• Watch Out for Scammers!

    We've now added a color code for all accounts. Orange accounts are new members, Blue are full members, and Green are Supporters. If you get a message about a sale from an orange account, make sure you pay attention before sending any money!

BC vs. Speed for 7mm08 hunting load

TRyanOC

Private
Full Member
Minuteman
Mar 29, 2020
100
55
I'm trying to decide on a bullet for my deer hunting rifle in 7/08. This will be for mule deer at 500-600 yards.

The bullets in question are a 168 VLD at 2610 fps with a good BC of .617 G1, or a 150 Sierra TGK at 2830 fps with a lower BC of .545 G1. 2610 seems a bit slow.

I've listened to lowlight talk about go lighter and get better speed instead of going to the heavies, but I also watched a video of him shooting his .308 with a 175 at 2650 fps. Not sure which way to go. I'm leaning towards the 150. Thank you in advance for any input.
 
I say the vld. It has better performance at the lower velocities you will see at 5-600 yrds. I think its supposed to still fragment at around 1800fps.
 
  • Like
Reactions: TRyanOC
At 500-600 yards what’s the difference in wind between them.
Probably not a lot.
I’d take a look at the Berger 168 classic huntees, excellent bullet.


Regarding 175’s in 308 I wouldn’t consider them real heavies.
185-190 is getting there.
175’s are light enough in 308 to be an advantage.

2610 does seem slow
Powder and barrel length?
 
  • Like
Reactions: TRyanOC
At 500-600 yards what’s the difference in wind between them.
Probably not a lot.
I’d take a look at the Berger 168 classic huntees, excellent bullet.


Regarding 175’s in 308 I wouldn’t consider them real heavies.
185-190 is getting there.
175’s are light enough in 308 to be an advantage.

2610 does seem slow
Powder and barrel length?
The 168 has the advantage in the wind when I compare the two. It's a 22"barrel and I'm using Varget. I had a VLD pencil through a buck last year at 510 yards and required a follow up shot, so that's why I'm looking elsewhere.

That being said, I did get a clean one shot kill on a buck at 550yds with the VLD the year before.
 
Run both bullets through Hornady 4DOF and look at the drop drift and energy and make your decision based on those numbers.