Light weight .308 bullets for accuracy???

[BARichardson]

Been thinking about going to a light bullet for the .308 like 140s or lighter...

What experiences have you guys had with the lighter bullets? (Barns, Berger, Nosler)

I am aware that the BC is going to be WAY lower but really looking for a fast/flat flying hunting style bullet!

 

[redneckbmxer24]

It all depends on the range you want to get and what you need to do at that range. I've gotten as good accuracy out of 110 sierra HP's and Vmax's as any other bullet at closer ranges but at 308 velocities hitting a 600 yard target is near impossible. In the middle of the 30 cal range I've use 155's and had great accuracy beyond 1000 yards. Saying you want a lighter weight hunting style bullet really tells us nothing without knowing your intended range and purpose.

 

[BARichardson]

Ok sorry.. 500 yd MAX and its for the Wife hunting big mule deer

 

[redneckbmxer24]

Are you looking for flat shooting so she doesn't have to be as accurate with drop holds or dialing? If so that tells me your worried about her being inexperienced. If that's the case I would rather go for less wind drift than drop, you can at least dial it for her. It's harder to accurately gauge and hold for wind than it is to spin a dial for a known drop. I'd look for a bullet with a good BC above 150gr. If you keep the distances reasonable for the skill level you can't go wrong with something like a Hornady SST or Nosler BT. If you want to push the limits then run a match bullet that also works well on game like the 155 Scenar or 178 AMAX. The Berger hunting bullets are also a good choice but keep in mind most of those VLD's like to be at or very close to the lands which can't happen from a lot of rifles if you want to mag feed them. The classic hunters and hybrids are much more jump tolerant but you're limited in choices.

 

[BARichardson]

All true and good points... was trying to get away from it but guess im gona be getting her a new rifle in 6.5 or 7-08. SMH

 

[redneckbmxer24]

Why not just pick a good bullet and get her shooting often to get experience? A very slight difference in wind drift at 500 yards going to a 6.5mm or 7mm isn't going to be the difference between an ethical kill or wounding and it's not going to make her shoot better. Putting her behind any rifle without the experience to make a wind hold isn't a good idea. Either train her or keep the distances more reasonable.