All-Around Factory Load for .308

Johnny Guest

Moderator in Memoriam
NOTE---
I really don't believe in double-posting, but this topic goes to two different areas of concern for me, so please, bear with me. I will be putting this on both Rifle and The Hunt forum, hoping to draw input from those who may frequent one forum but not the other. This is the only time I've done such a thing . . . .

Please share some expertise with me. I am fairly new to use of the .308 cartridge except for FMJ in military style rifles. Haven't ever used it in bolt guns up til now.

I am working toward settling on an all around factory load for my Savage Scout rifle. I want something to keep with it in trunk of the car for possible business use, but which is also good for hunting.

My SOP with other rifles has been to find a factory load that I like and then work up a hand load that shoots to same point of aim, but, usually, more accurately. This is why I am trying to standardize on a factory load for all around carry and hunting use first off.

I really like the 165 gr. in .30-06 ammo--maybe a bit more than needed for white tails, perhaps a little light for elk or moose. No, I've never gotten either of these, but I hunted bear in Canada where moose roamed, and twice overlaid my tracks with theirs. And I HUNTED for elk with my aught-six, unsuccessfully.

Another reason I lean toward the 165 in .308 is so I can load it to come close to the 165 match ammo the county buys for our sharpshooters. I am issued a small amount of that for annual qualifications.

I know a lot of people like the 180 for .308, especially in shorted barrels and with lower power scopes. The less-flat trajectory shouldn't be a problem when you limit yourself to around 250 yards. I bought some Remington Express 180 RN and some Winchester 180 PSP factory ammo. My rifle likes the Remington a lot better. Haven't tried the factory 165 yet.

I still haven't blooded that rifle yet, but look forward to doing so this month. And, as always, planning for the hunt is part of the fun.

Thanks for the input. Best regards to all - - -
Johnny
 
I have taken several head of deer with the 308Win.My favorite load is the Winchester 180grain silvertip.It has been very dependable when it comes to fast expansion yet holds together well for great penetration in whitetails anyway.I do not like the 180grain Remington corelock in the 308 because I have seen several clean pass throughs on deer.This has happened to me and a cousin of mine and some other friends also so I am not baseing my evaluation on a single occurance reguarding the 180grain corelock.However the corelock may be a fine elk round do to the apparent heavier construction,I can not say for sure since I have never shot an elk with it.
 
Based on many years of personal experience, I would suggest you try the Federal Premium round with the 165-gr BTSP...shoots very well in my Rem M700 AND my NM Garand...not quite as well as Fed. GM Match, but nearly...AND, its got a "real" bullet!!!....mikey357
 
Decision made, etched in stone, once and for all, --At least for this month . . .

Thank you all--

I am now decided to go with the 165 factory load for now--Exactly WHICH one remains to be seen. I have two or three different bullets on hand as components, mainly the Rem 165 PSP Core-Lokt and probably a few Sierra Game King hollow points.

I leaned toward the 150, principally so I could use military surplus stuff for cheap plinking. Guess I'll just sight in with the 165 and then see where the 147/150 loads shoot.

Very much obliged for the input.
Johnny
 
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