In search of knowledge on ammo.

[Johnnypusmc]

Hello everyone.
I am in no way new to shooting but I am new to bolt action .308s.
I picked up an Savage model 10tr. It has the 20" barrel on it. I am looking for a good ammo choice for it.
The uses will be range shooting mostly. Within 300 (until I make a trip to the 1000 yard range with it.
I also plan to hunt boar with it.
I have done research on what rounds to get but the more I read the more I get torn on what to go with. I know every gun is different so I want to try a few. Can the 20 barrel shoot the 150gr bullets or do I need to go higher?
Thanks in advance for the help.

 

[nickortizzle1035]

168 grain federal gold medal match ammo seems to be one of the favorites for a factory load

 

[Johnnypusmc]

Thank you. So far that was my choice. Is it a bad idea to start off with the 150gr to get on paper. Being that they are 20 a box vs 35?

 

[Km22]

Not a bad idea, but if you're looking for accuracy... then use Federal Premium Gold Medal Match or Black Hills MATCH. There are a couple others out there (match ammo), but those are probably regarded as the "best"

 

[Johnnypusmc]

Accuracy is definitely the goal. Thank you for the suggestions. I will look into the black hills also.

 

[Johnnypusmc]

Are those suggested rounds also good for hunting hog?

 

[Km22]

It depends on what you're hunting, but there are better rounds for hunting larger game.

 

[Km22]

Also, give Southwest ammunition a look (Southwest Ammunition | Manufacturer of High Performance Ammunition) a look. I've had GREAT accuracy from their ammunition in all different calibers. Try the SW118 or the premium .308 load. They deal a lot here on the Hide.

 

[Johnnypusmc]

My plan is to hunt boar here in Florida. I will check that company out. Thank you!

 

[samnev]

IIRC Sierra says the 168 SMK's are not hunting bullets. Those are the bullets in the 168 grain FGMM. I suppose you could use them for hunting if deep penetration wasn't a requirement.