OpticsTalk by SWFA, Inc. Homepage SWFA     SampleList.com
Forum Home Forum Home > Firearms, Bows, and Ammunition > Reloading & Ballistics
  New Posts New Posts RSS Feed - Short barrel 308 ammo recommendations
  FAQ FAQ  Forum Search   Events   Register Register  Login Login

Visit the SWFA.com site to check out our current specials.

Short barrel 308 ammo recommendations

 Post Reply Post Reply Page  <123>
Author
Message
trigger29 View Drop Down
Optics Master Extraordinaire
Optics Master Extraordinaire
Avatar
X = 180 Y = 90 (X+Pyro)+(Y-Pyro) = ?

Joined: September/29/2007
Location: South Dakota
Status: Offline
Points: 4353
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote trigger29 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/17/2016 at 10:43
Originally posted by Lockjaw Lockjaw wrote:

I don't want a low power load simply because I could be in a situation where I could be presented woth a longer shot. I killed a deer 2 years ago with this rifle off a PowerLine and it was easily 150+ yards.
don't fool yourself into thinking the underrated .308 is limited to short range, or that it doesn't have the power to take game at longer ranges. I've taken game weighing 300-600+ lbs at ranges of 250-500 yards. Bullet placement is key. Put the bullet where it belongs and it should do its job.

"A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed."
Back to Top
trigger29 View Drop Down
Optics Master Extraordinaire
Optics Master Extraordinaire
Avatar
X = 180 Y = 90 (X+Pyro)+(Y-Pyro) = ?

Joined: September/29/2007
Location: South Dakota
Status: Offline
Points: 4353
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote trigger29 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/17/2016 at 10:45
Originally posted by Lockjaw Lockjaw wrote:

I don't want a low power load simply because I could be in a situation where I could be presented woth a longer shot. I killed a deer 2 years ago with this rifle off a PowerLine and it was easily 150+ yards.
don't fool yourself into thinking the underrated .308 is limited to short range, or that it doesn't have the power to take game at longer ranges. I've taken game weighing 300-600+ lbs at ranges of 250-500 yards. Bullet placement is key. Shoot a quality bullet. Put the bullet where it belongs and it should do its job.

"A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed."
Back to Top
koshkin View Drop Down
MODERATOR
MODERATOR
Avatar
Dark Lord of Optics

Joined: June/15/2004
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 13181
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote koshkin Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/17/2016 at 11:05
Originally posted by trigger29 trigger29 wrote:

Originally posted by Lockjaw Lockjaw wrote:

I don't want a low power load simply because I could be in a situation where I could be presented woth a longer shot. I killed a deer 2 years ago with this rifle off a PowerLine and it was easily 150+ yards.
don't fool yourself into thinking the underrated .308 is limited to short range, or that it doesn't have the power to take game at longer ranges. I've taken game weighing 300-600+ lbs at ranges of 250-500 yards. Bullet placement is key. Put the bullet where it belongs and it should do its job.

Jason, with 308, like with most cartridges these days what limits the range at which a hunter can take game is usually the skill and confidence of the hunter.  You are competent shot and you practice, so for you a 500 yards shot is not terribly difficult.  However, most importantly, you also know how to recognize the conditions when a 500 yards shot is absolutely out of the question.

For most people out there (me included), a 500 yard shot on game is absolutely out of the question simply due to skill and confidence considerations.

With that in mind, for almost all big game in North America (with well known exceptions from the "large and mean" category), 308Win is an excellent cartridge to use within any reasonable range.

The question of bullets still remains.  While I personally tend to lean toward heavy for caliber bullets, I fully admit that with modern superbly designed monolithic bullets (that someone I know promised to make a few of, not that I am pointing fingers...), a lighter and flatter shooting might just be the way to go.

ILya
Back to Top
Steelbenz View Drop Down
Optics Jedi Knight
Optics Jedi Knight
Avatar
ROLL TIDE ROLL

Joined: January/03/2006
Location: Heart of Dixie
Status: Offline
Points: 5153
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Steelbenz Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/17/2016 at 14:32
I had some of the 170grainers of said bullets! I need to get a few more!
"Don't argue with a fool! From a distance you can't really tell who's who!"
Back to Top
trigger29 View Drop Down
Optics Master Extraordinaire
Optics Master Extraordinaire
Avatar
X = 180 Y = 90 (X+Pyro)+(Y-Pyro) = ?

Joined: September/29/2007
Location: South Dakota
Status: Offline
Points: 4353
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote trigger29 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/18/2016 at 22:52
Originally posted by koshkin koshkin wrote:

Originally posted by trigger29 trigger29 wrote:

Originally posted by Lockjaw Lockjaw wrote:

I don't want a low power load simply because I could be in a situation where I could be presented woth a longer shot. I killed a deer 2 years ago with this rifle off a PowerLine and it was easily 150+ yards.
don't fool yourself into thinking the underrated .308 is limited to short range, or that it doesn't have the power to take game at longer ranges. I've taken game weighing 300-600+ lbs at ranges of 250-500 yards. Bullet placement is key. Put the bullet where it belongs and it should do its job.
(that someone I know promised to make a few of, not that I am pointing fingers...), a lighter and flatter shooting might just be the way to go.

ILya
I took a 600lb blue wildebeest at 482 yds with that short .308 shooting only a 150gr bullet....... and fear not bud. Those bullets are coming...... soon.

"A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed."
Back to Top
nralifer View Drop Down
Optics Apprentice
Optics Apprentice
Avatar

Joined: July/26/2016
Status: Offline
Points: 165
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote nralifer Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/19/2016 at 04:53
I have a 19 second video of the shot Trigger29 is talking about. Would like to post it. Have it on Vimeo on my I-phone. Wildebeest went down like hit with a truck. Need some advise on how to post it.
It is hard to fail, but it is worse never to have tried to succeed. TR
Back to Top
nralifer View Drop Down
Optics Apprentice
Optics Apprentice
Avatar

Joined: July/26/2016
Status: Offline
Points: 165
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote nralifer Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/23/2016 at 06:36
I have become a real advocate of the 308 Win in any barrel length. The cartridge is very efficient and economical to reload. The factory ammo is OK, but you can safely squeeze a lot more out of it with the right reloading components. Using Trigger 29's 150 gr BD bullet and Leverevolution powder and a good custom 24" barrel they can be pushed to 3100 fps and have a trajectory almost identical to a 7mag. I know this is heresy in some circles, but it is true. Not trying to stir controversy or saying that the 308 is better than a 7 mag. Just letting 308 guys know that their gun is better than they think, and like 56 Chevy, can be souped up a bit from stock.
It is hard to fail, but it is worse never to have tried to succeed. TR
Back to Top
Steelbenz View Drop Down
Optics Jedi Knight
Optics Jedi Knight
Avatar
ROLL TIDE ROLL

Joined: January/03/2006
Location: Heart of Dixie
Status: Offline
Points: 5153
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Steelbenz Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/23/2016 at 07:54
I'm waiting for the go light to go green with the 168s. Not that I think you guys are sitting on your hands or anything! LOL!
"Don't argue with a fool! From a distance you can't really tell who's who!"
Back to Top
trigger29 View Drop Down
Optics Master Extraordinaire
Optics Master Extraordinaire
Avatar
X = 180 Y = 90 (X+Pyro)+(Y-Pyro) = ?

Joined: September/29/2007
Location: South Dakota
Status: Offline
Points: 4353
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote trigger29 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/23/2016 at 15:14
Very soon. They'd be done, but we had a little tooling issue.

"A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed."
Back to Top
Lockjaw View Drop Down
Optics Journeyman
Optics Journeyman


Joined: May/17/2016
Location: Chelsea
Status: Offline
Points: 434
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Lockjaw Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/22/2016 at 09:15
Well I would like to report I shot a doe sunday on opening weekend of gun season with it. Ruger Hawkeye with a 16.5 in barrell, and a Zeiss Duralyt 2x8x42 Scope. 

She came out in the cutover about 35 yards in front of me and was making tracks. I bleated 3 times to get her to stop, and when she did, I hammered her. 165 grain hornady american whitetail ammo. Dropped her in her tracks. DRT. 

That ammo just works. I shot 2 deer with the 150 grain version in 308 out of the same gun, and the results where the same. DRT. 

Love the scope too. It is bright and crystal clear. I may have to have the 700 Tac resighted with it. 
Back to Top
Steelbenz View Drop Down
Optics Jedi Knight
Optics Jedi Knight
Avatar
ROLL TIDE ROLL

Joined: January/03/2006
Location: Heart of Dixie
Status: Offline
Points: 5153
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Steelbenz Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/22/2016 at 10:26
I was thinking of putting those 168s into my 300 blackout but might run them in my sons PSS just to see what they do!
"Don't argue with a fool! From a distance you can't really tell who's who!"
Back to Top
cheaptrick View Drop Down
MODERATOR
MODERATOR
Avatar

Joined: September/27/2004
Location: South Carolina
Status: Offline
Points: 20844
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote cheaptrick Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/22/2016 at 16:14
Originally posted by Steelbenz Steelbenz wrote:

I was thinking of putting those 168s into my 300 blackout but might run them in my sons PSS just to see what they do!

With a splash of of Vargay and you're off. Stiring The Pot 
If at first you don't secede...try..try again.
Back to Top
Steelbenz View Drop Down
Optics Jedi Knight
Optics Jedi Knight
Avatar
ROLL TIDE ROLL

Joined: January/03/2006
Location: Heart of Dixie
Status: Offline
Points: 5153
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Steelbenz Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/22/2016 at 17:20
Still have a few lbs of the stuff in my safe! I moved over to RL-17.
"Don't argue with a fool! From a distance you can't really tell who's who!"
Back to Top
RWBlue View Drop Down
Optics Apprentice
Optics Apprentice
Avatar

Joined: December/04/2006
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 52
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote RWBlue Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/22/2016 at 19:06
I found the Federal Premium JSP in 165gr to be the most accurate and works very well on deer.

But honestly, the any 150-165gr JSP will do.

As far as distance for the kill...If you can hit the target, you can make the kill.
To be or not to be, that is the question. Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, or take arms against a sea of troubles, and by opposing, end them.
Back to Top
Lockjaw View Drop Down
Optics Journeyman
Optics Journeyman


Joined: May/17/2016
Location: Chelsea
Status: Offline
Points: 434
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Lockjaw Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/19/2016 at 14:55
Well I am a little unhappy with my ammo now. Shot a doe saturday at 100 yards. Same gun as above. Gun is dead on at 25, so it should be 2 to 2.5 inches high at 100 according to Nikon's spot on program. I aimed a little low, heart area, steady rest, squeezed, and deer jumped straight up and took off. I found a small amount of hair at the shot sight, and tracks off the green field, but no blood. 

I did manage to find some blood, but no deer. The rain wasn't helping my situation any. Based upon where my bullet "should have" gone, this would have been a double lung shot. No reason to suspect the gun is off, but I will test fire it this week to see. 

I really want something that goes in, and there is fragmentation and then the majority of the bullet exits.

This always seems to happen to me when I take a deliberate shot and try to adjust for my sight in, I end up not finding the deer, or not getting a good clean kill. If I just take an offhand snap shot, it seems to always end up with a deer DRT. 

 
Back to Top
Steelbenz View Drop Down
Optics Jedi Knight
Optics Jedi Knight
Avatar
ROLL TIDE ROLL

Joined: January/03/2006
Location: Heart of Dixie
Status: Offline
Points: 5153
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Steelbenz Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/19/2016 at 15:03
Always, Always, Always! check real world data to a ballistics calculator. Before you ever squeeze the trigger on game at any distance shoot that distance or more and confirm your dope for that rifle and that ammo in those conditions. I'm not really chastising you, but yes, I'm chastising you! LOL! We'd cut your shirt tails off for that!
"Don't argue with a fool! From a distance you can't really tell who's who!"
Back to Top
SVT_Tactical View Drop Down
MODERATOR
MODERATOR
Avatar
Chief Sackscratch

Joined: December/17/2009
Location: NorthCackalacky
Status: Offline
Points: 31233
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote SVT_Tactical Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/19/2016 at 15:04

Have you ever confirmed that its on at 100 prior to taking this shot?

"Most folks are about as happy as they make their minds up to be" - Abraham Lincoln
Back to Top
supertool73 View Drop Down
Optics God
Optics God
Avatar
Superstool

Joined: January/03/2008
Status: Offline
Points: 11814
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote supertool73 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/19/2016 at 15:10
I would suggest sighting in farther out than 25 yards.  Problem with 25 yards and you might shoot a 5 shot group that is 1/2 inch in size and think hey, my gun is awesome.  But that small error of 1/2 inch by the time you get to 100 yards is much bigger.

You just don't see the possible errors at 25 yards.  Your gun may have a stock pushing on the barrel issue, a heat up issue, velocity issues, or any other number of issues and you would have no idea because you are only shooting at 25 yards. 

I test my guns out to as far as I plan on shooting game at.  If I decide I am comfortable shooting at a deer at 500 yards.  I get dope every 50 yards from 50 to 500 and test each distance with live ammo to make sure things are working right.  That way I know when I pull the trigger that if I do my part the bullet is going to go where my cross hairs were when the trigger broke. 
Lifetime warranty and excellent customer service don't mean a thing when your gun fails during a zombie attack.

"A Liberal is a person who will give away everything they don't own."
Back to Top
Lockjaw View Drop Down
Optics Journeyman
Optics Journeyman


Joined: May/17/2016
Location: Chelsea
Status: Offline
Points: 434
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Lockjaw Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/19/2016 at 17:02
There aren't ranges here that go out past 100 yards, except some new one they put in up in Talladega. It goes out to 600 Yards I think. I guess I need to take a trip up there. I didn't feel like the FOP range here was even 100 yards when I went out there. That was before I got my range finder. I may call them and see if they are open and run up there. 

I shot 2 deer with this gun when it had the burris scope on it. Same ammo except 150 grain. One was at 70 yards and the other at 150 or more. Both DRT. I shot one at 30 or 35 already this year, same result, DRT. 

We have a crappy range at my hunting club. I can shoot out there between 11 and 1. Its on a powerline. So I would be shooting downhill. 

You guys are way more advanced than I am. I guess I need to get me a chrony and see what the ammo is doing at yardage too. Be my luck I would shoot the chrony. Big Grin
Back to Top
supertool73 View Drop Down
Optics God
Optics God
Avatar
Superstool

Joined: January/03/2008
Status: Offline
Points: 11814
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote supertool73 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/19/2016 at 17:08
Originally posted by Lockjaw Lockjaw wrote:

Be my luck I would shoot the chrony. Big Grin


Haha. I saw, well mostly heard that happen at the range one day.  I heard a boom and then mother bleepaty bleep bleep bleep.  Look over and some dude had shot his good.  A bit later, he came over and asked if he could shoot through mine.  I was like "uhh, no way dude"  lol


Lifetime warranty and excellent customer service don't mean a thing when your gun fails during a zombie attack.

"A Liberal is a person who will give away everything they don't own."
Back to Top
 Post Reply Post Reply Page  <123>
  Share Topic   

Forum Jump Forum Permissions View Drop Down

Forum Software by Web Wiz Forums® version 12.01
Copyright ©2001-2018 Web Wiz Ltd.

This page was generated in 1.273 seconds.