Optimal .308 Win Mule Deer load

[Steve O]

To get back to the question, I load my .308 Win with 155gr Lapua Scenar L, over as much Varget as it takes to get to 2900-2950fps. Same load gets 2900 in my 20" barrel and 2950ish in my 23" barrel. I have not killed any critters past 500 yards with this load, but it has the velocity to go to 700.

The 155 or 168 TMK, and Hornady 168 ELD-M would be worth looking at as well, IMO. I'd try Accurate 2520, 4064 or Ramshot Big Game with the heavier bullets. I know some like the heavier Berger bullets like the Juggernaut in the .308, but I never tried them. The above was suggested and worked, so I never changed.

Jeremy

Thank you.

 

[antlerz]

175tmk above 2650 is pretty shootable and effective. Varget gets you there.

 

[N2TRKYS]

Do you have the G1 BC number in as G7? I could see a .480 G7 producing that result.

I had the g7.

 

[eric1115]

I had the g7.

What is the value you entered for the G7 BC?

 

[N2TRKYS]

What is the value you entered for the G7 BC?

I didn’t enter anything, but I think it stayed at the g1 number.

 

[eric1115]

That bullet doesn't have a G7 number published that I can find, but it would probably be between .230 and .250. If you have a .480ish number for a G7 BC that would be way off. You need to have G1 selected to use that number.

 

[TradLife406]

I've shot a ton of deer with my 308. I really like the 150 Barnes loads or the Nosler Accubonds.
I don't shoot the rifle for long range as the 308 falls out of the sky past 52 yards. But I did make a great one shot kill on a mulie buck at 425 a few years back. That was with the Nosler.

It's like the little round that can. It's horrible on speed and it casts an arc like a 45/70 but got dang it puts deer down quicker than my 270 Wby and even the 6.5 PRC. I just keep it inside 300.

 

[4th_point]

I’ve recently picked up a beautiful little 308 Win and was wondering if anyone had figured something similar, wringing out the absolute best blend of velocity and trajectory out of the .308 Winchester before I get started reloading for it.

I don't know about optimal or best, but I made a load for my kids' 16" .308 using the 150 BDII with 0.515 G1 at 2700+.

Killed one buck mule deer at just under 500 yards. Bullet worked fine but will be exploring other options.

 

[Rich M]

308 - use a 150 or 165 gr bullet. Kill mule deer.

Dont think, just do. Stop reading the stuff influencers put out to make money. They need to create excitement or get an 8-5 job.

You can get a 150 going 2800-2900 fps and it will be great.

I shoot 150 sierra pro hunters at 2900 fps out of my 3006 and deer just crumple when hit.

 

[jjohnsonElknewbie]

The factory Hornady white and red box match 168 ELDM shoots great out of my 22" Ruger American. The 165 and 180 Federal TBT and 175 Federal TA also shoot very well. The Factory Hornady Precision Hunter 178 ELDX is also a good shooter.

I couldn't get the Browning branded 168 TMK,, Federal 180 Fusion, Whichester 180 soft points, or Remington Cor-Lokt to group satisfactorily out of my barrel.

 

[Steve O]

Until I start loading for the .308, I’ve picked up pretty much a lifetime supply of Nosler Trophy Grade factory loads using the 168g LRAB. They shoot dandy and I figure the slightly fragile LRAB should do well at .308 Win velocity.

This thread definitely took some twists I did not expect but I appreciate all the insights.