Lower Velocity .308 Winchester

[JoeJoe]

I'm getting ready to start load development for a 110 in .308 Win with a 16.5" barrel. I'm assuming this short barrel will produce lower velocities, so I'm contemplating a Hornady 160gr FTX (made for a 30-30). Main use of this round would be for deer hunting, out to maybe 250 yds.

I feel like the lower velocity design of this bullets would work well, but wondering if anyone had any experience or thoughts?

Joe

[bsekf]

I shoot several short barreled rifles and, IMHO, just use a faster powder (RL15, Varget) and a normal hunting bullet. I like Nosler Ballistic Tips or Berger Classic Hunter or VLD Hunting. The FTX will work but I would do some testing. I use them in a 357 Max and a 444, 20 and 18 respectively.

You are going to love that short barrel.

Bill

[JoeJoe]

I shoot several short barreled rifles and, IMHO, just use a faster powder (RL15, Varget) and a normal hunting bullet. I like Nosler Ballistic Tips or Berger Classic Hunter or VLD Hunting. The FTX will work but I would do some testing. I use them in a 357 Max and a 444, 20 and 18 respectively.

You are going to love that short barrel.

Bill

Thanks Bill!
I actually have H4895 and H335 at home, so I'll give those a shot (they appear to both be a touch faster than Varget).

[JoeJoe]

Got home today and had a fluted bolt body in the mailbox....forgot I'd ordered it. Since it was an easy swap on this same rifle, figured I'd post a couple pics.

https://64.media.tumblr.com/0c4aefe7c99c028f32c8ba08b01130e1/f43ecac574942d1c-08/s640x960/b2d6f3b01f9b30a244519d66c319a4169e748240.jpg
https://64.media.tumblr.com/9de8a7685500fbec50c86c5af46abafe/f43ecac574942d1c-1b/s640x960/7052214e49e3918e8cf24a7b33f5a773a46137d6.jpg

[charlie b]

Looks like a nice rig. I liked a short barrel rifle for hunting. The one I had years ago was the Rem 788 in 7mm-08. I changed the stock to a Mannlicher style. It shot really well for such an inexpensive rifle.

I'd just pick a favorite bullet. Any of the 150-170 gn hunting bullets should do fine at those ranges and velocities.

[wbm]

Might be of interest.

https://rifleshooter.com/2014/12/308-winchester-7-62x51mm-nato-barrel-length-versus-velocity-28-to-16-5/

[Alleycat72]

A 125 bt and a healthy dose of H335 is what you need.

[JoeJoe]

Shot some Hornady Superformance this afternoon........4 groups averaging 3/4". Until powder and bullets are tracked down, this will do ��.

[Dave Hoback]

Very nice. Certainly can’t argue with sub MOA, especially with factory ammunition.

[JoeJoe]

Very nice. Certainly can’t argue with sub MOA, especially with factory ammunition.

Definitely agree. I love to reload, but since components are so tough to find now, Superformance will be something I keep an eye out for.

BTW....as mentioned above, this shorter barrel is sweet!

[Dave Hoback]

Hmm, components seem to be coming back by my account. I’m stocked back up on powder now. Found the 223 bullets I wanted. Primers are still tight...but I’m seeing them more & more.

[JoeJoe]

Hmm, components seem to be coming back by my account. I’m stocked back up on powder now. Found the 223 bullets I wanted. Primers are still tight...but I’m seeing them more & more.

I probably need to spend a little more time searching. I have an ok supply of bullets and primers......but I have a tough time finding H4895...I'm down to less than a pound :o

[Newtosavage]

I bet that little rig is LOUD! I had (briefly) a Model 7 with a 16.5" barrel in .308. It was damn loud to shoot but shot 125 NBT's very well. That's what I'd go with personally. Your idea to use the FTX's isn't a bad one. I've tried it from .308's because I had them laying around for my 30-30. Accurate enough, but not as accurate as the 125 NBT's in my experience.

[JoeJoe]

I bet that little rig is LOUD! I had (briefly) a Model 7 with a 16.5" barrel in .308. It was damn loud to shoot but shot 125 NBT's very well. That's what I'd go with personally. Your idea to use the FTX's isn't a bad one. I've tried it from .308's because I had them laying around for my 30-30. Accurate enough, but not as accurate as the 125 NBT's in my experience.

Definitely loud.....ear protection is a must!