.308 win, 20 inch barrel, good allround bullet choice?

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ruger22

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BC, sunshine coast
.308 win,
20 inch barrel,
What would you consider good allround bullet choice for deer, elk?

I was thinking 150g barns TTSX, or 165g nosler AB


P.S.
I know accuracy trumps all.
And already have a 300 WSM for more reach, but more weight to carry. Just back from a hunt in the mountains has me thinking of a lighter gun...

What bullet would you start with?
thanks
 
I'd start with a 165gr AB, and stop right there.

I haven't heard of many 308win rifles that won't shoot that bullet well.
 
Any premium bullet around 165-168 grain will serve your needs well. As long as you get good expansion and it holds together well it will do the job.
I usually use Hornady SST but most manufacturers make a good bullet these days, the trick is finding the bullet that your barrel likes the best.

Good luck
 
I used the Nosler AB 165 gr. factory loads the last two seasons,,,,nothing bad to report, although I did have two deer out of six where the bullet passed right through both lungs. I was hard pressed to find the exit hole so expansion wasn't as great as I thought it should be. Now that I'm reloading, I've switched to 130 gr. TTSX because I like the idea of shooting with copper instead of lead for health reasons, but also since they retain close to a 100 % of their weight on impact I've been able to go down to a lighter bullet which gives me greater velocity which is a good thing if you plan on shooting deer a little further away. Not sure you could go wrong with either one, though.
 
I think you have two really good bullets to try. I have settled on the 165 Nos AB for all my .308 hunting loads. Put some Varget or RL15 under it and go forth and slay stuff.
 
I have loaded 165 partitions and 165 gamekings in my 308. Model 7 with a 20" BBL I cant recall FPS but I want to say it was a hair under 2800 fps and both very accurate with varget. If elk and moose are on the menu I would have a tough time not trying the nosler partition.
 
GMC403 said:
I'd start with a 165gr AB, and stop right there.

I haven't heard of many 308win rifles that won't shoot that bullet well.
Click to expand...

My 20" Howa loves the 165 Accubond, does not like any TTSX with comparable weight so the Barnes are used for barrel fouler until I use them up.
The long range Accubond in 168 gr. shoot amazingly well also, had to try them out of curiosity as I bought them to use in the 28 Nosler..
 
Kevan said:
My 20" Howa loves the 165 Accubond, does not like any TTSX with comparable weight so the Barnes are used for barrel fouler until I use them up.
The long range Accubond in 168 gr. shoot amazingly well also, had to try them out of curiosity as I bought them to use in the 28 Nosler..
Click to expand...

Just back from a guided, mountain, horse back elk hunt.


I have a Howa Alpine on order.
And some 165g nosler AB's
 
Kevan said:
That is one beautiful Elk, Thanks for sharing.
Were you carrying a 308 ?
Was he taken in the East Kootenay region?
Click to expand...

Elk was taken last month in Fort Nelson BC area.

A Sako 75 was used for this hunt,
300 WSM
H4350 and 168g TTSX

This hunt had a lot of hiking and climbing involved.
We camped at 4000' and hunted up from there...
I have a Howa Alpine in 308 on order.
Lapua brass, talley lightweights, and some 165g nosler AB's too.
 
Last edited:
GMC403 said:
I'd start with a 165gr AB, and stop right there.

I haven't heard of many 308win rifles that won't shoot that bullet well.
Click to expand...

I tend to agree.
My 700 shoots Federal factory 165 Sierra Game Kings and Nosler Accubonds equally accurate. I reload, however the factory accuracy to 400meters is so good that I can't see reloading. If I do reload, it will be Game Kings or AB.
 
ruger22 said:
Elk was taken last month in Fort Nelson BC area.

A Sako 75 was used for this hunt,
300 WSM
H4350 and 168g TTSX

This hunt had a lot of hiking and climbing involved.
We camped at 4000' and hunted up from there...
I have a Howa Alpine in 308 on order.
Lapua brass, talley lightweights, and some 165g nosler AB's too.
Click to expand...

That is one beauty Elk, Mister !
Your reply made my day, Thanks for sharing with us.
What a wonderful conclusion to a difficult hunt..
 
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