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.

[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...ty-28-to-16-5/