303 for Deer - Bullet Recommendations?

nailcreek

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Saukville, WI
I've been reading some of the threads on bullet suggestions and would your thoughts on a good bullet for deer in 303. I'm in Wisconsin, and while the deer can be pretty big (if you're lucky), they aren't Bullwinkle, either. I've taken quite a few deer over the years with Corelok 180s in 30.06 and Corelok 150s in 308 - they've all pretty much dropped where shot, or at the most within 30 yards. The furtherest I've ever taken a deer was out to about 75 yards.

Anyway, I'm interested to know what the Sages of the Boardtm suggest for a bullet - round nose or spitzer, flat base or boattail? Grain weight?

Thanks!
Kerry

nailcreek@hotmail.com
 
Any factory 180 grain soft point is plenty good in the .303 for just about all North American big game no matter what side of the border you find yourself on. Thanks for posting on CGN!
 
Bambi doesn't read ballistics tables and doesn't wear Kevlar. With the .303, virtually any bullet you can find will do the job. From what you say about your success to date, it would be hard to improve on your choices.
 
For any deer up to 200 yards, the Hornady 174 gr. .312" diameter RNSP is the cat's meow.
If you need a flatter shooting load, then the Hornady 150 SP spitzer interlock is the answer.
Regards, Eagleye.
 
Hey Nailcreek;

I picked up 180 grain Winchester PowerPoint to run through my 1950 Longbranch. It should do the job!

Cheers
Jay
 
I have used the 174 gr Hornady on deer,bear and moose.
Pushed by H414,or W760.

I love the old 303british, its basic and most certainly effective for our standard game here.

Plus, they are just fun to shoot!
 
still waiting on my first 303br experience.. almost counting down for the Ruger No1!
plannin on trying federal 180s an highland 180s see how we go for accuracy

cheers
wl
 
The nice thing about 303's is since they have moderate velocity almost any cup and core hunting bullet will hold together and expand good enough at sane distances to get the job done. Use whatever weight and manufacturer that shoots best in your rifle (mine likes Hornady 150 gr with imr 4064 powder)
 
Had 2 large bull moose recently taken in Labrador with my handloads, 150g Hornady SST and Varget, 60 yards and 120 yards, both 1 shot kills. It's the only bullet that I have been able to get to group under 1 inch consistantly at 100 yards. This in a #4 Enfield.
 
I have not used mine for hunting yet, but every thing I have researched, recommends something in the 175-180 range as that is what the rifle was designed for.I know you can shoot whatever you can load, but most seem to be on the heavier side with 150 being the lightest recommended.
 
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