Hunting Washington Forum

Equipment & Gear => Guns and Ammo => Topic started by: Scheindogg on August 08, 2017, 10:21:43 AM

Title: Outdoorlimited
Post by: Scheindogg on August 08, 2017, 10:21:43 AM: So what ammo would you .308 shooters use for deer?!

The one I will completely rule out is Winchester power-x 150gr soft points, I realize they are generally an effective round but they just aren't that reliable in my particular rifle.
One cartridge from one box had failure to feed (tried several times) and another from a different box (bought several months apart) had a fail to fire.
Maybe I just got unlucky but I don't want to get unlucky again when aiming at a deer for the first time there will be enough obstacles as is.

Here are some options im considering:
Rem Core Lokt 150gr SP ~23$
Winchester ballistic silvertip 168gr -32$
Federal premium 150gr vital shock NBT -32$
Federal premium 165gr vital shock SPBT -32$

What do you guys think of these rounds or similarly priced rounds for 308 for deer?
Title: Re: .308 deer ammo
Post by: h20hunter on August 08, 2017, 10:24:28 AM: I think will all do the job. Right now im loading 165gr accubonds and they are dialed in on paper and steel. Tbd on game :chuckle:.
Title: Re: .308 deer ammo
Post by: DOUBLELUNG on August 08, 2017, 10:30:13 AM: I'm partial to 165-168gr over 150gr in .30 cals IF the rifle shoots them well. The Federal premium 165gr SPBT groups very well in my .308 and is my go to for that rifle. I have a Win M70 .30-06 that only shoots 150s well, so in that rifle I shoot Hornady 150s. I would start with the 165gr and 168gr rounds you listed, and if one shoots 1.5" or less at 100 yards, good to go. If they both shoot well, go with the one that shoots tighter. If you cant get good groups with either, try a 150 and 180. Find a medium game loading the gun shoots well, and stick with that.

I'd also be sure to clean the bolt assembly real well, and consider polishing the feed ramp.
Title: Re: .308 deer ammo
Post by: Fl0und3rz on August 08, 2017, 10:54:55 AM: 165 grain Nosler Partitions and Accubonds shoot well in my Ruger M77 All Weather. But so did the 150 grains I use handloads, however.
Title: Re: .308 deer ammo
Post by: Scheindogg on August 08, 2017, 12:08:16 PM: Thanks guys! Sound advice so far!
I think my next try will be the federal vital shock 165gr spbt!
Title: Re: .308 deer ammo
Post by: emac on August 08, 2017, 12:30:56 PM: I am shooting hornady 168 gr superformance match amax bullets. They seem to be very accurate and reliable outta my gun. Have gotten 2 elk and 2 deer with it.

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Title: Re: .308 deer ammo
Post by: Scheindogg on August 08, 2017, 12:46:48 PM: Quote from: emac on August 08, 2017, 12:30:56 PM
I am shooting hornady 168 gr superformance match amax bullets. They seem to be very accurate and reliable outta my gun. Have gotten 2 elk and 2 deer with it.

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That's very cool and interesting, I was gonna ask if anyone hear used match ammo for hunting!
I've actually read that the federal premium 168gr gold medal match (that's the 168gr match king bullet) has been pretty effective for deer as well!
But going off sierras website they don't recommend the match ammo for hunting for whatever that's worth
Title: Re: Outdoorlimited
Post by: Scheindogg on August 08, 2017, 01:42:07 PM: Now that I know what one I want, I found it (and all other ammo for that matter) at VERY reasonable prices. I've used a similar site with good reviews before (SGAMMO) and had a good experience, but I haven't heard too much and this one.
From my research I find mostly very good reviews with a few pretty good reviews (nothing terrible for sure)
Anyone ever use this site and have first hand experience!?

Their HST 9mm is less than 20$ a box, and 168gr gold medal match is less than 20$ a box and their 165gr vital shock gamekings are about 27$ box. Like I said quite reasonable!
Title: Re: Outdoorlimited
Post by: Scheindogg on August 08, 2017, 08:27:51 PM: Anyone?