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Just bought a 16.5 inch barrel bolt action 308 with 1:10 twist. What factory ammo do you suggest for whitetail from close in and out to 600 yards? I appreciate your feedback.

165 Nos Ballistic Tip

What shoots best in your rifle....with appropriate bullets. I’ve had good luck with federal over the years, particularly in 308.

For a rifle chambered in .308 Win I can think of no better factory hunting ammo than Barnes Vortex 150gr TTSX.....Good hunting to you......Hb

Fiocchi with the 150gr. Interlock.

I suggest using a chronograph to clock your ammo and then decide.

Thanks for the suggestions. I’ll certainly shoot what groups best but was looking for a starting point especially with this short of a barrel. Thanks fellas

A couple of years ago I chronographed Australian Outback loaded with 165 gr Sierra GameKing bullets out of my 16” AR .308. I got an average of 2629 fps out of that rifle and 2767 out of my 20” Husqvarna Full Stock, so it is loaded hot. It was also about the most accurate factory ammo I’ve ever shot. You used to be able to buy it for about $16 a box from Sportsman’s Guide, but they don’t carry it in .308 anymore. Here is one place I’ve found it:

https://australianoutbackammo.com/308-win-165gr-sierra-sbt-gameking/

Barnes Vortex

Federal Fusions are always a good try.

Any worries about expansion and performance on game covering 30 to 600 yds and the possible velocity loss? I’m really thinking though that the 308 doesn’t lose too much in a short barrel compared to other calibers. I’m probably just over thinking it. Thanks for the help guys.

I have had good results with Hornady Whitetail line in my 308 and 270

If you chrony your load(s) then you can use an online ballistics calculator to see what the 600 yard velocity will be (ball park). Bullet manufacturers will tell you the velocity envelope of their bullets.

My longest game shot ever was with the cheapest Federal 150, super accurate from a 20" .308. At just a bit over 500 yards, measured by an agricultural measuring wheel (close enough for government work), the entrance wound was about nickel sized, through the heart lungs, and exit wound was about half dollar sized. The deer bled out after a short run and piled up.

I am not comfortable with such a long shot. It seemed like forever for the bullet to get there. If the deer had taken just one step, the perfect shot could have resulted in a gut shot. Conditions were perfect. Cool, no perceptible wind - unusual forTexas - and no brush between me and the deer.

"And, that is all I know about that."

Jack

I guess people don’t read the question, or don’t understand what’s required to do it.







600 yards is the determiner. The only bullets that will consistently expand/upset at the low impact velocity you will have, while still being usable at close range are the Hornady 155gr AMAX/ELD-M, Sierra 155gr TMK, and the 168gr Nosler Long Range Accubond.

Federal has a new Premium line with Berger bullets. Maybe worth a look.? If I shot factory made, I'd have to give them a try. Their premium with Sierra match kings always shot well.