10FP Bullet Weight Question

New guy here. I recently purchased my 2nd Savage, a 10FP in .308. My first was a .22LR for my son.

I realize every gun has a mind of its' own in regards to ammo it likes, but with the faster twist of the 10FP would it be correct to say that it would have a preference for heavier bullets? I know from my AR15 that a faster twist allows for heavier bullets to be better stabilized and I assume this applies to the .308 as well.

In general what is a good weight to feed this rifle? Stay with heavier (>160) or lighter (<160)?

165gr or 168 gr always seem to shoot well in a 308.

Are you reloading for it or shooting factory ammo?

Mine shoots 110gr and 168gr equally well. The 1:10" twist will allow to stabilize up to 210gr bullets or so.

Handloaded 110gr 5-shot group including cold bore shot. Under .5"
[img width=491 height=450]http://img403.imageshack.us/img403/9350/smallxd.jpg[/img]

Factory 168gr 3-shot group
[img width=453 height=450]http://img692.imageshack.us/img692/1433/groupcopy.jpg[/img]

I&#39;ll primarily be reloading although I&#39;ve found a very accurate factory hunting round that I like. I&#39;ve loaded some 165gr GameKings and 168gr MatchKings which have worked quite well. I just wanted to know if I should be looking into some of the lighter weight bullets too which might save a couple bucks in cost.

Most of my shooting is paper punching. I enjoy the technical challenge of shooting for accuracy. I will take it hunting a few times a year as well.

I found 175gr SMK shot the best out of my 10FP

I would try to reload some 208 grain Amaxes, they give the 308 a huge boost. Reloder 17 will give you 2500-2600 fps.

I&#39;ll have to try some of the heavy bullets. So far only loaded 165 and 168&#39;s.

What has been peoples experience with weights less than 150?

Reloaded mostly 150 gr. for my 10FCP ....But thats because that was all I could find that was halfway affordable. Got some very tight groups ..3 rounds less than an inch at 200 (yes 200 ) yards. But went to some 168 gr bullets ( Hornandy and another I cannot remember right now) and got a three round group less than half inch at 100 yards. Going to shot same load at 200 this weekend. So if you want to save some $$ you can shoot lighter 150 gr just for practice. You cannot go wrong shooting more since practice makes perfect. I have been given some 100 gr bullets but have not loaded them yet. I sight in my reloads at 200 yards just in case I ever get to go hunting, and I also want to get out to 500 or 600 yards someday.

I started off with 150gr Gamekings in my 10fp and they shot so well I havent bothered to try anything else, with a stout charge of varget I am getting right at 1 inch groups at 200 yards, in the last 2 years I have killed an elk and 2 deer, the elk was @ 270 yards.

Mike