308Win for Lope/M Deer

[Gunner46]

I'm working on developing a load, for Lope & M Deer, with my 308Win. This is going to be my back up rifle only, just in case something malfunctions on my 7mm/08.

Now, please read this carefully. I am only interested in advice on the 125gr Nosler and 150 Nosler (BT or AB). I'm not even considering anything else, nor will I. In other words, No Mono's.

I can make either one match my 7mm-08 in trajectory, if I launch it at X speed, but what about on-game? Meat damage? And trust me, I'm not going to try anything past 400 yds, even under the best of conditions.

 

[Thebear_78]

Id go with the 125gr nosler


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[SJB358]

Id go with the 125gr nosler


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I'd use any of them. 125/150 BT with RL15/Varget will get it all done.

 

[Gunner46]

I have RL-15, and 4064, but I was thinking Varget.

 

[BretN]

I have never tried RL-15 in my 308's, but they both shoot Varget and IMR 4064 well. In fact, my Tikka actually shoots the 4064 a little better.

I'm currently developing a reduced 308 125 gr load for my daughter w/ 125 gr. Sierra PH bullets. So far, the 125's are very nice to shoot, especially those starting or reduced loads. Completely different goal than yours, but I'm also going to try full speed loads just to see how they do. But I wouldn't hesitate using them on deer or antelope. Good luck with your development and hunt.

 

[Gunner46]

Bret, You might want to consider getting a pound of RL-15, just to play with. It's one of my three 'Try 1st' powder's in a 308 based cartridge. (RL-15, Varget, 4064)

It has never clued in on me as to why the same rifle will shoot dime sized groups with one powder & X bullet weight, then softball sized groups, if I change any other component.

All's I know's is, if the $&it fits, wear it !

(RL-19, for the 7mm-08 & 140's, negates all previous statements )

I'm just trying to figure out which bullet won't mess up excess meat, 'Lope's aren't that big to start with. I know either one is going to do the job, if I do.

 

[JD338]

RL15, IMR4064 and Varget are all good choices for either the 125 gr or 150 gr bullets. In addition, look at IMR4895 and TAC powders. I would go with the 150 gr BT for its higher BC value.

JD338

 

[Anonymous]

I'd use either of them. The new BTs for big game are considerable tougher than the ones I used years ago.

I personally love the AccuBond, but don't really see the advantage in a .308 on game as light as mule deer and antelope. At the mild speeds the .308 generates, the bonding really won't do much except at point blank range and maybe not even much then.

I've always been a fan of the 150gr in my .308s but I've not experimented much with the lighter stuff. Several good powders in the .308.... I'd start with RL15 and go from there.

 

[hunting1]

45-grs of Varget and 125 NBT = MOA and dead antelope.



This is the norm with all 4-ea of my .308's....

 

[Gunner46]

Thanks H1. The smile on that young man just made my day !

 

[Atkinson]

Either bullet will work. but I personally would opt for the 150 gr. AB myself, you never know when you might have the need or a going away shot, and that requires more penetration than the 125 tends to have if bone is encountered. The 125 is impressive on picture book broadside shots, not so hot on angle shots. My grandson used the 125 when he was smaller because of recoil, but I only allowed him standing broadside shots at 100 yards or closer..The bullet exihibited over expansion and borderline penetration.

I use my Savage 99F, in .308 Win cal. when hunting Mule deer and elk horseback. Ive shot enough of both with it to say I can't tell any difference in it and my 30-06 with the same bullet..I shoot either the 150 acc. bond, or the 180 Partition, depending on the terrain I'm hunting...My favorite powder is WW-748, with IMR 4064, RL-15, a distant second..

 

[BretN]

Thanks for the tip on RL15. I'll have to try it next time I see it. Shot some more 125 PH Ioads. They are a lot more fun to shoot than full snoose 165 gr 06 loads I was also shooting. Managed a .70" group in the new Rem 783, which is the best from this gun so far.

 

[Gunner46]

Bret, here is why I suggested it. Shooting a 308 Win and a 7mm/08. This shows what I was referring to about component changes.

308 (carbine), 180 BT, 4064, 7/8" groups. It started with 4"-5" and took me forever to get it there. Nothing else would do 2". Not 150's, not 165, not Varget, not RL-15.

7mm/08, 120 Barnes TX, Rl-15, 3/4". Varget and 4064 were all above 1 1/2"

7mm/08, 150 BT, again 4064, around 3/4"

7mm/08, 140 BT/AB, Varget 5/8", but under 2800fps

7mm/08, RL-19, 3/8"-1/2", and barking at 2900fps !!

New 308, 125BT, Varget, already under 3/4", at 1st range test, no tweeking.

Each load claims it's own so it seems.

 

[Guy Miner]

Yes, a few years ago I started working on a light-recoiling load for my friend Dani, and her very light weight .308 Win hunting rifle.

Tried the 125 gr Ballistic Tip and Varget... Wow! Excellent results on target and in the field. Accuracy and velocity were both great.

Was just as good with RL-15 though.

I remain stuck on my 165's with the .308, they are just so predictable, and do everything I want to do with a .308 Win.

Regards, Guy

 

[baltz526]

125gr Ballistic tip are impressive in the 308. The load my rifle like is 51.5gr W748 in Winchester brass, fed210 primers. Varget was a close second.

 

[BretN]

I'll have to try some RL15. I'm currently looking for RL19, as that turns out to be the best powder for my 280 with 140 gr ABs. Now I'm almost out. But that gun also shoots 140 Sierra PH well with IMR 4350, so I'll manage OK.

Really wish my new 308 had been offered in 7-08. There's really nothing the 280 does that the 7-08 can't do at any normal hunting distance. You are getting practically the same fps as I get with mine.

 

[BretN]

Cabela's has Nosler products at either 20 or 25% off. Just picked up some 125 gr BTs for $15.74. Maybe not quite pro shop prices, but not bad. We'll see how these shoot out of my two 308s

 

[Guy Miner]

Cool. Good luck with them. I'm certainly impressed with both their accuracy and their lethality on deer. Admittedly though, I have seen only one deer shot by the 125 gr Nosler Ballistic Tip. Instant drop.

Regards, Guy