" off the lands.

 

[interlock]

the barnes will almost certianly stabalise.

the factor that makes all the difference on the bullets expansion rate is the speed that it is delivered to the target. A bullet from your 308 win landing at 2600-2700 is going to perform differently to one from even a hot 30-06 at over 3000 and much different to a magnum type load.

I shoot lots and lots of deer from the size of a muntjac (about as big as a spaniel) to a big lowland red deer (as big as your elk) i am currently using hornadys interlock. i have previously used speer hot-cor and have found both to be tough and hold together very well at reasonable velocities.

i am not sure if the cost of the barnes is proportionate to the improvements they will give....

go with what is most accurate.

i would love to hunt with an FAL. I was issued one when i was in the army it was called 256. I loved it

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Tough bullet in 165 grain range for 1:12 twist

Nosler Partition and Nosler AccuBond, both in 165gr.

 

[nastynatesfish]

My fall shot everything well. I ran mostly 155 or 165 through it. I was shooting game kings but the Barnes will work. You might look at trading or selling wotpr a 300 win mag or up. A 308 is kinda low end for bear protection.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

You might look at trading or selling wotpr a 300 win mag or up. A 308 is kinda low end for bear protection.

I'm sorry to disagree but a .308 rifle round is very powerful and a Bear is not that tough to kill. There is no reason to need a Magnum caliber to stop Bears.

When did the 30-06 and.308 Win become Varmint calibers? They, especially the 30-06, have been killing the largest game and men for 100+ years. I think many these days are using bigger calibers to make up for poor rifle skills. The larger caliber can sometimes coverup poor shot placement.

If you can hunt and kill Bears with a bow and arrow a .308 will certainly stop one. Of course you have to do your job too.

 

[goon]

You might look at trading or selling wotpr a 300 win mag or up. A 308 is kinda low end for bear protection.

No chance of that. I'm leaving soon and there is no way I'm giving up a rifle that I know and trust for an unknown rifle.
On the .300 Winchester Mag, I think if I'm going to go with something bigger than the .308 or 30 '06 I should also go bigger than .300 Win Mag. But that's for the future - right now I'll be going it with what I have.