I just purchased a Remington 700 ADL Varmit rifle in .308 caliber with a 26"/1:12 twist barrel. My hope is to learn to adjust a scope to become efficient for varying distances. I'm still trying to learn the basics of scope adjustments. I currently haven't purchased a high quality scope yet due to limited funds. All that said, can anyone recommend a good bullet wieght to start with? I am leaning towards 168gr. SMK or A-Max but would appreciate any recommendations to get me started. I want to use this rifle to learn with and hope to eventually move up to a .300 Win. Mag. but funds aren't there yet. I wanted to do something now to get started. Any advice will be greatly appreciated. I realize this question has probably been aasked till veterans of long distance shooting are sick of it but I don't know where else to turn for help getting started. I guess I bought what I can currently afford but I'd rather start somewhere than do nothing at all. I also think if I can learn to shoot well with this rifle I will be able to do better when I can afford a better rifle. Thanks to all. SI
- Thread starter Sudden Impact
- Start date
Re: Recommended bullet for Newbie with 308?
If you are looking for a bullet to make target shooting handloads with get some of these:
http://shootersproshop.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=71_101_107&product_id=103
You will not find a better bullet for the price. Buy 3-4 boxes at least.
If you are looking for a bullet to make target shooting handloads with get some of these:
http://shootersproshop.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=71_101_107&product_id=103
You will not find a better bullet for the price. Buy 3-4 boxes at least.
Re: Recommended bullet for Newbie with 308?
I started out with that rifle also. First thing I did was put a millett scope on and then I waited on my manners stock to come in. the factory stock sucks so definately upgraded asap. Also I shot the fggm 168 smk bullets and had great results Under 500 yds. Now I shoot southwest 155 scenars. They have outstanding results at 1000 yds
I started out with that rifle also. First thing I did was put a millett scope on and then I waited on my manners stock to come in. the factory stock sucks so definately upgraded asap. Also I shot the fggm 168 smk bullets and had great results Under 500 yds. Now I shoot southwest 155 scenars. They have outstanding results at 1000 yds
Re: Recommended bullet for Newbie with 308?
Are you asking about bullets to handload or loaded ammunition?
Are you asking about bullets to handload or loaded ammunition?
Re: Recommended bullet for Newbie with 308?
168s are fine bullets to 600 but IMHO there is nothing they will do that a 175smk or 178 A Max won't do as well or better. Past 600 its a no brainer.
Okie
168s are fine bullets to 600 but IMHO there is nothing they will do that a 175smk or 178 A Max won't do as well or better. Past 600 its a no brainer.
Okie
Re: Recommended bullet for Newbie with 308?
168 SMK would be a good choice for your barrel twist.
168 SMK would be a good choice for your barrel twist.
Re: Recommended bullet for Newbie with 308?
Don't get 168s. I have seen too many new guys go to a long range clinic with 168 grain handloads and end up disappointed once they get out to 800 or so. This especially happens to guys who make up a light load that shoots 'great' @ 100.
Go with the 175s I linked in an earlier post. Hopefully by the time the OP reads it there will still be some left.
Don't get 168s. I have seen too many new guys go to a long range clinic with 168 grain handloads and end up disappointed once they get out to 800 or so. This especially happens to guys who make up a light load that shoots 'great' @ 100.
Go with the 175s I linked in an earlier post. Hopefully by the time the OP reads it there will still be some left.
Re: Recommended bullet for Newbie with 308?
I'd say stick with the 168SMK out to 800 yards FWIW, maybe step up to a 175/178gr if going past that.
i have a box of Sellier&Bellot 180gr .308 i'm dying to shoot at distance, just because i got them free!
I'd say stick with the 168SMK out to 800 yards FWIW, maybe step up to a 175/178gr if going past that.
i have a box of Sellier&Bellot 180gr .308 i'm dying to shoot at distance, just because i got them free!
G
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Re: Recommended bullet for Newbie with 308?
The 175 SMK is the way to go. I am also a big fan of the 155 scenar.
The 175 SMK is the way to go. I am also a big fan of the 155 scenar.
Re: Recommended bullet for Newbie with 308?
178gr Hornady BTHP.
Cheaper than 175gr Match Kings and they fly better.
I run them out of everything from 1:10 to 1:12 twist with no problems.
178gr Hornady BTHP.
Cheaper than 175gr Match Kings and they fly better.
I run them out of everything from 1:10 to 1:12 twist with no problems.
Re: Recommended bullet for Newbie with 308?
I would recommend the South West Ammo 155 grain scenar load. They are a touch over a $1 a round. Thats pretty decent pricing. And its a really nice bullet. I run them all the time in my 308 and they work really well out to about 900 yards. After that, its just guessing for me.
I would recommend the South West Ammo 155 grain scenar load. They are a touch over a $1 a round. Thats pretty decent pricing. And its a really nice bullet. I run them all the time in my 308 and they work really well out to about 900 yards. After that, its just guessing for me.
Re: Recommended bullet for Newbie with 308?
Start with 175 SMK's. I don't see ANY reason to shoot the 168 SMK's IF you have 175's available. The reason I suggest the 175's is they are VERY easy to load for. Besides that; Sierra 155 Palma MatchKing, Lapua 155 Scenar, Hornady 178 BTHP, and *Hornady 208 AMAX*
*May not stabilize in your barrel (try them and see for yourself) but they are GREAT bullets IF you can find them*
For simplicity's sake, go with the 175's. They won't let you down. And if you aren't reloading your own ammo, I suggest you take a long hard look at SouthWest Ammo's line of 308 ammo. You will not be disappointed. Very reasonable cost and great quality ammo from Mike!!!
Start with 175 SMK's. I don't see ANY reason to shoot the 168 SMK's IF you have 175's available. The reason I suggest the 175's is they are VERY easy to load for. Besides that; Sierra 155 Palma MatchKing, Lapua 155 Scenar, Hornady 178 BTHP, and *Hornady 208 AMAX*
*May not stabilize in your barrel (try them and see for yourself) but they are GREAT bullets IF you can find them*
For simplicity's sake, go with the 175's. They won't let you down. And if you aren't reloading your own ammo, I suggest you take a long hard look at SouthWest Ammo's line of 308 ammo. You will not be disappointed. Very reasonable cost and great quality ammo from Mike!!!
Re: Recommended bullet for Newbie with 308?
I agree that, for the price, Nosler custom comps are a great bullet. Under 500 yards, I have used 168gr with excellent success. I use 155gr and 168gr Nosler CCs regularly. I have also had good success with Hornady A-Max and Match HPBT bullets and have had excellent results with SMKs.
FH
I agree that, for the price, Nosler custom comps are a great bullet. Under 500 yards, I have used 168gr with excellent success. I use 155gr and 168gr Nosler CCs regularly. I have also had good success with Hornady A-Max and Match HPBT bullets and have had excellent results with SMKs.
FH
Re: Recommended bullet for Newbie with 308?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: targaflorio</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Are you asking about bullets to handload or loaded ammunition?
targaflorio, I am wanting to handload. I like the idea of inspecting each component as I load them. Thanks for asking since it helps clarify my question. </div></div>
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: targaflorio</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Are you asking about bullets to handload or loaded ammunition?
targaflorio, I am wanting to handload. I like the idea of inspecting each component as I load them. Thanks for asking since it helps clarify my question. </div></div>
Re: Recommended bullet for Newbie with 308?
BCP, thanks for the link...I ordered 5/100 rd packs. (Go big or go home, right?)
Thanks to everyone for their input. I hope to load these as soon as I recieve them and will be posting a follow-up on my results.
Nice to have a community to go to for help with lots of experience to learn from.
Thanks again! SI
BCP, thanks for the link...I ordered 5/100 rd packs. (Go big or go home, right?)
Thanks to everyone for their input. I hope to load these as soon as I recieve them and will be posting a follow-up on my results.
Nice to have a community to go to for help with lots of experience to learn from.
Thanks again! SI
Re: Recommended bullet for Newbie with 308?
175 smk. Shoot the barrel out change to 11.25 twist then change to the 155s.
175 smk. Shoot the barrel out change to 11.25 twist then change to the 155s.
