308 Ammo Help

[CiK]

All,
I have a Savage 308 on its way to me. I am going to put a Vortex sight on it.

I am trying to narrow down the ammo. I am thinking about getting a box or two of the following ammo to try out......

- Federal Premium Gold 168gr Sierra MatchKing
- Black Hills Gold 168gr Sierra TMK
- Barnes VOR-TX 168gr Tipped Triple-Shock X

Thoughts on these? Should I add any to the mix?

Tony

[baddaddy]

I guess it depends on what you are using the 308 for. For elk I'd go with the Barnes. For target Id go with the Black Hills. Have not been real impressed with the QC from Federal. Just my .02.

[rowdycwby1]

I'd shoot as many different ones as you can and see what groups the best out of your gun let it decide for you.

[husky390]

I'd shoot as many different ones as you can and see what groups the best out of your gun let it decide for you.

This is what I would recommend doing. YRMV, but the Barnes Vortx 168gr is a tack driver out of my Ruger American Compact and shoots well in my M&P10. So much so, I don't bother reloading for my Ruger. Enjoy and happy shooting.

[Norcal-Noodler]

I shoot factory Barnes as well and they fly so well I don't have any need to change especially since California is going to be 100% lead-free over the next couple years - which state is next ???

Girlfriend has the compact Tikka shooting .308 and although it shoots great it's so tiny it kicks pretty hard. Curious to get some of the 128gr? Barnes bullets loaded up for her - a fine load for most things out here

Now to make friends with a reloader !!!

[Rangerz]

I would try some 150s as well. My 06 loves the Barnes with TSX bullets.

The Matchkings are not a hunting round.

[swmoelk]

They're not new or cool but good ole 150 core lokts shoot great out of my 308. They're cheap too.
I also like the hornady superformance sst 150's they shoot 3050 fps ( chronoed) out of my Remington 750 . I wouldn't get too crazy buying a bunch of premium ammo for it until you've put several boxes of basic through it. That gives you time to get used to the rifle and you'll have better results when you step up to more expensive shells.

[Charina]

I would try some 150s as well. My 06 loves the Barnes with TSX bullets.

The nice thing about the solid copper is weight retention upon expansion. You can go with a lower weight and not have to worry about penetration. I've put a couple 150 gr 30.06 ttsx through elk and have been very impressed.

I vote barnes simply because the risk of getting a lead particle in my food isn't worth the couple buck a box savings. Look up xrays of meat and ballistic gel after a typical bullet hits it. Small lead particles can get quite a ways from the wound channel.

[Swede]

I agree with the 150 gr. core lokts. The critters go head over heels for it.

[Dr. Rx]

Try the Nosler 150 gr E-tip bullets. You won't regret it.

Kris