Pick my .308 bullet

[BallisticPrimate]

Some context - I've got 6mm & 6.5 match rifles so I know they stomp the .308 for wind/recoil (+ energy at distance) etc. My .308 is specifically for hunting out to 500m and occasionally banging steel - I'm keen to keep this rifle compact and relatively lightweight.

The rifle is a Tikka Varmint .308 (11 twist) chopped to 17.5 inches and dropped in a Manners T3 using CDI bottom metal & AI mags, I've scoped it with a 4-16 ATACR & minus a bipod it weighs 10.6lb.

Currently I'm using 165gr factory ammunition which is producing impressive accuracy and velocity - 0.5 - 0.75 moa and 2695fps (magnetospeed), SD=13fps. This load carries decent velocity and energy to 500m. However, when I compare the factory ammo to the newer .308 projectiles I seem to be leaving significant performance on the table.

I reload so I'm looking to pick the best projectile for my stated application - tending towards the 178gr Eldm and 180gr Berger Elite Hunter at this stage - should be able to push them at around 2600 - 2650fps.

Am I on the right track? I hear a lot of arguments for lighter/faster projectiles when running shorter barrels, but they don't seem to stack up when I plug the numbers into solvers.

Thanks in advance.
BP

P.S. To complicate matters I've got a 6.5 1/8 twist Hardy rem varmint barrel blank sitting in my safe - so there's a temptation to go with a 20' 6.5x47 running 130gr Hybrids for hunting/steel

 

[LRTI]

Understand you reload, but seeing that you currently run factory - have you looked at Hornady’s 168 ELD Superformance?

I ran numbers a long time ago and seem to remember that being the best (within so many yds) factory offering out there...

Could be a good option for reloading too, depending on velocity achieved...

 

[LRTI]

Just looked again - .523 G1 @ 2840 fps from a 24” tube

You’d probably get, what.. 2640 - 2700 fps from your barrel with that stuff.

 

[Mullhead]

155 Amax or 155 match burner and some Varget.

 

[...]

......what are you hunting with it?.......

 

[poke_53]

Berger VLD hunting has been successful for me.

I’ve got a box left I’ll sell you cheap if you want to test them.

 

[Lunchbox27]

I shot somewhere around 1300 of the 168 eld m’s. Loved them! Think mine were going around 2770 with a can (24 “ barrel)

I don’t think you will get 2600 fps from a 178 in a 17.5” barrel. I loaded a maxed load of varget with the 178’s and only got 2690-ish. Again, 24” barrel with a can.

 

[BallisticPrimate]

I shot somewhere around 1300 of the 168 eld m’s. Loved them! Think mine were going around 2770 with a can (24 “ barrel)

I don’t think you will get 2600 fps from a 178 in a 17.5” barrel. I loaded a maxed load of varget with the 178’s and only got 2690-ish. Again, 24” barrel with a can.

You could be right - the author here: https://rifleshooter.com/2017/01/short-barrel-16-5-inch-winchester-load-development/ got over 2600fps with 175's from a 16.5' so I recon I've got a fairly good chance with an inch longer barrel - it also seems I've got a particularly fast barrel since my 17.5' barrel is within 20fps of my 20inch barrel.

 

[BallisticPrimate]

Berger VLD hunting has been successful for me.

I’ve got a box left I’ll sell you cheap if you want to test them.

Thanks but I'm based in Australia.

 

[BallisticPrimate]

......what are you hunting with it?.......

Deer - Reds, Fallow and Sambar here in Australia. Possibly Brumbies as well

 

[Mullhead]

Get a box of Hornady Black 308 155 Amax sub-moa in three different guns. Flat hammers deer sized game.

 

[XLR308]

The 178amax is hands down my favorite for punching paper or deer and hogs. I know I'm behind the times I just have to use up my amax supply before moving to the eldm. Just for reference on velocity they run 2650fps from a rem 700 1-12 twist x 26" length with 40.7 grains of AR-COMP. The 168 might be a better option for your barrel length but I would give both a try.

 

[KnightOfNee]

Ive been playing with the Berger tactical 185gr otm in my 308 auto and they have been great so far.

Thats out of my 18" Krieger 308 obermeyer chamber 1/11 twist barrel.

 

[BallisticPrimate]

Ive been playing with the Berger tactical 185gr otm in my 308 auto and they have been great so far.

Thats out of my 18" Krieger 308 obermeyer chamber 1/11 twist barrel.

Thanks, what velocity are you getting?

 

[BallisticPrimate]

Get a box of Hornady Black 308 155 Amax sub-moa in three different guns. Flat hammers deer sized game.

What's the furthest shot on game you've taken? Thanks

 

[Mullhead]

Pm sent

 

[Smooth_87]

Aus here too.

20in 308 CTR.

My go to rounds are 150sst for game.

2156smk for target. Both using 2208. ( Varget in US)

 

[jakelly]

155 Scenar would be pretty tough to top.

 

[Hiker12]

Just punching paper and steel using 24" Bartlien heavy Palma contour barrel 1:10 twist. 1.50 " groups at 500 yards
Seirra 168 HPBT match 30 cal.
Lapua brass
IMR 4895 42.4 grains
MV 2628
Don't know if this helps

 

[tangodown]

I was loading 180 SST’s as a clone load to my 178 HPBT’s. Shot great out to 650 yards. 1 elk, a ton of pigs, several white tail, mule deer, Axis, Fallow, and several Audad. None made it too far.