All things .308 Win

FredBear86

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Sep 10, 2019
Messages
185
I'm not a big gun guy. I have a ruger American predator 308 with the 16 inch barrel that is threaded. I'm in the process of gettin a suppressor and really wanna dial this gun in a lil more before deer season. Right now I'm shooting federal fusion factory 165 loads. They shoot fine enough to kill a deer but I'm sure I can do better. It will definitely be a sub 300 yard gun, more like sub 200 yards with most shots under 100 yards. What bullets do you guys recommend? I do have the ability to get reloads but no more than I shoot I'd be more apt to shoot factory ammo. I'd like something that penetrates well, that's got some knockdown power, but also can make decent blood trails because it can be thick here where I hunt.
 
Joined
Mar 13, 2024
Messages
597
Location
Missoula, MT
I'm not a big gun guy. I have a ruger American predator 308 with the 16 inch barrel that is threaded. I'm in the process of gettin a suppressor and really wanna dial this gun in a lil more before deer season. Right now I'm shooting federal fusion factory 165 loads. They shoot fine enough to kill a deer but I'm sure I can do better. It will definitely be a sub 300 yard gun, more like sub 200 yards with most shots under 100 yards. What bullets do you guys recommend? I do have the ability to get reloads but no more than I shoot I'd be more apt to shoot factory ammo. I'd like something that penetrates well, that's got some knockdown power, but also can make decent blood trails because it can be thick here where I hunt.
Try this instead.
 
Joined
Oct 14, 2023
Messages
1,672
Location
Houston (adjacent) TX
I'm not a big gun guy. I have a ruger American predator 308 with the 16 inch barrel that is threaded. I'm in the process of gettin a suppressor and really wanna dial this gun in a lil more before deer season. Right now I'm shooting federal fusion factory 165 loads. They shoot fine enough to kill a deer but I'm sure I can do better. It will definitely be a sub 300 yard gun, more like sub 200 yards with most shots under 100 yards. What bullets do you guys recommend? I do have the ability to get reloads but no more than I shoot I'd be more apt to shoot factory ammo. I'd like something that penetrates well, that's got some knockdown power, but also can make decent blood trails because it can be thick here where I hunt.
Hornady Interlock bullets are another great option for a 300ish and in gun. 150-165grains
 
Last edited:
Joined
Oct 3, 2017
Messages
1,169
Location
Too far east
My Tikka .308 loves TTSX 168g out of the box. No reason to hand load. But I find copper needs more speed. I need to get range time with lighter copper loads.
 

peterk123

WKR
Joined
Sep 7, 2020
Messages
472
Location
Montana
If I wasn't addicted to guns and cartridges. I'd be fine with a .22, 308 or 30-06, and a 12 ga.
That is exactly what I have with one addition. An AR15 for yotes. But the 308 is my everyday hunting gun. I use 168 grain bullets and imr4895. I love varget though. It's the most accurate powder for my 223 rounds. It is likely a great substitute for imr4895 as well.
 
Joined
Dec 28, 2019
Messages
2,150
Indeed. Seems like the 130 is the ticket for the .308. The 168 will certainly kill game, but is very range limited, as is the 150.

I love the 130 TTSX in my 308. MV of 3098, but that bullet rapidly loses speed because of the very low BC. The 168 ELDM and 178 ELDX are much, much better long range options.

The 130 TTSX is the point and shoot option if shot opportunities are 300 max.
 
Joined
Oct 3, 2017
Messages
1,169
Location
Too far east
I love the 130 TTSX in my 308. MV of 3098, but that bullet rapidly loses speed because of the very low BC. The 168 ELDM and 178 ELDX are much, much better long range options.

The 130 TTSX is the point and shoot option if shot opportunities are 300 max.

I also have a 6.5CM. and I find speed kills. The .308 may be fatter, but the 6.5CM just knocks down big game. Vortex has a video 6.5 vs .308. It's on youtube. 6.5 kills better. I also hunted with a .270, and that just kills too. I believe it's about speed.
 
Joined
Mar 13, 2024
Messages
597
Location
Missoula, MT
I also have a 6.5CM. and I find speed kills. The .308 may be fatter, but the 6.5CM just knocks down big game. Vortex has a video 6.5 vs .308. It's on youtube. 6.5 kills better. I also hunted with a .270, and that just kills too. I believe it's about speed.
That’s nice. I heard the 6.5CM thread was looking for you.
 
Joined
May 16, 2021
Messages
1,556
Location
North Texas
I also have a 6.5CM. and I find speed kills. The .308 may be fatter, but the 6.5CM just knocks down big game. Vortex has a video 6.5 vs .308. It's on youtube. 6.5 kills better. I also hunted with a .270, and that just kills too. I believe it's about speed.

While I agree that speed kills, generally the 6.5CM and .308 run very similar velocities in their respective weight class of bullets.


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JAC8504

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Nov 1, 2021
Messages
259
I also have a 6.5CM. and I find speed kills. The .308 may be fatter, but the 6.5CM just knocks down big game. Vortex has a video 6.5 vs .308. It's on youtube. 6.5 kills better. I also hunted with a .270, and that just kills too. I believe it's about speed.
I can’t wait to hear your excitement when you discover Weatherby
 
Joined
Dec 28, 2019
Messages
2,150
I also have a 6.5CM. and I find speed kills. The .308 may be fatter, but the 6.5CM just knocks down big game. Vortex has a video 6.5 vs .308. It's on youtube. 6.5 kills better. I also hunted with a .270, and that just kills too. I believe it's about speed.

6.5 CM 143 ELDX is about 2600-2700 FPS

165 .30 cal hunting bullet is about 2600-2700 FPS

They are the same velocity at the muzzle. The higher BC 6.5 CM bullet will catch and surpass the 308 bullet in drop about the 500 yard mark and will have a higher sectional density.

6.5 CM has less recoil, wind drift and velocity beyond typical hunting ranges. Otherwise, the 308 is right there with it.
 

D Lee

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Jan 4, 2014
Messages
105
Just 1 man's vote based on personal Deer hunting experience. Owning 2 extremely accurate rifles...both .308 Winchester. One a 20", the other 24". Bullet of choice: Sierra 168 gr TMK over Varget. One hole (.25 moa) accuracy (5 shot groups @ 100 yards) + DRT. Can't ask for more than that. Accuracy & terminal ballistics.
 
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