308 Win 125 NAB Deer Load Suggestions

EastTNHunter · Feb 22, 2018

I traded into a decent little Savage 10 Youth and would like to develop some loads for my kids to use with 125 NABs. I’d like to stick with powder that I already have, and the Nosler load data says that the below would work. I don’t need to “reduce” them much due to the light bullet, but also don’t need blistering speeds. Any experience?

AA2460
RL7
I4350
H and I 4895

And before anyone suggests it, I don’t have any Varget, but may be able to borrow some RL15 for development. I’d really like to stick to what I already have for this, though.

Elkman · Feb 22, 2018

4895 would be my choice, as I have it on the shelf.

Bbear · Feb 22, 2018

I'd second the 4895 choice. Maybe IMR4350 for another.

TackDriver284 · Feb 22, 2018

H4895 is a great powder, like the others mentioned above is great as well.

Gunner46 · Feb 22, 2018

The only load I have any experience with, in this combo, is Varget, sorry.

I went on a WY antelope hunt a couple years ago and wanted to take my brand new Ruger RA 308 as backup. One trip to the range, with only 3 different charges of Varget (time crunch) and I found a perfectly good 'huntable' load, just that fast!

But, if you can get your hands on some RL-15 I'd start there first, then go to IMR 4895.

Good Luck.

BretN · Feb 22, 2018

IMR4895 shot really well in one of my 308's when I was developing loads for the 125gr BT and the 125gr Sierra PH. I wouldn't overlook those bullets either given your velocity from the 308 will be around 3000 fps. I haven't tested mine on game yet, but I wouldn't hesitate to use either bullet based on others reports of them.

I developed my loads for my daughters, hoping they would hunt but that is not the case. Try just starting loads first listed in the manuals. Those 125's are great to shoot from the 308 and I found them to be very accurate even with just that. You might not need to reduce it more than that.

Guy Miner · Feb 22, 2018

My friend Dani took a fat whitetail buck at about 120 yards with her 308 Win, using the 125 gr Nosler Ballistic Tip. She made a high shoulder shot that dropped the buck instantly. We found the bullet flattened out, just under the off-side hide, after it had broken both shoulder blades. The Ballistic Tip worked great, and I suspect your AccuBond would work just as well or better.

I loaded her ammo, using Varget for about 3,000 fps. Here's a link to the hunt/bullet report:

viewtopic.php?f=50&t=26561

BTW, there's some great input in that link from another member here, 1shot, who has taken over 50 deer with 125 gr bullets from his 308's. He's using 4895. I relied on his input before recommending the 125 for Dani's deer hunt.

I've also loaded that bullet with RL-15, with excellent accuracy & velocity, and see no reason why either of your 4895 powders wouldn't work well. The 308 Win is eager to please and almost sure to be accurate with any number of different powders.

Enjoy!

Guy

EastTNHunter · Feb 22, 2018

Thank you for the input. My older daughter has been using the 125 NAB in a M70 30-06 at about 3000fps, so I feel really good about this bullet. I was leaning toward 4895, but have actually had really good success with lighter bullets in reduced loads for .270 Win with RL7.

Nannyhammer · Feb 22, 2018

Haven't tried those powders but I would think one of the 4895's would work. I use the same bullet with W748 and get about 2925fps in my two Model Sevens.

Guy Miner · Feb 22, 2018

Give both 4895 and RL-7 a try then.

It's tough to make the 308 shoot poorly. :grin:

Guy

fremont · Feb 22, 2018

H322 has worked for me, too.

5shot · Feb 22, 2018

My daughter used a starting load of IMR 4895 in 300 Savage, and her doe never took a step.

andrewctillman · Feb 22, 2018

I use max load of W748 and get over 3100 fps bug hole groups in 20 inch Reminton 40 x.
Bullet retains 70 percent even at point blank range.

EastTNHunter · Feb 23, 2018

Low and behold, I have some RL15.

1Shot · Feb 23, 2018

I shoot the 125 Ballistic Tip with (work up to it) 46 grs IMR 4895 Winchester case CCIBR2 primer in my 21 1/2" Heart barrel 308 Win and it shoots bug holes and does 3000 fps. Half the felt recoil of 150 gr factory loads. It SMOKES deer out to a little over 300 yards so far. This should work with the AccuBond but for deer unless they are monsters the Ballistic Tip may work better. I have turned a bunch of people on to this load and it shoots lights out in every 308 Win rifle they have tried it in, even AR10s.

I have not shot slower loads in 308 Win but I do use the 125 BT in a 30x47 cal. rifle at 2850 fps and a T/C Contender pistol 14" barrel 30-30AI at 2670 fps. I have not shot any deer over 200 yards with either but have killed a bunch under 200 yards and this bullet works perfectly at these velocities. Out of the 30-30AI pistol I always have complete penetration through both shoulders on deer and 99% of them drop in their tracks.