Short barreled 308 hunting ammo

weasel1

weasel1

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I have a 12.5" barreled (Maverick) on its way. 1:10 twist. I will be using it for deer/black bear and general range use. 150 yards max at the range and likely <100 yards hunting. I'm probably overthinking this, but while I wait for it to arrive, I'd like to test before deer rifle season starts. Any brand's/projectile weights recommended for my situation? Due to the timing, I'll likely be limited to what I can find locally.

Currently only have a half box of Federal 150gr in the blue box, so I need to go shopping.
 
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I've found that Barnaul SP in both 140g & 168g are pretty accurate and reasonably inexpensive - s/b no more than Ca. $20/box. They may be easier to find than 'big name' ammo. Those two sizes should cover most of your needs, just get what you can afford but stack deep. Locally, Bass Pro seems to have a good bit of Win 'Deer Season' with 'Poly Tips' in 150g but those run ca. $40/bx.
 
I found Winchester power point in 180gr (30.99) and Federal Fusion on 165gr (36.99) at my LGS. No Barnaul unfortunately. My Canadian Tire was about hopeless. I hope I'm heading in the right direction with the heavier rounds. Found this earlier:
308 WINCHESTER

Twist Rate Ideal Bullet Weight Range
1:14 150-168 grains
1:12 168-170 grains
1:10 170-220 grains
 
I'm sure those heavier rounds will work well, but I've found the lighter ranges are also very accurate and a bit less punishing on your shoulder, especially in a lighter gun. I would keep some of the 'heavies' for the bears, tho. They have really heavy bones (and skull). My Rem 722 308 shoots the 145gSP very accurately and my .223 does the 50g Herters FMJ (0.60/rnd) as accurately as the Hornady Match ($2/rnd) 77g. It all depends on your target.
 
I would like to hear how this works out for you - a 12.5" 308 Win is - well - pretty short barrel. 1-10" twist suggests bullet weights that a 30-06 likes - so 165 - 180 - 200 and beyond. Not sure what you are going to get over a standard 308 Win, but was your call. I would think tremendous muzzle blast with whatever - like dis-orienting flash and noise - but I have never tried anything that short.
 
Potashminer said:
I would like to hear how this works out for you - a 12.5" 308 Win is - well - pretty short barrel. 1-10" twist suggests bullet weights that a 30-06 likes - so 165 - 180 - 200 and beyond. Not sure what you are going to get over a standard 308 Win, but was your call. I would think tremendous muzzle blast with whatever - like dis-orienting flash and noise - but I have never tried anything that short.
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Super maneuverable in a tree stand and light if I'm bushwacking. Honestly, it just seemed fun. Giant fireballs and concussion for days. The firearm equivalent of buying a Harley when you needed a Honda 125 to get to work.
 
I’ve been shooting 165gr Hornady American Whitetail, which are interlocks. My 20” heavy barrel Howa does well with them, after seeing their performance on deer I’d have no problem shooting black bears with them. Big exit holes and a hell of a blood trail on the big buck I shot last fall.
 
Butcherbill said:
I’ve been shooting 165gr Hornady American Whitetail, which are interlocks. My 20” heavy barrel Howa does well with them, after seeing their performance on deer I’d have no problem shooting black bears with them. Big exit holes and a hell of a blood trail on the big buck I shot last fall.
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I'll have to keep an eye out for those. There's another gun shop not far away to check out. There are others in the area, but I'd have to plan on a day trip. While I'm on the lookout, is anyone aware of any factory ammo greater than 180gr? One things for sure, this might push me into finally learning to reload.
 
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