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Recommended bullet for Newbie with 308?

Sudden Impact

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Feb 15, 2012
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I just purchased a Remington 700 ADL Varmit rifle in .308 caliber with a 26"/1:12 twist barrel. My hope is to learn to adjust a scope to become efficient for varying distances. I'm still trying to learn the basics of scope adjustments. I currently haven't purchased a high quality scope yet due to limited funds. All that said, can anyone recommend a good bullet wieght to start with? I am leaning towards 168gr. SMK or A-Max but would appreciate any recommendations to get me started. I want to use this rifle to learn with and hope to eventually move up to a .300 Win. Mag. but funds aren't there yet. I wanted to do something now to get started. Any advice will be greatly appreciated. I realize this question has probably been aasked till veterans of long distance shooting are sick of it but I don't know where else to turn for help getting started. I guess I bought what I can currently afford but I'd rather start somewhere than do nothing at all. I also think if I can learn to shoot well with this rifle I will be able to do better when I can afford a better rifle. Thanks to all. SI
 
Re: Recommended bullet for Newbie with 308?

I started out with that rifle also. First thing I did was put a millett scope on and then I waited on my manners stock to come in. the factory stock sucks so definately upgraded asap. Also I shot the fggm 168 smk bullets and had great results Under 500 yds. Now I shoot southwest 155 scenars. They have outstanding results at 1000 yds
 
Re: Recommended bullet for Newbie with 308?

168s are fine bullets to 600 but IMHO there is nothing they will do that a 175smk or 178 A Max won't do as well or better. Past 600 its a no brainer.

Okie
 
Re: Recommended bullet for Newbie with 308?

Don't get 168s. I have seen too many new guys go to a long range clinic with 168 grain handloads and end up disappointed once they get out to 800 or so. This especially happens to guys who make up a light load that shoots 'great' @ 100.

Go with the 175s I linked in an earlier post. Hopefully by the time the OP reads it there will still be some left.
 
Re: Recommended bullet for Newbie with 308?

I'd say stick with the 168SMK out to 800 yards FWIW, maybe step up to a 175/178gr if going past that.

i have a box of Sellier&Bellot 180gr .308 i'm dying to shoot at distance, just because i got them free!
 
Re: Recommended bullet for Newbie with 308?

The 175 SMK is the way to go. I am also a big fan of the 155 scenar.
 
Re: Recommended bullet for Newbie with 308?

I would recommend the South West Ammo 155 grain scenar load. They are a touch over a $1 a round. Thats pretty decent pricing. And its a really nice bullet. I run them all the time in my 308 and they work really well out to about 900 yards. After that, its just guessing for me.
 
Re: Recommended bullet for Newbie with 308?

Start with 175 SMK's. I don't see ANY reason to shoot the 168 SMK's IF you have 175's available. The reason I suggest the 175's is they are VERY easy to load for. Besides that; Sierra 155 Palma MatchKing, Lapua 155 Scenar, Hornady 178 BTHP, and *Hornady 208 AMAX*

*May not stabilize in your barrel (try them and see for yourself) but they are GREAT bullets IF you can find them*

For simplicity's sake, go with the 175's. They won't let you down. And if you aren't reloading your own ammo, I suggest you take a long hard look at SouthWest Ammo's line of 308 ammo. You will not be disappointed. Very reasonable cost and great quality ammo from Mike!!!
 
Re: Recommended bullet for Newbie with 308?

I agree that, for the price, Nosler custom comps are a great bullet. Under 500 yards, I have used 168gr with excellent success. I use 155gr and 168gr Nosler CCs regularly. I have also had good success with Hornady A-Max and Match HPBT bullets and have had excellent results with SMKs.

FH
 
Re: Recommended bullet for Newbie with 308?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: targaflorio</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Are you asking about bullets to handload or loaded ammunition?

targaflorio, I am wanting to handload. I like the idea of inspecting each component as I load them. Thanks for asking since it helps clarify my question. </div></div>
 
Re: Recommended bullet for Newbie with 308?

BCP, thanks for the link...I ordered 5/100 rd packs. (Go big or go home, right?)

Thanks to everyone for their input. I hope to load these as soon as I recieve them and will be posting a follow-up on my results.

Nice to have a community to go to for help with lots of experience to learn from.

Thanks again! SI
 
Re: Recommended bullet for Newbie with 308?

175 smk. Shoot the barrel out change to 11.25 twist then change to the 155s.
 
Re: Recommended bullet for Newbie with 308?

178 amax's. Cheaper than 168/175 smk's and they will get the job done.