Selecting the "right" bullet for reloading

[Jpmiller]

I've reloaded for my .308 for years but more out of convenience and cost than anything else. I did notice a difference when shooting reloaded ammo as opposed to factory ammo but it shot factory satisfactory for me as well. I'm more of a hunter than a shooter so being able to hit withing a few inches out to 200 yards was good enough for me.

That being said I'm heading to Wyoming for elk next year and want to extend my range out a little bit. I hear and read all over the place about guys finding the right bullet for their rifle and I also hear about eifles that shoot lots of bullets well. I'm not a match shooter, my skill level is solidly in the "competent" range. My question is what kind of performance difference are you guys seeing who test out a bunch or bullets in your rifle to settle on the correct one? I've gone through a bunch of different bullets over the years with no real noticable difference in accuracy. It could be that the rifle and bullets both shoot better than I do or maybe my rifle is easy going? It's a model 70 if that makes any difference. If there's an improvement to possibly be had I'd like to find it before I invest the time and energy into the trip but I don't really know what I don't know so any advice would be great! Thanks

[Jpmiller]

I went out with an outfitter as a packer this year so I don't think more than a 350 yard shot is necessary for the area if that makes a difference. Would like to feel confident out to 400 but realistically if it's like this year 300 or less is more likely.

[h20hunter]

I like the nosler accubonds for my 308. Pm you info and I'd be happy to mail out a few different bullets to try. All are hunting bullets and i think i have maybe 3 flavors on hand.

[h20hunter]

Sorry, forgot to say in regards to performance ive seen a selection that shoots relatively the same 9n any given day to the ppposite....i tried the eldx and was getting about a 6 inch group at 100.

[Karl Blanchard]

I 100% do not subscribe to the "my gun doesnt like that bullet" wives tale. Any bullet will shoot as long as the twist is correct, you just have to find the right seating depth/powder charge combination that works.  For the .308 imr4350 is pretty great.  Take your pick of projectiles.  Accubonds, interlocks, berger hunting vld, ballistic tips, SST.  All great options.  Hard charging 150gr accubond is my favorite in the .308

[Magnum_Willys]

  I would use an accubond and 4350 start at .020 off and play with the powder for best group.  That should get you out to 400 yds.

[Karl Blanchard]

Standard 30 cals and 4350 are like peas and carrots

[fowl smacker]

Get the proper bullet for your rifles twist rate, get as close to the lands as possible without touching (magazine permitting), then tinker with powder charges. 

[Karl Blanchard]

Get the proper bullet for your rifles twist rate, get as close to the lands as possible without touching (magazine permitting), then tinker with powder charges.

  this is not accurate.  I have multiple rifles that require a big jump to obtain optimal performance.

[bobcat]

I'd start out with a Barnes 150 grain ttsx. Or for more speed you could even go with the 130 grain. These bullets retain nearly 100% of their weight, even if you shoot through both shoulders, so you can get by with a lighter bullet. You also get the benefit of not having lead fragments in your meat.

[SilkOnTheDrySide]

Get the proper bullet for your rifles twist rate, get as close to the lands as possible without touching (magazine permitting), then tinker with powder charges.

  this is not accurate.  I have multiple rifles that require a big jump to obtain optimal performance.

I’ve found on my most recent load that seating depth didn’t matter near as much as finding a load that matched up with barrel harmonics. 

It was the most frustrating couple months of my shooting life.

I’m not saying there isn’t value to seating depth, but I’m saying it wasn’t a primary factor on my most recent development.


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[packmule]

I love the .308, have hunted and loaded it for years.  Good advice so far, over time I moved on from 4350 and 150 gr bullets to RL15 and 165 gr Partitions and Accubonds. 

[Karl Blanchard]

I'd start out with a Barnes 150 grain ttsx. Or for more speed you could even go with the 130 grain. These bullets retain nearly 100% of their weight, even if you shoot through both shoulders, so you can get by with a lighter bullet. You also get the benefit of not having lead fragments in your meat.

  unless they fail to expand which out of the three animals I've seen shot with Barnes Bullets all three were that exact result.  I'd be sticking with an accubond or partition personally

[h20hunter]

Barnes need speed, max velocity. Last critter that died died quickly and the bullet traveled a long way through but bad expansion. My fault...need more speed.

[Karl Blanchard]

Nosler partition is another tried and true option I forgot.  The original and and still one of the best bullets out there.  Really shines at 308 speeds.  They sure are proud of them these days though