Range Report Dual purpose ammo (Steel & Hunting)

[Frostbite Slim]

After working up .308 Winchester loads (for a 20" stock Remington SPS Tactical) using 168 grain Berger “hunting” bullets, I am planning to use the 185 grain version of the same bullet for the range as well as the field. What I plan to achieve is better exterior ballistics. When looking at 1000-yard performance, the heavier bullets tend to carry more velocity and energy. I am also looking at this load to be just about perfect for any large game animal I choose to hunt in North America within 600 yards, not that I am planning to shoot that far; I would rather be able to do so if need be, than have to pass up the chance if it were the only one presented. I am planning my hunts where the elevations may range from 200 feet ASL to 5,000 feet ASL or better.

On the most accurate rounds that I have previously worked up, I had used Varget. I have also decided to change the propellant to Reloader 15 as it does not seem that Varget will give me the velocities that I’d need to reach my goal of staying supersonic out to 1000 yards, retaining 1800 fps at 400 yards, and keeping 1000+ foot/pounds of energy at the same distance. As I am currently in Alaska, the temperatures that I shoot at range from -10 to 75° Fahrenheit. Would Reloader 15 be able to bridge the temperature gap well?

The whole goal of this load is to be able to feed my family, as well as provide suitable competition accuracy.

What aspects do I need to modify or outright change?

 

[BOLTRIPPER]

Re: Dual purpose ammo (Steel & Hunting)

if you can't getRdone with what you shoot well loading the varget......you'll just be pissing off glass time and miss out on any north american game animal inside 600yd that you could be puting on the dinner table

 

[Frostbite Slim]

Re: Dual purpose ammo (Steel & Hunting)

That is true BOLTRIPPER, although, after re-thinking my previous load (and using up the last bit of powder and last bullet), I need to buy some more powder and bullets. I figured that I'd be better served with heavier, faster, less-deflected bullets in this rifle than spending a bunch of money for another rifle to do what this one could do with better loading.

 

[Metalhead0483]

Re: Dual purpose ammo (Steel & Hunting)

What animal are you shooting around Anchorage with a .308??

 

[Frostbite Slim]

Re: Dual purpose ammo (Steel & Hunting)

I haven't gotten out around here, the only areas I have been hunting in so far is GMU 6 and GMU 20. The locals don't take too much to having "non-sourdough" types along for the ride... I got a blackie out of PWS, and hope to get a sheep one day.