Bullet Selection Question

[athanasios23]

I am looking to have bullets reloaded by South West ammo rather then buying box after box of new manufactered ammo from the big name companies. I plan on eventually reloading but for the time being SW ammo is the best deal. My problem lies in picking a good bullet for hunting. I just want a good all around hunting round in 308. I will hunt deer, black bear, and eventually elk and other similar sized game. Im looking into Berger classic hunter in 168 Gr or 175Gr and Lapua Scenar 155Gr.

Any experience or advise will be appreciated. Most shots will be around 300 yards or less as I mostly hunt in the NorthEast.

 

[nicko]

Sw is a great company ..but IMO if your sticking under 300 yards the amax is easier to get and cheaper and you will not notice any difference in that range. I have shot deer with Bergers and amax I think the amax causes more damage but if you need the high bc for longer range shots that's were the Bergers and lapuas come in. IMO again but they will all work fine

 

[Sniper Uncle]

I shot my first buck last fall with a 165gr SST, which caused a lot of damage---luckily, it exited from behind the shoulder, so actual meat loss was minimal. I called Hornady, and they recommended using GMX bullets, which are somewhat cheaper than Bergers, and mostly comparable to Barnes hunting bullets.
I suggest using 150-165 for deer in the woods, but a heavier---at least 180---bullet for bear. I have shot one of them too, and we put several 180's into it before it quit moving for good. I think I am going to try to find some good GMX style 200's or larger for next season.
Just my $0.015....
Tim

 

[insight3b]

For the applications you listed I would use Sierra's 165gr Game King either the SPBT or the HPBT. They are excellent bullets and don't break the bank.
HPBT:
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/32...r-165-grain-hollow-point-boat-tail-box-of-100

SPBT:
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/34...ameter-165-grain-spitzer-boat-tail-box-of-100

 

[athanasios23]

thanks for the info guys... going to give sierras a try...now i have to try and find them

 

[brumbelowcr]

I wouldn't look past speer hot core's. I have used them for my hunting applications for years and settled on them after disappointments in others. They are a bonded core bullet and weight loss is minimal. Plus on white tail and elk they hit like a wrecking ball. Accuracy is great also, .77 inch 5 shot groups at 100 yards with 165's and 45.7 gr of varget, out of a Tupperware stock remy 700 sps.

 

[insight3b]

Just a heads up the 165gr Sierra Game King SP is in stock as I type this at Midway

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/34...ameter-165-grain-spitzer-boat-tail-box-of-100

 

[turbo54]

Just a heads up the 165gr Sierra Game King SP is in stock as I type this at Midway

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/34...ameter-165-grain-spitzer-boat-tail-box-of-100

These are fine bullets, particularly if you are hunting on a bean field and will reach out several hundred yards.

I've used the 180 gameking over 42.5 or 43gr var get @ 2550fps, and it'll hammer a whitetail at 650-700 yards.

For closer in ranges though, I've not seen any bullet that can match the terminal performance of a Remington cor-lokt. Those are brutal.

 

[korykhunter]

At distances your talking about as long as the load your using is accurate it will get the job done. Are the Berger bullets good bullets?? Yes they are, but your traditional soft points have been killing game for many years and the cost is much less. Many good bullets out there that will serve your purpose.