Loading a DPMS .308 for wild boar

S

steveNChunter

New member
Some friends and I are planning a trip in the spring to hunt trophy European/Russian boar. I recently purchased a DPMS Oracle .308 with hog hunting in mind. I have loaded for my .308 bolt gun for a few years for deer using a 150 gr Sierra Pro-Hunter and close to max charge of RL-15.

I think it would be wise to use a bit tougher and probably heavier bullet for boar. I also want the load to be accurate in the 16" 1:10 barrel and function well with the DI gas system. Also interested in your opinions of whether or not I need to crimp. I've done a good bit of reloading but this will be my first venture with a .308 AR.
 
Crimping is optional, but not a bad thing for an autoloader. I like the results of the Lee Factory Crimp die on a bullet with a crimping cannelure, as it will prevent bullet setback due to a miss feed.

With 308 Win velocities, you don't need an ultra premium bullet, but an ultra premium bullet won't hurt either. I like Hornady Interlock bullets for 308 Win, but honestly any standard weight hunting bullet from 150 to 180gr will take down a boar.

Reloader 15 is a fine powder for the AR platform, but it may not be optimal for your short gas system and short barrel. Not sure how much you care about maximizing velocity. I think H4895 is about the best choice for optimization, but honestly the animals won't be able to tell a difference.

Good hunting!
Jimro
 
150 Pro Hunters and RL 15 in the Winchester 308 go together like peas and carrots. I can't imagine what kind of pig can withstand that.
 
I figured the 150 grain Pro hunters would do the job, but I'd read several threads that said bonded bullets were a must if you hit the "armor plated shoulder" on a big boar. Also there seems to be a general consensus that 168-180 grain bullets are more accurate in the DPMS .308's. I know I'll have to just try something and see how it shoots, but I like to try to make an educated guess before I start ordering components.
 
I've used SP .308 bullets on hogs in my Bushmaster AR10 with good results. I've also used Hornady SST bullets and Nosler Accubonds. Any .308 hunting bullet should work. I would go with the most accurate load you can work up since shot placement is key with hogs. Regarding crimp, I crimp my AR10 loads with a Lee Factory Crimp die. I setup my die with only 1/3 of a turn. Lee recommends a 1/2 turn. Does not affect accuracy. The brass you've used in your bolt guns will likely work in the AR10 since they have loose chambers.
 
I've got several powders suitable for 150-168 gr .308 loads. Are there certain ones that are better suited for my carbine gas system? Varget, RL-15, IMR 4895, W760 are a few off the top of my head, I may have more that will work. I want the load to be stone cold reliable in a DI gun.
 
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