Big horn sheep 308 load advice
- Thread starter dkmlever
- Start date
DrMike
Ballistician
- Nov 8, 2006
- 37,282
- 5,875
Congratulations on the draw. You are in for an exciting hunt. It can certainly be a rush.
A 165 or 168 grain bullet (BT or AB) will work just fine for sheep. I recently developed some loads with bullets supplied by a gentleman. 168 grain Sierras with F210M primers and RL15 (charges ranging from 40.5 grains to 43.5 grains) all produced sub-MOA groups. Though this is a match bullet, using the 165 grain GK would likely produce adequate groups. 168 grain Hornady bullets with F210M primers and Varget (42.0 grains to 44.0 grains) all produced sub-MOA groups. Nosler 168 grain Competition bullets, F210M primers and BL-C(2) (40.5 grains to 43.5 grains) all produced groups less than 0.5 inches. I produced a 0.17 inch group with 168 grain Hornady bullets, F210M primers and 41.8 grains of IMR8208XBR powder. Choosing a good bullet (Ballistic Tip or AccuBond) and starting at the minimum load before working up slowly will likely permit you to develop a good load for your rifle.
A 165 or 168 grain bullet (BT or AB) will work just fine for sheep. I recently developed some loads with bullets supplied by a gentleman. 168 grain Sierras with F210M primers and RL15 (charges ranging from 40.5 grains to 43.5 grains) all produced sub-MOA groups. Though this is a match bullet, using the 165 grain GK would likely produce adequate groups. 168 grain Hornady bullets with F210M primers and Varget (42.0 grains to 44.0 grains) all produced sub-MOA groups. Nosler 168 grain Competition bullets, F210M primers and BL-C(2) (40.5 grains to 43.5 grains) all produced groups less than 0.5 inches. I produced a 0.17 inch group with 168 grain Hornady bullets, F210M primers and 41.8 grains of IMR8208XBR powder. Choosing a good bullet (Ballistic Tip or AccuBond) and starting at the minimum load before working up slowly will likely permit you to develop a good load for your rifle.
- Nov 4, 2004
- 25,114
- 8,288
dkmlever
Congratulations on pulling a Big Horn sheep tag!
I agree with Dr Mike's recommendations. I would add the 168 gr BT, it has a BC of .490 and would really make your 308 Win shine.
JD338
Congratulations on pulling a Big Horn sheep tag!
I agree with Dr Mike's recommendations. I would add the 168 gr BT, it has a BC of .490 and would really make your 308 Win shine.
JD338
Larry D in OR
Beginner
- Nov 25, 2009
- 6
- 0
I too am planning on doing load development for 308 with a 165gr pill. IMHO the 165 is the best choice for a single load for all (big game) in this caliber. I hope others chime in, I'm interested in what the popular powders are. I have been burning up some (discontinued RL12) with really good results. I have a box of Nosler 165 BT, that I will work with after shooting up some Speer 170gr FN, those were left overs from loading for 30-30.
- Oct 30, 2004
- 24,249
- 2,948
165 Acubond would be my choice.
Alaska
Handloader
- Aug 20, 2006
- 943
- 379
I suggest the Berger VLD hunting bullet
308 Win
175gr Berger VLD Hunting
Varget @ 45.0
CCI Br2 Primers
WW Cases
One of my Favorite 308 Win loads for sheep
Reloader 12 works great with 150/155 gr bullets in the 308 Win just like Norma 202 and H322.
308 Win
175gr Berger VLD Hunting
Varget @ 45.0
CCI Br2 Primers
WW Cases
One of my Favorite 308 Win loads for sheep
Reloader 12 works great with 150/155 gr bullets in the 308 Win just like Norma 202 and H322.
