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Good cheaper bullet for deer #17124685 04/02/22 Joined: Jan 2022 Posts: 237 The flat woods B Buckshot77 OP Campfire Member OP Buckshot77 Campfire Member B Joined: Jan 2022 Posts: 237 The flat woods What's everyone think, who makes the best cheaper cup and core deer bullet (smaller 130-150# deer). Will be shot out of a .308 Winchester, prefer 150gr bullets unless there is a reason to shoot something else. Always liked the Core-lock, but don't think they sell them as components anymore. Ive had good results with Nosler Ballistic tips, but their not cheap anymore. Thinking Seirra Gameking, Speer hot core, or ?. If they don't fall right there, I want a blood trail a blind man can follow. I want to be able to afford to shoot a bunch with the same load I'm going to hunt with. It might be lonely at the top, but it's a bitch at the bottom.

Re: Good cheaper bullet for deer Buckshot77 #17124758 04/02/22 Joined: Dec 2004 Posts: 17,237 Northern Louisiana JPro Campfire Ranger JPro Campfire Ranger Joined: Dec 2004 Posts: 17,237 Northern Louisiana Heck, nearly any of them should be great on deer that size from a 308Win at reasonable ranges. Find one that your rifle and budget like. I tend to like the Interlock, the Gameking (SPBT or HPBT), the Speer BT, and the Fusion component bullets if rolling my own in a .284 to .308cal rifle with modest case capacity. The SST wouldn't be too bad of a pick there either, as they aren't supposed to be the bombs they once were. Those are all typically pretty cheap in 100ct boxes when you can find them. In factory ammo, I like the Interlock, Fed Powershok (Blue Box), the W-W Whitetail XP, and the Federal Fusion. All are reasonably priced and death on deer-sized stuff. Last edited by JPro; 04/02/22. Now with even more aplomb

Re: Good cheaper bullet for deer Buckshot77 #17124768 04/02/22 Joined: Dec 2004 Posts: 17,237 Northern Louisiana JPro Campfire Ranger JPro Campfire Ranger Joined: Dec 2004 Posts: 17,237 Northern Louisiana Midsouth Shooters Supply has 100ct boxes of 150 Interlocks for $29.99 and 150 Speer Boattails for $26.49. Pretty cheap these days. Now with even more aplomb

Re: Good cheaper bullet for deer Buckshot77 #17124769 04/02/22 Joined: Nov 2007 Posts: 8,449 State of Jefferson T T_O_M Campfire Outfitter T_O_M Campfire Outfitter T Joined: Nov 2007 Posts: 8,449 State of Jefferson Last I looked, the Sierras quit being "cheap" as well. If you're after lowest price, probably Hornady interlocks. I prefer Speer hot cores myself. Truth is, though, I haven't shot anything but premium bullets (partitions, accubonds, etc) for deer, other than in lever actions, in over 20 years. Deer hunting is a thing to be savored. I get to do it once a year. It's not a place to save money. That's like having your only beer of the year be a light beer when your heart wants a stout. Tom Anyone who thinks there's two sides to everything hasn't met a M�bius strip. Here be dragons ...

Re: Good cheaper bullet for deer Buckshot77 #17124772 04/02/22 Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 4,950 zip code 59602 R Royce Campfire Tracker Royce Campfire Tracker R Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 4,950 zip code 59602 Hornady interlock- dam near as good a Partition. In years of working a gun counter, can never remember hearing a compliant about them for deer or elk, and they were our most popular bullet.

Re: Good cheaper bullet for deer Buckshot77 #17124799 04/02/22 Joined: Apr 2006 Posts: 7,163 MT J Just a Hunter Campfire Tracker Just a Hunter Campfire Tracker J Joined: Apr 2006 Posts: 7,163 MT I have had mixed results with the Sierra GK. Only at distance over 200 yards out of my .270 have they worked well. That was the 130g. I have used the 165 Speer Hotcore from a 30-06 on 1 elk at 281 yards. In and out both shoulders. I did use the Speer BT a few times and thought it softer than the GK. Those were out of a .257 Roberts. I have yet to have a complaint about the Hornady Interlock. I've used several on deer and antelope in .264 WM -300 H&H. I rarely use 150s anymore in 30 caliber but used to use them a lot and didn't find one brand that wouldn't work on deer. Last edited by Just a Hunter; 04/02/22.

Re: Good cheaper bullet for deer Buckshot77 #17124802 04/02/22 Joined: Oct 2021 Posts: 771 Minor Hill TN / Hillsboro AL E EddieSouthgate Campfire Regular EddieSouthgate Campfire Regular E Joined: Oct 2021 Posts: 771 Minor Hill TN / Hillsboro AL Have used a ton of the Privi bullets that Graf sells . They work great for thin skinned game like deer. Been several years since I bought any but they were about half of what Speer and Sierra cost . I have them in 7mm , 6.5 mm and .243 and .223, I bought 10,000 of each the last time and best I remember they ran from about $8 per 100 for the .223 55gr and maybe $14 for the 7mm 140 gr and 6.5 139 gr with the .243 100 gr at $11 per 100 . Just looked and they still carry them at a higher price and some by the 50 rather than 100 . The .308 is a 165 gr . At current price they might not be any better a deal than Speer or Sierra . https://www.grafs.com/catalog/product/productId/12612 Last edited by EddieSouthgate; 04/02/22. Grumpy old man with a gun.....Do not touch . Better to be judged by 12 than carried by 6. Don't bother my monument and I'll leave yours alone.

Re: Good cheaper bullet for deer Royce #17124867 04/02/22 Joined: Nov 2007 Posts: 8,449 State of Jefferson T T_O_M Campfire Outfitter T_O_M Campfire Outfitter T Joined: Nov 2007 Posts: 8,449 State of Jefferson Originally Posted by Royce Hornady interlock- dam near as good a Partition. In years of working a gun counter, can never remember hearing a compliant about them for deer or elk, and they were our most popular bullet. I can complain about them. We had mixed results back in the 70s/80s with 180s from two '06s. A small percentage performed correctly, the rest either disintegrated or penciled through. We switched to head shots to reduce the amount of tracking needed. Others' experiences vary I'm sure, but that's how it worked **for us**. Sierras were no better but they seemed to be more accurate. I switched to Speer Hot Cores and my problems ended, my father stuck with Hornady and Sierra and his persisted. Tom Anyone who thinks there's two sides to everything hasn't met a M�bius strip. Here be dragons ...

Re: Good cheaper bullet for deer T_O_M #17124955 04/02/22 Joined: Aug 2006 Posts: 1,935 Michigan M1Garand Campfire Regular M1Garand Campfire Regular Joined: Aug 2006 Posts: 1,935 Michigan Originally Posted by T_O_M Last I looked, the Sierras quit being "cheap" as well. Tom Yep, used to get them pretty cheap but now....used a lot of the Pro Hunters, great deer bullet but the Interlock and BT's have worked great for me too. For the 270, hard to beat the 130 BT on SPS, I think there's some on there now for around $14 or so per 50,

Re: Good cheaper bullet for deer T_O_M #17124970 04/02/22 Joined: Jul 2001 Posts: 60,064 Banana Belt, Montana M Mule Deer Campfire Kahuna Mule Deer Campfire Kahuna M Joined: Jul 2001 Posts: 60,064 Banana Belt, Montana Originally Posted by T_O_M Originally Posted by Royce Hornady interlock- dam near as good a Partition. In years of working a gun counter, can never remember hearing a compliant about them for deer or elk, and they were our most popular bullet. I can complain about them. We had mixed results back in the 70s/80s with 180s from two '06s. A small percentage performed correctly, the rest either disintegrated or penciled through. We switched to head shots to reduce the amount of tracking needed. Others' experiences vary I'm sure, but that's how it worked **for us**. Sierras were no better but they seemed to be more accurate. I switched to Speer Hot Cores and my problems ended, my father stuck with Hornady and Sierra and his persisted. Tom Hornadys weren't Interlocks back then. “Montana seems to me to be what a small boy would think Texas is like from hearing Texans.” John Steinbeck

Re: Good cheaper bullet for deer Buckshot77 #17124997 04/02/22 Joined: Aug 2014 Posts: 5,007 H Hogwild7 Campfire Tracker Hogwild7 Campfire Tracker H Joined: Aug 2014 Posts: 5,007 The 2 Sierra Game Kings I have recovered travelled from front to back through deer performed very well.. Looked like a core lokt commercial. The 180 grain 30 caliber. fired out of a 300 Weatherby. The core fell out when I skinned the deer but the cup and core were still together it was just loose. I load speer boat tails for my son's 30-06 and the deer he shoots usually drop dead and the bullet always exits.Never caught one yet.They are cheap and shoot dime sized groups out of his rifle.

Re: Good cheaper bullet for deer Buckshot77 #17125054 04/02/22 Joined: Apr 2011 Posts: 3,148 central texas T texken Campfire Tracker texken Campfire Tracker T Joined: Apr 2011 Posts: 3,148 central texas never had a problem with remy core loct's

Re: Good cheaper bullet for deer Buckshot77 #17125058 04/02/22 Joined: Dec 2016 Posts: 3,030 Garandimal Campfire Tracker Garandimal Campfire Tracker Joined: Dec 2016 Posts: 3,030 Speer Hot-Cor are hard to beat in the value dept. Inexpensive, accurate, and effective. Went up a notch to their Grand Slam offering for both the .270 Win/150 gr. and 6.5x55/140 gr., and am very happy w/ them as well. Paid ~ $0.22/pop, w/ rebate, a while back. GR

Re: Good cheaper bullet for deer Buckshot77 #17125125 04/02/22 Joined: Sep 2017 Posts: 4,367 WI./FL. Windfall Campfire Tracker Windfall Campfire Tracker Joined: Sep 2017 Posts: 4,367 WI./FL. Like most here so far, I’d vote for the Hornady Interlock. Hornady wouldn’t load them in their “Whitetail” white box commercial loads if they weren’t outstanding in that role. I would move up to a 165 grain Interlock instead of a 150 though. I started a thread once asking what bullets people recovered in deer and the 150’s were often mentioned. Lane Simpson wrote a VERY comprehensive article for one of the gun magazines that I have going over the best powders and bullet weight for the .308 and he named the 165 as the ideal, most balanced bullet weight for that cartridge. I killed my best buck ever (210# dressed) with a 165 grain Interlock from a .308 and I had good blood starting within feet of where he stood and that didn’t happen with some other more premium offerings. Doa within 50 yards. Nose battering in the magazine was the only reason that I switched to a plastic tipped bullet. My other auto is a .45 The bitterness of poor quality is remembered long after the sweetness of low price has faded from memory

Re: Good cheaper bullet for deer Buckshot77 #17125186 04/02/22 Joined: Apr 2011 Posts: 151,031 Texas hanco Campfire Savant hanco Campfire Savant Joined: Apr 2011 Posts: 151,031 Texas I use 150 GameKings in my 308’s. My boy and I have shot a dozen deer and untold pigs with them. I’d use them or a ballistic tip. A partition is a good choice if you aren’t shooting a lot, but they ain’t cheap. Last edited by hanco; 04/02/22.

Re: Good cheaper bullet for deer Buckshot77 #17125237 04/02/22 Joined: Jan 2006 Posts: 69,290 Filer, ID Rock Chuck Campfire Kahuna Rock Chuck Campfire Kahuna Joined: Jan 2006 Posts: 69,290 Filer, ID I've shot a lot of deer and elk both with Speer Hotcores with excellent luck. 150's in a 308 will handle deer nicely. Those Gamekings would be very good, too. For deer, whatever shoots well in your rifle is the best way to go. Any of them will kill readily if you can hit them. “In a time of deceit telling the truth is a revolutionary act.” ― George Orwell It's not over when you lose. It's over when you quit.

Re: Good cheaper bullet for deer Buckshot77 #17125270 04/02/22 Joined: Sep 2017 Posts: 517 North Carolina GaryLL1959 Campfire Regular GaryLL1959 Campfire Regular Joined: Sep 2017 Posts: 517 North Carolina Originally Posted by Buckshot77 What's everyone think, who makes the best cheaper cup and core deer bullet (smaller 130-150# deer). Will be shot out of a .308 Winchester, prefer 150gr bullets unless there is a reason to shoot something else. Always liked the Core-lock, but don't think they sell them as components anymore. Ive had good results with Nosler Ballistic tips, but their not cheap anymore. Thinking Seirra Gameking, Speer hot core, or ?. If they don't fall right there, I want a blood trail a blind man can follow. I want to be able to afford to shoot a bunch with the same load I'm going to hunt with. Hornady 150 interlocks, number 3031. No need to look any farther. "...and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one." Luke 22:36

Re: Good cheaper bullet for deer Buckshot77 #17125330 04/02/22 Joined: Mar 2022 Posts: 172 montana XBOLT51 Campfire Member XBOLT51 Campfire Member Joined: Mar 2022 Posts: 172 montana federal terminal accent nothing else needed

Re: Good cheaper bullet for deer Buckshot77 #17125874 04/02/22 Joined: Feb 2014 Posts: 2,621 Vermont PintsofCraft Campfire Regular PintsofCraft Campfire Regular Joined: Feb 2014 Posts: 2,621 Vermont Shot many hogs, Blacktail & Elk for the past 30 years with some version of the Hornady Interlock - in various cartridges but mostly .30 & .270 variations. We all started with the HotCor early on because they were super cheap (late 70’s) but moved (for no reason really) to the Interlock then Partition because they were deemed superior…the animals never did give me their opinion. I was a youngster in the group so I didn’t push my thoughts too far back then. Partitions are marginally better than Interlocks which seem slightly, marginally better than HotCor but my sample size isn’t enough to even draw these conclusions. I’m an interlock man. C&C work great at impact velocity ~2900fps unless you have laws or preferences otherwise.

Re: Good cheaper bullet for deer Buckshot77 #17126157 04/02/22 Joined: Jan 2010 Posts: 228 H howard1 Campfire Member howard1 Campfire Member H Joined: Jan 2010 Posts: 228 Speer hot cores would probably be the cheapest and as good as anything for deer.

Re: Good cheaper bullet for deer Buckshot77 #17126264 04/02/22 Joined: Dec 2019 Posts: 193 MT S Sharpshooter97 Campfire Member Sharpshooter97 Campfire Member S Joined: Dec 2019 Posts: 193 MT I havent bought any for a couple years since I still have about a hundred so I'm unsure if they are still somewhat cheap.But I'm a big fan of the Hornady SST. The 180's shoot really good out of my rem 700 in .30-06

Re: Good cheaper bullet for deer Buckshot77 #17126266 04/02/22 Joined: Dec 2019 Posts: 2,997 W WMR Campfire Regular WMR Campfire Regular W Joined: Dec 2019 Posts: 2,997 Hornady and Speer 30 cal 150 gr are both available right now on Gunbroker for $30 per 100 or less. Looks like lots of each for sale. Take your pick. Deer die easily when shot in vital places. At those prices, bullets will never be a significant portion of your hunting/shooting budget.

Re: Good cheaper bullet for deer Buckshot77 #17126280 04/02/22 Joined: Jan 2022 Posts: 237 The flat woods B Buckshot77 OP Campfire Member OP Buckshot77 Campfire Member B Joined: Jan 2022 Posts: 237 The flat woods Thanks for the suggestions fellas. Sounds like can't go wrong with the Speer or the Hornady. The Hornady seems a lot easier to find, maybe I'll start with them. It might be lonely at the top, but it's a bitch at the bottom.

Re: Good cheaper bullet for deer Buckshot77 #17126350 04/02/22 Joined: Aug 2021 Posts: 233 Highland Haven, TX P pertnear Campfire Member pertnear Campfire Member P Joined: Aug 2021 Posts: 233 Highland Haven, TX I don't shoot .308 but I shoot .270. The Speer gold-dot's are great bullets at a very affordable price. They are the same bullets used in Federal Fusion ammunition. The soft lead core has the jacket plated on & then die formed. Nothing to come apart or separate. Weight retention is very high if you can ever recover one to check. If you can't get the GD's go for the Speer Hot-Core flat-base (the boat-tails version are softer).

Re: Good cheaper bullet for deer Buckshot77 #17126679 04/02/22 Joined: Jun 2001 Posts: 4,175 Retired CPO USN. Amarillo TX MAC Campfire Tracker MAC Campfire Tracker Joined: Jun 2001 Posts: 4,175 Retired CPO USN. Amarillo TX There isn't a deer alive that can survive a 150 gr Hornady in the lungs. They don't cost a lot and they work. You get out of life what you are willing to accept. If you ain't happy, do something about it!

Re: Good cheaper bullet for deer Buckshot77 #17126994 04/02/22 Joined: Sep 2005 Posts: 4,081 Oklahoma, Canadian River ExpatFromOK Campfire Tracker ExpatFromOK Campfire Tracker Joined: Sep 2005 Posts: 4,081 Oklahoma, Canadian River Winchester Power Point "There are no dangerous weapons. There are only dangerous men." - Robert Heinlein

Re: Good cheaper bullet for deer Buckshot77 #17127010 04/02/22 Joined: Aug 2011 Posts: 3,687 K Ky221 Campfire Tracker Ky221 Campfire Tracker K Joined: Aug 2011 Posts: 3,687 Put me in the 150g Hornady Interlock camp too. Not only do they work, they also tend to be very accurate.

Re: Good cheaper bullet for deer Buckshot77 #17127147 04/02/22 Joined: Sep 2013 Posts: 2,219 Fl, Catskills and Down East Me... E eaglemountainman Campfire Regular eaglemountainman Campfire Regular E Joined: Sep 2013 Posts: 2,219 Fl, Catskills and Down East Me... Interlocks My heart's in the mountains, my heart is not here. My heart's in the mountains, chasing the deer.

Re: Good cheaper bullet for deer Buckshot77 #17127183 04/03/22 Joined: Feb 2007 Posts: 7,756 SW Virginia V VaHillbilly Campfire Outfitter VaHillbilly Campfire Outfitter V Joined: Feb 2007 Posts: 7,756 SW Virginia I would also recommend the Hornady 3031 for your criteria.....Good hunting ..Hb

Re: Good cheaper bullet for deer Buckshot77 #17127322 04/03/22 Joined: Aug 2011 Posts: 6,518 Western Kentucky lastround Campfire Tracker lastround Campfire Tracker Joined: Aug 2011 Posts: 6,518 Western Kentucky My favorite C&C bullet is the Ballistic Tip with the Hornady Interlock running a close second! If we live long enough, we all have regrets. But the ones that nag at us the most are the ones in which we know we had a choice. Doug

Re: Good cheaper bullet for deer Buckshot77 #17127339 04/03/22 Joined: Sep 2003 Posts: 1,957 The Heart of Dixie H Hook Campfire Regular Hook Campfire Regular H Joined: Sep 2003 Posts: 1,957 The Heart of Dixie Don't think you'd go wrong with any of the name brand cup and core bullets in 150-180 gr weight for whitetail. I lean hard toward the Hornady #3031 myself but have also had good luck with all the others I've tried. The key, as always, is to put the bullet where it's supposed to go! If we had larger game in Alabama, I would look into the premium bullets, but they just aren't necessary for deer.

Re: Good cheaper bullet for deer Buckshot77 #17127374 04/03/22 Joined: Dec 2020 Posts: 762 The real northern Maine and 18... G Gojoe Campfire Regular Gojoe Campfire Regular G Joined: Dec 2020 Posts: 762 The real northern Maine and 18... With the same thought as the op, I picked up 5 boxes of Hornady #3035 150 grain round nose. If velocities are kept reansonable. They are usable in many 30 caliber cartridges, 30-30,308,30-06 and such. Not my first choice for moose. But they will do. Edit to correct item # Last edited by Gojoe; 04/03/22. Reason: Edit to correct item #, They will vote our way into socialism, We will have to shoot our way out. Every major horror in the world was perpetrated in the name of altruism. Just how big is Aroostook County you ask?

Re: Good cheaper bullet for deer Gojoe #17127415 04/03/22 Joined: Sep 2003 Posts: 1,957 The Heart of Dixie H Hook Campfire Regular Hook Campfire Regular H Joined: Sep 2003 Posts: 1,957 The Heart of Dixie Originally Posted by Gojoe 5 boxes of Hornady #3031 150 grain round nose. I. For clarification the 150 RNs are #3035. Great bullets, too!

Re: Good cheaper bullet for deer Buckshot77 #17127537 04/03/22 Joined: Nov 2010 Posts: 2,323 Lk. St. Clair C coyotewacker Campfire Regular coyotewacker Campfire Regular C Joined: Nov 2010 Posts: 2,323 Lk. St. Clair Why in the fink would you ever consider using a CHEAP bullet.....what is there to gain not one thing.....the only time to use a CHEAP bullet is to punch holes in paper or shoot non-living targets..... You want to use a bullet to shoot and KILL use Cutting Edge Bullets......they may cost more than cheap junk bullets using old technology and are nothing but JUNK.... https://cuttingedgebullets.com Last edited by coyotewacker; 04/03/22.

Re: Good cheaper bullet for deer Buckshot77 #17127543 04/03/22 Joined: Apr 2011 Posts: 151,031 Texas hanco Campfire Savant hanco Campfire Savant Joined: Apr 2011 Posts: 151,031 Texas Cheap bullets be good for hogs.

Re: Good cheaper bullet for deer coyotewacker #17127780 04/03/22 Joined: Aug 2011 Posts: 3,687 K Ky221 Campfire Tracker Ky221 Campfire Tracker K Joined: Aug 2011 Posts: 3,687 Originally Posted by coyotewacker Why in the fink would you ever consider using a CHEAP bullet.....what is there to gain not one thing.....the only time to use a CHEAP bullet is to punch holes in paper or shoot non-living targets..... You want to use a bullet to shoot and KILL use Cutting Edge Bullets......they may cost more than cheap junk bullets using old technology and are nothing but JUNK.... https://cuttingedgebullets.com Funny, when I punch holes in paper I want premium, match bullets. Here's some of those "cheap ole interlocks"

Re: Good cheaper bullet for deer coyotewacker #17127804 04/03/22 Joined: Apr 2004 Posts: 1,425 Saskatchewan M Model70Guy Campfire Regular Model70Guy Campfire Regular M Joined: Apr 2004 Posts: 1,425 Saskatchewan Originally Posted by coyotewacker Why in the fink would you ever consider using a CHEAP bullet.....what is there to gain not one thing.....the only time to use a CHEAP bullet is to punch holes in paper or shoot non-living targets..... You want to use a bullet to shoot and KILL use Cutting Edge Bullets......they may cost more than cheap junk bullets using old technology and are nothing but JUNK.... https://cuttingedgebullets.com I haven't used all the Cutting edge bullets; but have shot a lot of cull buffalo and smaller ferals with the Safari Raptors in the 458. For buffalo they are total junk, if you so much as touch a twig they break into 7 pieces before they get there, if they get there which they seldom do. I often saw little shaving nicks, occasionally with CEB tinsel stuck to them. Used them in the 375 a bit, the joke ones that you can load backwards. (ESPs?) Just for deer and bear. You wouldn't think that an animal could bleed so much; but if they killed any faster I sure couldn't tell. If anything they kill slower than cup and cores. Higher price is a poor indicator of performance. You can double the price by buying your bullets in a different country, but they don't work better because of it. Life begins at 40. Recoil begins at "Over 40" Coincidence? I don't think so.

Re: Good cheaper bullet for deer Ky221 #17127828 04/03/22 Joined: Feb 2014 Posts: 2,621 Vermont PintsofCraft Campfire Regular PintsofCraft Campfire Regular Joined: Feb 2014 Posts: 2,621 Vermont Originally Posted by Ky221 Originally Posted by coyotewacker Why in the fink would you ever consider using a CHEAP bullet.....what is there to gain not one thing.....the only time to use a CHEAP bullet is to punch holes in paper or shoot non-living targets..... You want to use a bullet to shoot and KILL use Cutting Edge Bullets......they may cost more than cheap junk bullets using old technology and are nothing but JUNK.... https://cuttingedgebullets.com Funny, when I punch holes in paper I want premium, match bullets. Here's some of those "cheap ole interlocks" Yeah…The ‘fire is right! Those ‘cheap’ bullets don’t work at all 😜 (Great pics!)

Re: Good cheaper bullet for deer coyotewacker #17127850 04/03/22 Joined: Dec 2019 Posts: 2,997 W WMR Campfire Regular WMR Campfire Regular W Joined: Dec 2019 Posts: 2,997 Originally Posted by coyotewacker Why in the fink would you ever consider using a CHEAP bullet.....what is there to gain not one thing.....the only time to use a CHEAP bullet is to punch holes in paper or shoot non-living targets..... You want to use a bullet to shoot and KILL use Cutting Edge Bullets......they may cost more than cheap junk bullets using old technology and are nothing but JUNK.... https://cuttingedgebullets.com Can you name any 30cal 150-165 grain soft points that will not do a good job on deer in the 308? Me neither. I’ve been in on the kills of at least a hundred deer in your state. They just aren’t that hard to kill.

Re: Good cheaper bullet for deer PintsofCraft #17128022 04/03/22 Joined: Aug 2011 Posts: 3,687 K Ky221 Campfire Tracker Ky221 Campfire Tracker K Joined: Aug 2011 Posts: 3,687 Originally Posted by PintsofCraft Originally Posted by Ky221 Originally Posted by coyotewacker Why in the fink would you ever consider using a CHEAP bullet.....what is there to gain not one thing.....the only time to use a CHEAP bullet is to punch holes in paper or shoot non-living targets..... You want to use a bullet to shoot and KILL use Cutting Edge Bullets......they may cost more than cheap junk bullets using old technology and are nothing but JUNK.... https://cuttingedgebullets.com Funny, when I punch holes in paper I want premium, match bullets. Here's some of those "cheap ole interlocks" Yeah…The ‘fire is right! Those ‘cheap’ bullets don’t work at all 😜 (Great pics!) You gotta love the stuff you read on the fire.

Re: Good cheaper bullet for deer Buckshot77 #17128247 04/03/22 Joined: Mar 2011 Posts: 655 S Skatchewan Campfire Regular Skatchewan Campfire Regular S Joined: Mar 2011 Posts: 655 Originally Posted by Buckshot77 What's everyone think, who makes the best cheaper cup and core deer bullet (smaller 130-150# deer). Will be shot out of a .308 Winchester, prefer 150gr bullets unless there is a reason to shoot something else. Always liked the Core-lock, but don't think they sell them as components anymore. Ive had good results with Nosler Ballistic tips, but their not cheap anymore. Thinking Seirra Gameking, Speer hot core, or ?. If they don't fall right there, I want a blood trail a blind man can follow. I want to be able to afford to shoot a bunch with the same load I'm going to hunt with. interlocks or power points would be my choice. Last edited by Skatchewan; 04/03/22.

Re: Good cheaper bullet for deer XBOLT51 #17128258 04/03/22 Joined: Mar 2011 Posts: 655 S Skatchewan Campfire Regular Skatchewan Campfire Regular S Joined: Mar 2011 Posts: 655 Originally Posted by XBOLT51 federal terminal accent nothing else needed He wanted "cheaper" Those aren't. Great bullet though.

Re: Good cheaper bullet for deer Buckshot77 #17128430 04/03/22 Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 5,919 Black Hills of Dakota CRS Campfire Tracker CRS Campfire Tracker Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 5,919 Black Hills of Dakota Hornady interlock would be my choice. Arcus Venator

Re: Good cheaper bullet for deer Buckshot77 #17128492 04/03/22 Joined: Jan 2012 Posts: 3,150 KTN, AK AKduck Campfire Tracker AKduck Campfire Tracker Joined: Jan 2012 Posts: 3,150 KTN, AK The Hornady or Speer work well and will do what you want. I just added 1500 Hot Cores to my pile. Yup.

Re: Good cheaper bullet for deer coyotewacker #17128553 04/03/22 Joined: Jun 2001 Posts: 4,175 Retired CPO USN. Amarillo TX MAC Campfire Tracker MAC Campfire Tracker Joined: Jun 2001 Posts: 4,175 Retired CPO USN. Amarillo TX Originally Posted by coyotewacker Why in the fink would you ever consider using a CHEAP bullet.....what is there to gain not one thing.....the only time to use a CHEAP bullet is to punch holes in paper or shoot non-living targets..... You want to use a bullet to shoot and KILL use Cutting Edge Bullets......they may cost more than cheap junk bullets using old technology and are nothing but JUNK.... https://cuttingedgebullets.com Probably one of the dumbest comments I have ever read. Tell you what, you go stand 150 yards away from me and let me take one shot at you with a 150 gr Hornady fired out of my 308. We'll see how you feel about the "junk" after it hits you. Deal? You get out of life what you are willing to accept. If you ain't happy, do something about it!

Re: Good cheaper bullet for deer Buckshot77 #17128602 04/03/22 Joined: Sep 2014 Posts: 21,758 Clinging to our God and Guns Dillonbuck Campfire Ranger Dillonbuck Campfire Ranger Joined: Sep 2014 Posts: 21,758 Clinging to our God and Guns 308/150gr. Unlike the small caliber guys, you are in the sweet spot. More than "enough" (always a good thing) oomph. Not so much as to be hard on shooter or bullet. Stay away from any bullet designed for the 30-30 and you will be fine with C&C bullets. Ballistic Tips, Sierra Pro-hunters pointed or RN, Game Kings, or Interlocks. In that order, IMHO. Personal opinion only, any order would be fine. Anyone thinking you need or want some mono premium bullet for deer in a 308 is just looking to "have the best"(most expensive) Have shot deer with Partitions from 7mm and 300 magnums. The results were slower kills than traditional bullets in a 308. (Rib shots) Parents who say they have good kids..Usually don't!

Re: Good cheaper bullet for deer Dillonbuck #17128785 04/03/22 Joined: Jan 2022 Posts: 237 The flat woods B Buckshot77 OP Campfire Member OP Buckshot77 Campfire Member B Joined: Jan 2022 Posts: 237 The flat woods Originally Posted by Dillonbuck 308/150gr. Unlike the small caliber guys, you are in the sweet spot. More than "enough" (always a good thing) oomph. Not so much as to be hard on shooter or bullet. Stay away from any bullet designed for the 30-30 and you will be fine with C&C bullets. Ballistic Tips, Sierra Pro-hunters pointed or RN, Game Kings, or Interlocks. In that order, IMHO. Personal opinion only, any order would be fine. Anyone thinking you need or want some mono premium bullet for deer in a 308 is just looking to "have the best"(most expensive) Have shot deer with Partitions from 7mm and 300 magnums. The results were slower kills than traditional bullets in a 308. (Rib shots) I felt the same way about the one I shot with a Partition with my 308. Also, even though they get rave reviews, I haven't been crazy about the 130ttsx in my 308. All deer died and didn't runt far, but not much blood to follow. Got me to thinking about the performance I used to get before I was a reloader and just shot Core-locts and Power Points. I love the premium bullets if I'm shooting deer with my 223, but I'm going back to cheap bullets in my 308. It might be lonely at the top, but it's a bitch at the bottom.

Re: Good cheaper bullet for deer Buckshot77 #17128835 04/03/22 Joined: Feb 2009 Posts: 8,073 Deer Park Texas hasbeen1945 Campfire Outfitter hasbeen1945 Campfire Outfitter Joined: Feb 2009 Posts: 8,073 Deer Park Texas You. Can’t go wrong with Hornady. The flat base spire point with the lead tip. The number of deer I kill a year it would not matter if bullets were 25 bucks a pop. Hasbeen hasbeen (Better a has been than a never was!) NRA Patron member Try to live your life where the preacher doesn't have to lie at your funeral

Re: Good cheaper bullet for deer Buckshot77 #17128876 04/03/22 Joined: May 2020 Posts: 584 Arissona E Esteban325 Campfire Regular Esteban325 Campfire Regular E Joined: May 2020 Posts: 584 Arissona Do Gold Dots count as "cheaper"? I think those things are the cat's ass if they are made in the size you need, getting pushed fast enough, and sufficiently accurate for your gun.

Re: Good cheaper bullet for deer coyotewacker #17129790 04/03/22 Joined: Aug 2006 Posts: 1,935 Michigan M1Garand Campfire Regular M1Garand Campfire Regular Joined: Aug 2006 Posts: 1,935 Michigan Originally Posted by coyotewacker Why in the fink would you ever consider using a CHEAP bullet.....what is there to gain not one thing.....the only time to use a CHEAP bullet is to punch holes in paper or shoot non-living targets..... You want to use a bullet to shoot and KILL use Cutting Edge Bullets......they may cost more than cheap junk bullets using old technology and are nothing but JUNK.... https://cuttingedgebullets.com It doesn't take much to kill a deer. I've shot quite a few and any C & C will do a great job on one. If you think any of them mentioned are junk, you really haven't shot many deer with any of them.

Re: Good cheaper bullet for deer Buckshot77 #17129812 04/03/22 Joined: Apr 2004 Posts: 1,425 Saskatchewan M Model70Guy Campfire Regular Model70Guy Campfire Regular M Joined: Apr 2004 Posts: 1,425 Saskatchewan It was Ross Seyfried that described the flat-based Interlock as the cheapest of the premium bullets, but I get endless entertainment sort of slipping that into conversations. Some people get this wild-eyed look like their world got rocked, but those who have some meaningful experience transition to this pondering look where they concede that if you can't do it with an Interlock you probably couldn't do it anyway. Sort of like asking if the 375 is the biggest small gun or the smallest big gun. On a windless day, you can smell brain clutches smoking. Life begins at 40. Recoil begins at "Over 40" Coincidence? I don't think so.

Re: Good cheaper bullet for deer Buckshot77 #17129887 04/03/22 Joined: Apr 2010 Posts: 8,166 T TheKid Campfire Outfitter TheKid Campfire Outfitter T Joined: Apr 2010 Posts: 8,166 The 150 Hornady SP is my favorite currently produced bullet for my 300 Savages, it has worked to perfection on a bunch of deer and bears. I can’t think of anything that would be a better inexpensive deer bullet for a 308.

Re: Good cheaper bullet for deer Buckshot77 #17129906 04/03/22 Joined: Dec 2021 Posts: 2,340 Moss, Tn. roverboy Campfire Regular roverboy Campfire Regular Joined: Dec 2021 Posts: 2,340 Moss, Tn. I shoot the Hornady 150 gr. Interlocks and 150 gr. Speer Spitzers. Both will go clean through and make a decent hole if a behind shoulder shot but, heavy shoulder or neck muscle will a lot of times stop them under the skin of opposite side. They kill quick though and shoot great. The longest shot I've made with either was about 225 yards. Up close in the woods they will a lot of times not go all the way through. Why do I have to press 1, for English?

Re: Good cheaper bullet for deer coyotewacker #17130568 04/04/22 Joined: Jul 2007 Posts: 24,637 Midwest SKane Campfire Ranger SKane Campfire Ranger Joined: Jul 2007 Posts: 24,637 Midwest Originally Posted by coyotewacker Why in the fink would you ever consider using a CHEAP bullet.....what is there to gain not one thing.....the only time to use a CHEAP bullet is to punch holes in paper or shoot non-living targets..... You want to use a bullet to shoot and KILL use Cutting Edge Bullets......they may cost more than cheap junk bullets using old technology and are nothing but JUNK.... https://cuttingedgebullets.com Holy szchit, this is pete53-esque. I've killed a pile of deer with the Speer Hot-Cor – zero issues. WWP53D

Re: Good cheaper bullet for deer T_O_M #17130872 04/04/22 Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 46,745 Just The Tip T tzone Campfire 'Bwana tzone Campfire 'Bwana T Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 46,745 Just The Tip Originally Posted by T_O_M Originally Posted by Royce Hornady interlock- dam near as good a Partition. In years of working a gun counter, can never remember hearing a compliant about them for deer or elk, and they were our most popular bullet. I can complain about them. We had mixed results back in the 70s/80s with 180s from two '06s. A small percentage performed correctly, the rest either disintegrated or penciled through. We switched to head shots to reduce the amount of tracking needed. Others' experiences vary I'm sure, but that's how it worked **for us**. Sierras were no better but they seemed to be more accurate. I switched to Speer Hot Cores and my problems ended, my father stuck with Hornady and Sierra and his persisted. Tom You had trouble with a bullet 40 years ago so you're going to complain about them? LOL Camp is where you make it.

Re: Good cheaper bullet for deer Ky221 #17130878 04/04/22 Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 46,745 Just The Tip T tzone Campfire 'Bwana tzone Campfire 'Bwana T Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 46,745 Just The Tip Originally Posted by Ky221 That's a hellova buck. You have anymore pics of him? Camp is where you make it.

Re: Good cheaper bullet for deer Buckshot77 #17137347 04/06/22 Joined: Mar 2015 Posts: 3,582 Upstate NY River_Ridge Campfire Tracker River_Ridge Campfire Tracker Joined: Mar 2015 Posts: 3,582 Upstate NY I've read where the Hornady Interlock was referred to as the "poor man's Partition". I can't think of a much better compliment than that. I use the 165 grain Hornady #3040 in my 30-06 with excellent results. I'll be switching to 150 Hornady #3031 in my 308 when I run out of Partitions. Last edited by River_Ridge; 04/06/22. Reason: Even more wisdom. Wag more, bark less. The freedoms we surrender today will be the freedoms our grandchildren will never know existed. The men who wrote the Second Amendment didn't just finish a hunting trip, they just finished liberating a nation.

Re: Good cheaper bullet for deer MAC #17137388 04/06/22 Joined: Jul 2014 Posts: 2,556 Nebraska S sbhooper Campfire Regular sbhooper Campfire Regular S Joined: Jul 2014 Posts: 2,556 Nebraska Originally Posted by MAC There isn't a deer alive that can survive a 150 gr Hornady in the lungs. They don't cost a lot and they work. Absolutely correct. I have shot a lot of deer with them. Not expensive and shoot as well in my rifles as the pretty bullets. You did not "seen" anything, you "saw" it. A "creek" has water in it, a "crick" is what you get in your neck. Liberals with guns are nothing but hypocrites.

Re: Good cheaper bullet for deer Buckshot77 #17137741 04/06/22 Joined: May 2014 Posts: 10,403 NE South Dakota Bugger Campfire Outfitter Bugger Campfire Outfitter Joined: May 2014 Posts: 10,403 NE South Dakota Plus 1 on interlocks I prefer classic. Semper Fi I used to run with the hare. Now I'm envious of the tortoise and I do my own stunts but rarely intentionally

Re: Good cheaper bullet for deer tzone #17144325 04/08/22 Joined: Aug 2011 Posts: 3,687 K Ky221 Campfire Tracker Ky221 Campfire Tracker K Joined: Aug 2011 Posts: 3,687 Originally Posted by tzone Originally Posted by Ky221 That's a hellova buck. You have anymore pics of him? A few. Disregard the facial expressions. Probably not likely to see it outside of an asylum.

Re: Good cheaper bullet for deer Buckshot77 #17144436 04/08/22 Joined: Oct 2014 Posts: 3,237 Coulee Country C cv540 Campfire Tracker cv540 Campfire Tracker C Joined: Oct 2014 Posts: 3,237 Coulee Country Have been shooting 165 grain Gamekings in my .308 for about 30 years and have accounted for scores of deer. Almost all of them shot under 50 yards, most front high shoulder shots. Have never had one go more a couple steps. Always leaves a good amount of blood. Can't speak from experience about the 150 grain Gamekings but wouldn't think they would be too much different performance. "Put none but Americans on guard tonight." -George Washington

Re: Good cheaper bullet for deer Buckshot77 #17146198 04/09/22 Joined: Sep 2021 Posts: 50 Phoenix, AZ S SCAMMER - INKK - BEWARE! Campfire Greenhorn SCAMMER - INKK - BEWARE! Campfire Greenhorn S Joined: Sep 2021 Posts: 50 Phoenix, AZ Nosler B-tip, Sierra gameking, Hornady interlock, Barnes X, all have worked well for me. Whatever your rifle shoots best will be your best bullet for deer

Re: Good cheaper bullet for deer Buckshot77 #17150449 04/10/22 Joined: Mar 2020 Posts: 115 R RCflash Campfire Member RCflash Campfire Member R Joined: Mar 2020 Posts: 115 My first concern when choosing a bullet for whitetails is how consistent will they pattern..... can i find a load which shoots small enough groups for my hunting situation----east central Minnesota brush. Have tried Speer, Hornady, Remington, Sierra, and Nosler in different rifles. when I find a consistent load for a rifle i stick with it. Hornady Interlocks, 150 gr work very well in my '59 Savage 99..... 300 Savage featherweight. Not a very hot load, but it is consistent ... about 1+ MOA. Not gonna change that load unless I have to. The 130 Interlocks shoot really well in my pre-64 Model 70 270. MOA. Formerly used Partitions, but when I ran out, switched to the Hornady. No regrets. Find a bullet weight/ brand & load which shoot well in your rifle. there are a lot of good choices. Hornady certainly is one of them.

Re: Good cheaper bullet for deer Buckshot77 #17154649 04/12/22 Joined: Feb 2014 Posts: 2,621 Vermont PintsofCraft Campfire Regular PintsofCraft Campfire Regular Joined: Feb 2014 Posts: 2,621 Vermont Any cup & core in the 26-2800fps range at impact will be just fine unless it’s directed poorly.

Re: Good cheaper bullet for deer Buckshot77 #17154730 04/12/22 Joined: Nov 2007 Posts: 921 Boise, ID M Mike_Dettorre Campfire Regular Mike_Dettorre Campfire Regular M Joined: Nov 2007 Posts: 921 Boise, ID I consider Hornady Interloks the non-premium price, just about premium bullet and for deer that means the optimal combination. Killed several deer , pigs, and three cow elk with Hornady Interloks. Never a complaint. I always kinda chuckle when I hear about bullets "blowing up" on the shoulder or "pencilling thru" and the animal was unrecovered. The first thought that comes to mind is..."based on what actual evidence" and "your denial of poor shot placement is not evidence" Internet analysis: 1 in a row is a trend, 2 in a row is statistically significant, and 3 in a row is an irrefutable fact Fools & fanatics are always so certain and wise people are always so questioning

Re: Good cheaper bullet for deer Buckshot77 #17154874 04/12/22 Joined: Dec 2017 Posts: 1,356 KC R Rossimp Campfire Regular Rossimp Campfire Regular R Joined: Dec 2017 Posts: 1,356 KC Hornady SST are the most underrated and under used bullet. They flat out perform, however most pass them by believing they don’t penetrate and over expand, which is BS. I use 165 grains exclusively, most are pass throughs on deer. 150s would be fine as well. The 165s however are calibrated for my 308 Win having a drop compensation scope out to 700 yards. They flat out shock and awe deer, just as intended. Another luxury is relatively high BC and excellent accuracy. They perform in the 308 Win like they were made for that chamber and velocity range. Not terribly expensive and easy to find on shelves. For long distance work on antelope and mule deer the 168 gr A-Max is another good one.

Re: Good cheaper bullet for deer Buckshot77 #17154914 04/12/22 Joined: Mar 2009 Posts: 2,785 Fort Worth, Texas D Darryle Campfire Regular Darryle Campfire Regular D Joined: Mar 2009 Posts: 2,785 Fort Worth, Texas The Hornady Interlock is a favorite of mine, regardless of caliber. My uncle had always hunted with a pre-64 243 that he used nothing but the cheapest Winchester Super-X PSP style bullets. I believe that they were 100gr variety. He shot whitetail and mule deer, antelope, goats and occasionally an elk when he would draw a tag. We hunted outside of Van Horn when all of us cousins were just boys thru our teens. He would shimmy up in a Mesquite and shoot his limit at distances we thought impossible, he'd carry a few extras in a shirt pocket, but generally used just what he loaded in the rifle. I would be willing to bet, that a soft point style bullet has accounted for the greatest majority of game animals, probably 3 to 1 of its closest competitor. NRA Endowed Patron Life Benefactor GOA Life Member TSRA Life Member NSCA Life Member

Re: Good cheaper bullet for deer Mike_Dettorre #17156232 04/12/22 Joined: Jan 2022 Posts: 237 The flat woods B Buckshot77 OP Campfire Member OP Buckshot77 Campfire Member B Joined: Jan 2022 Posts: 237 The flat woods Originally Posted by Mike_Dettorre I always kinda chuckle when I hear about bullets "blowing up" on the shoulder or "pencilling thru" and the animal was unrecovered. The first thought that comes to mind is..."based on what actual evidence" and "your denial of poor shot placement is not evidence" I agree. 90% of the time, you don't know that it's poor bullet performance unless you can examine the deer. If you can examine the deer, it is a dead deer, so... It might be lonely at the top, but it's a bitch at the bottom.

Re: Good cheaper bullet for deer Buckshot77 #17156328 04/12/22 Joined: Apr 2006 Posts: 7,163 MT J Just a Hunter Campfire Tracker Just a Hunter Campfire Tracker J Joined: Apr 2006 Posts: 7,163 MT Yep. if John Nosler were a better shot, he wouldn't have invented the Partition.

Re: Good cheaper bullet for deer Buckshot77 #17156372 04/12/22 Joined: Aug 2005 Posts: 916 Tucson, Arizona Old_Tucson Campfire Regular Old_Tucson Campfire Regular Joined: Aug 2005 Posts: 916 Tucson, Arizona No longer made but I shoot 165gr and 180gr Speer Deep Shocks. In my opinion, the best cup and core ever made. Bought just under 3000 of them when everybody was getting rid of them. Still got a couple of thosand and along with a couple of thousand of 150gr Partition Golds I"m set for life. George Dad always said, "Nadie Nacio Ensenado" (No One Was Born Taught)

Re: Good cheaper bullet for deer Buckshot77 #17156480 04/12/22 Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 10,789 The Palmetto State C cra1948 Campfire Outfitter cra1948 Campfire Outfitter C Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 10,789 The Palmetto State I tend to gravitate toward Sierras for no good reason except I never seem to have a problem getting them to shoot well. I've used tSGK's in .224 65 grain, 6mm 100 grain, 6.5 130 grain and Pro Hunter and SGK's in.308 150 and 165 grain for killing deer with no problems. This year I went to the HPBT 130 6.5 and 165 .308 for the first time. It was easy to get sub-moa in both 6.5X55 and .308 with those bullets. I didn't end up using the .308, but I did kill one deer with the 6.5 HPBT SGK. Nothing spectacular to tell, just a one shot, short run dead deer. I've also used other bullets for killing deer, the OP being about .308 I'd add I've used the 150 and 165 grain NBT quite a bit in .308 and some 150 Speers back in the 80's (not sure now which one.) They all work like they should. Mathew 22: 37-39

Re: Good cheaper bullet for deer Buckshot77 #17156614 04/12/22 Joined: Nov 2013 Posts: 28,731 West of the Blue Ridge Pappy348 Campfire Ranger Pappy348 Campfire Ranger Joined: Nov 2013 Posts: 28,731 West of the Blue Ridge Way back when I shot only factory, or when time prevented me from loading my own, I shot mostly Core Lokts or Winchester PPs. They killed fine, but were never particularly accurate. After that, I generally loaded Sierra PHs or Gamekings, especially the 165gr BTHP, a killer-diller for sure, but pretty brutal at the ranges I often shot stuff. Now I buy BT or Partition blems when they go on sale, but don’t think it makes much difference on scrawny WV eating deer. I use different stuff for fun, but a .308 is hard to beat IMO. What fresh Hell is this?

Re: Good cheaper bullet for deer Pappy348 #17156950 04/12/22 Joined: Apr 2001 Posts: 9,712 Ontario, Canada S Steve Redgwell Campfire Outfitter Steve Redgwell Campfire Outfitter S Joined: Apr 2001 Posts: 9,712 Ontario, Canada Originally Posted by Pappy348 Way back when I shot only factory, or when time prevented me from loading my own, I shot mostly Core Lokts or Winchester PPs. They killed fine, but were never particularly accurate. After that, I generally loaded Sierra PHs or Gamekings, especially the 165gr BTHP, a killer-diller for sure, but pretty brutal at the ranges I often shot stuff. Now I buy BT or Partition blems when they go on sale, but don’t think it makes much difference on scrawny WV eating deer. I use different stuff for fun, but a .308 is hard to beat IMO. I never had any problems getting CLs to shoot respectably. Here are a couple of inexpensively made groups, fashioned from 150 and 180 grain Remington CLs shot at 100 yd. I think some of it has to do with when they were made. They still make both as components, but the price gap has narrowed. You can often get Hot Cors or Interlocks for almost the same money. These are fired from a 30-303 barrel. The targets below are 180 grain CLs. Re 17 and Re 15 did very well. These groups were made "cold". That is, I didn't monkey with the seating depth. And really, I won't bother. I rarely shoot past 300 yards except at the range. For me at least, this is good enough. Safe Shooting! Steve Redgwell www.303british.com Get your facts first, then you can distort them as you please. - Mark Twain Member - Professional Outdoor Media Association of Canada

Re: Good cheaper bullet for deer Steve Redgwell #17156966 04/12/22 Joined: Mar 2020 Posts: 4,813 NC R Raferman Campfire Tracker Raferman Campfire Tracker R Joined: Mar 2020 Posts: 4,813 NC Originally Posted by Steve Redgwell Originally Posted by Pappy348 Way back when I shot only factory, or when time prevented me from loading my own, I shot mostly Core Lokts or Winchester PPs. They killed fine, but were never particularly accurate. After that, I generally loaded Sierra PHs or Gamekings, especially the 165gr BTHP, a killer-diller for sure, but pretty brutal at the ranges I often shot stuff. Now I buy BT or Partition blems when they go on sale, but don’t think it makes much difference on scrawny WV eating deer. I use different stuff for fun, but a .308 is hard to beat IMO. I never had any problems getting CLs to shoot respectably. Here are a couple of inexpensively made groups, fashioned from 150 and 180 grain Remington CLs. I think some of it has to do with when they were made. They still make both as components, but the price gap has narrowed. You can often get Hot Cors or Interlocks for almost the same money. These are fired from a 30-303 barrel. The targets below are 180 grain CLs. Re 17 and Re 15 did very well. These groups were made "cold". That is, I didn't monkey with the seating depth. And really, I won't bother. I rarely shoot past 300 yards except at the range. For me at least, this is good enough. Your avitar pic is creepy Steve.

Re: Good cheaper bullet for deer Buckshot77 #17156994 04/12/22 Joined: Nov 2007 Posts: 921 Boise, ID M Mike_Dettorre Campfire Regular Mike_Dettorre Campfire Regular M Joined: Nov 2007 Posts: 921 Boise, ID "Yep. if John Nosler were a better shot, he wouldn't have invented the Partition." Now that's funny! Internet analysis: 1 in a row is a trend, 2 in a row is statistically significant, and 3 in a row is an irrefutable fact Fools & fanatics are always so certain and wise people are always so questioning

Re: Good cheaper bullet for deer Buckshot77 #17157263 04/12/22 Joined: May 2007 Posts: 12,123 Okanagan Falls, BC BC30cal Campfire Outfitter BC30cal Campfire Outfitter Joined: May 2007 Posts: 12,123 Okanagan Falls, BC Buckshot77; Good evening to you sir, I hope the day was good to you and you're well. I'll add my vote for the Hornady Interlocks. We've used the .308" 150gr in a .308 Carbine for a good double handful of BC whitetail and mulie bucks with complete satisfaction. As an aside, we've also used Interlocks in .257", .264", .277", .284", assorted .308" weights other than 150gr and .338" on mulie and whitetail bucks as well as a few black bears, a California Bighorn and a moose. The ones we recovered were typically at least double the diameter of the original bullet and I want to say between 50% and 60% of the original weight - usually. They work fine and I had to hunt with Hornady Interlocks for the remainder of my hunting days I'd not feel handicapped one bit. Hopefully that was helpful to you or someone out there. Good luck with your hunts whichever bullets you go with. Dwayne The most important stuff in life isn't "stuff"

Re: Good cheaper bullet for deer SKane #17186076 04/22/22 Joined: Dec 2016 Posts: 3,030 Garandimal Campfire Tracker Garandimal Campfire Tracker Joined: Dec 2016 Posts: 3,030 Originally Posted by SKane Originally Posted by coyotewacker Why in the fink would you ever consider using a CHEAP bullet.....what is there to gain not one thing.....the only time to use a CHEAP bullet is to punch holes in paper or shoot non-living targets..... You want to use a bullet to shoot and KILL use Cutting Edge Bullets......they may cost more than cheap junk bullets using old technology and are nothing but JUNK.... https://cuttingedgebullets.com Holy szchit, this is pete53-esque. I've killed a pile of deer with the Speer Hot-Cor – zero issues. Sure - but they taste better if you kill'em w/ woke Cutting Edge Bullets. Just sayin'. GR

Re: Good cheaper bullet for deer Buckshot77 #17186315 04/22/22 Joined: Dec 2010 Posts: 19,231 B Blackheart Campfire Ranger Blackheart Campfire Ranger B Joined: Dec 2010 Posts: 19,231 I've used Game Kings, Pro Hunters, Interlocks, SST's, Core Lokts, Power Points, Silvertips, Fusions, Power Shoks and probably a few I don't remember right off hand. Tough to find a .30 caliber bullet of 150 gr. or more that won't kill the shyt out of deer. I haven't found one that doesn't work yet.

Re: Good cheaper bullet for deer Buckshot77 #17190794 04/24/22 Joined: Oct 2019 Posts: 1,078 B Benbo Campfire Regular Benbo Campfire Regular B Joined: Oct 2019 Posts: 1,078 My experience is about the same. I’ve shot 150 Sierra pro hunters, hornady IL, 150 partitions and BT’s, Remington C-L from my 308… I settled on the hornady because it was the cheapest and very accurate and killed the $hit out of every deer I ever shot. Not sure any 150 soft point in 308 is a bad bullet for deer.

Re: Good cheaper bullet for deer Buckshot77 #17190893 04/24/22 Joined: May 2014 Posts: 10,403 NE South Dakota Bugger Campfire Outfitter Bugger Campfire Outfitter Joined: May 2014 Posts: 10,403 NE South Dakota I shot four deer with 150 grain interlocks out of a 308 last year. Bang flop, bang flop, bang flop, bang flop I prefer classic. Semper Fi I used to run with the hare. Now I'm envious of the tortoise and I do my own stunts but rarely intentionally

Re: Good cheaper bullet for deer Buckshot77 #17194371 04/25/22 Joined: May 2004 Posts: 5,190 TAX HELL Allenton Wisconsin I ihookem Campfire Tracker ihookem Campfire Tracker I Joined: May 2004 Posts: 5,190 TAX HELL Allenton Wisconsin The Speer bullets have been about 5 bucks cheaper than the Interlocks. I saw a box of Speer in 243 ( 1220) for $21.99 the other day. Not bad. Last year I saw soem .277 150 gr. ( 1605 and 1604.) They were $20 and $21 a box . There were 6 boxes. I bought 2, then 2 weeks later the other 4 boxes were still there so I bought 2 more. Two weeks later the last 2 boxes were still there so I bought them too. DOnt know why they didnt sell, the Interlocks were selling much faster and more money. But the fruits of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness,faithfulness, Gentleness and self control. Against such things there is no law. Galations 5: 22&23

Re: Good cheaper bullet for deer Buckshot77 #17194831 04/25/22 Joined: Apr 2022 Posts: 99 Mississippi L L_Savage99 Campfire Greenhorn L_Savage99 Campfire Greenhorn L Joined: Apr 2022 Posts: 99 Mississippi I’ve always shot the cheap federal or remingtons. Most of the deer hunting I do around home is less then a 200 yard shot. No need in spending a fortune on the ammo just taking the time one the shot placement.

Re: Good cheaper bullet for deer Buckshot77 #17200994 04/27/22 Joined: Aug 2001 Posts: 291 Bryan, Tx T TXLoader Campfire Member TXLoader Campfire Member T Joined: Aug 2001 Posts: 291 Bryan, Tx Just getting things set up to start loading for my M1A SOCOM, so I'm in the same boat. I've got some pulled surplus bullets (Nosler 150 gr BT's, 165 gr AccuBonds) and some Sierra 168 gr TMK's in supply, but I'll want some inexpensive hunting bullets, sooner or later. I'm looking at putting the 150gr Interlocks or Speer Hot-Cors in inventory...these are still the better priced offerings. That said, if I see a surplus stock of Federals or Noslers for a comparable price, I wouldn't hesitate to pull the trigger.

Re: Good cheaper bullet for deer Buckshot77 #17201155 04/28/22 Joined: May 2004 Posts: 1,273 Somewhere Beyond the Sun W Willto Campfire Regular Willto Campfire Regular W Joined: May 2004 Posts: 1,273 Somewhere Beyond the Sun Add me to the Interlock pile. Best basic cup and core lead tipped bullet out there IMHO. I have yet to get one to stop in a deer here in Alabama. Accurate, good expansion without fragmenting. Kill deer rather well. What more could you want?

Re: Good cheaper bullet for deer Buckshot77 #17202824 04/28/22 Joined: Apr 2001 Posts: 9,712 Ontario, Canada S Steve Redgwell Campfire Outfitter Steve Redgwell Campfire Outfitter S Joined: Apr 2001 Posts: 9,712 Ontario, Canada Whether it's a CL, Hot Cor, Interlock, Game King or similar, if they weren't good, production would have stopped years ago. I think it's fair to say that any C&C bullet recommended by the manufacturer for use on deer would be all you need. It's just a matter of finding the best price. I wouldn't worry too much about the brand name. Bullet selection is a lot like the Ford vs Chevy debate. Safe Shooting! Steve Redgwell www.303british.com Get your facts first, then you can distort them as you please. - Mark Twain Member - Professional Outdoor Media Association of Canada

Re: Good cheaper bullet for deer Buckshot77 #17202916 04/28/22 Joined: Mar 2018 Posts: 1,017 Dubuque, IA G Gaschekt Campfire Regular Gaschekt Campfire Regular G Joined: Mar 2018 Posts: 1,017 Dubuque, IA How about a Lee 309-170 mold and the cheapest gas-checks around? Once in awhile they go on sale. You can make a pile at around a buck or two per pound. Labor intensive but that's what rainy days are for. Can't beat em for fun blasting ammo. I hunt with them too

Re: Good cheaper bullet for deer Gaschekt #17203067 04/28/22 Joined: May 2004 Posts: 5,190 TAX HELL Allenton Wisconsin I ihookem Campfire Tracker ihookem Campfire Tracker I Joined: May 2004 Posts: 5,190 TAX HELL Allenton Wisconsin Originally Posted by Gaschekt How about a Lee 309-170 mold and the cheapest gas-checks around? Once in awhile they go on sale. You can make a pile at around a buck or two per pound. Labor intensive but that's what rainy days are for. Can't beat em for fun blasting ammo. I hunt with them too GAschekt, I never did that with rifle, but I make a roundball as , or more accurate than factory and it is very cheap , especially when I got the 100 lbs of lead for free. But the fruits of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness,faithfulness, Gentleness and self control. Against such things there is no law. Galations 5: 22&23

Re: Good cheaper bullet for deer Buckshot77 #17203140 04/28/22 Joined: Mar 2018 Posts: 1,017 Dubuque, IA G Gaschekt Campfire Regular Gaschekt Campfire Regular G Joined: Mar 2018 Posts: 1,017 Dubuque, IA Bet it'll start happening more and more as the economics of casting own starts winning. There really isn't much this bullet can't do out of a 308. I lube them up and seat gas-checks and load 42.0 grs imr-4895 for 2700 fps, no leading and 1" groups. I had no idea performance like this was possible for cast bullets. I do have close to the correct #2 alloy with antimony and tin as the castings weigh 169grs. Finished bullets weigh 173gr. I can bang steel plates all day long at 300 yds with them https://leeprecision.com/mold-dc-c309-170-f.html

Re: Good cheaper bullet for deer Buckshot77 #17203304 04/28/22 Joined: May 2004 Posts: 56,080 In the Swamps DigitalDan Campfire Kahuna DigitalDan Campfire Kahuna Joined: May 2004 Posts: 56,080 In the Swamps 180 grains, Lyman 311041. Pound of lead runs ballpark $2 these days, do the math. 50 yards with a Winchester 94 during load work up. I am..........disturbed. Concerning the difference between man and the jackass: some observers hold that there isn't any. But this wrongs the jackass. -Twain

Re: Good cheaper bullet for deer Buckshot77 #17203405 04/28/22 Joined: Apr 2001 Posts: 9,712 Ontario, Canada S Steve Redgwell Campfire Outfitter Steve Redgwell Campfire Outfitter S Joined: Apr 2001 Posts: 9,712 Ontario, Canada And you can eat right up to the gas check! Safe Shooting! Steve Redgwell www.303british.com Get your facts first, then you can distort them as you please. - Mark Twain Member - Professional Outdoor Media Association of Canada

Re: Good cheaper bullet for deer JPro #17203649 04/28/22 Joined: Nov 2007 Posts: 29,625 Mi. E efw Campfire Ranger efw Campfire Ranger E Joined: Nov 2007 Posts: 29,625 Mi. Originally Posted by JPro Midsouth Shooters Supply has 100ct boxes of 150 Interlocks for $29.99 and 150 Speer Boattails for $26.49. Pretty cheap these days. Winner winner

Re: Good cheaper bullet for deer Buckshot77 #17203691 04/28/22 Joined: Jan 2008 Posts: 15,745 M mjbgalt Campfire Ranger mjbgalt Campfire Ranger M Joined: Jan 2008 Posts: 15,745 Speer seems to always cooperate with me in the accuracy department

Re: Good cheaper bullet for deer Buckshot77 #17203992 04/29/22 Joined: Jan 2009 Posts: 1,472 NSW, Australia Elvis Campfire Regular Elvis Campfire Regular Joined: Jan 2009 Posts: 1,472 NSW, Australia The Hornady Interlock flat base would be my pick, 150gn in the .308.

Re: Good cheaper bullet for deer Gaschekt #17204131 04/29/22 Joined: Jan 2022 Posts: 237 The flat woods B Buckshot77 OP Campfire Member OP Buckshot77 Campfire Member B Joined: Jan 2022 Posts: 237 The flat woods Originally Posted by Gaschekt How about a Lee 309-170 mold and the cheapest gas-checks around? Once in awhile they go on sale. You can make a pile at around a buck or two per pound. Labor intensive but that's what rainy days are for. Can't beat em for fun blasting ammo. I hunt with them too Been thinking about that. Not to hunt with, but just to make shooting a bunch cheap. What would lead bullets do in a gas operated auto though (Browning Bar)? If it would make it unreliable or a pain to clean, I think I'd rather just pay for bullets. If not, I'm all for it. I already cast and I have a buddy with that mold I could borrow. It might be lonely at the top, but it's a bitch at the bottom.

Re: Good cheaper bullet for deer Buckshot77 #17204244 04/29/22 Joined: Mar 2018 Posts: 1,017 Dubuque, IA G Gaschekt Campfire Regular Gaschekt Campfire Regular G Joined: Mar 2018 Posts: 1,017 Dubuque, IA I've encountered zero problems running these in a gas piston semiautomatic Sig. Far from the notion that lead bullets require more maintenance I've found the opposite is true. It's my copper bullets that copper foul, hence the need for cfe powders. A properly lubricated lead bullet is what I call a shoot forever load. They run clean, the barrel is still shiney after a range session and leaves a protective film. Kinda like a well used cast iron skillet used over and over. I must admit to making my own bullet lube. 60% beeswax, 30%avocado oil, 10% hoglard. Smear it on toast It's perfectly edible.

Re: Good cheaper bullet for deer Buckshot77 #17204264 04/29/22 Joined: Mar 2018 Posts: 1,017 Dubuque, IA G Gaschekt Campfire Regular Gaschekt Campfire Regular G Joined: Mar 2018 Posts: 1,017 Dubuque, IA Most guys do the powder coating method and there's a ton of information out there on that. Old forums and articles are abundant. It takes a little research and experimenting. I read and read until i stumbled upon a lube recipe I found worthy to try with ingredients that were on hand

Re: Good cheaper bullet for deer Gaschekt #17208175 04/30/22 Joined: Jan 2022 Posts: 237 The flat woods B Buckshot77 OP Campfire Member OP Buckshot77 Campfire Member B Joined: Jan 2022 Posts: 237 The flat woods Originally Posted by Gaschekt I've encountered zero problems running these in a gas piston semiautomatic Sig. Far from the notion that lead bullets require more maintenance I've found the opposite is true. It's my copper bullets that copper foul, hence the need for cfe powders. A properly lubricated lead bullet is what I call a shoot forever load. They run clean, the barrel is still shiney after a range session and leaves a protective film. Kinda like a well used cast iron skillet used over and over. I must admit to making my own bullet lube. 60% beeswax, 30%avocado oil, 10% hoglard. Smear it on toast It's perfectly edible. That's good to hear. I think I will see about borrowing his mold. I already powder coat buckshot pellets and pistol bullets I cast. Thanks for the info. It might be lonely at the top, but it's a bitch at the bottom.

Re: Good cheaper bullet for deer efw #17209133 04/30/22 Joined: May 2004 Posts: 5,190 TAX HELL Allenton Wisconsin I ihookem Campfire Tracker ihookem Campfire Tracker I Joined: May 2004 Posts: 5,190 TAX HELL Allenton Wisconsin Originally Posted by efw Originally Posted by JPro Midsouth Shooters Supply has 100ct boxes of 150 Interlocks for $29.99 and 150 Speer Boattails for $26.49. Pretty cheap these days. Winner winner Those Speer bullets are not nearly as popular but they dont play second fiddle neither. Last edited by ihookem; 04/30/22. But the fruits of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness,faithfulness, Gentleness and self control. Against such things there is no law. Galations 5: 22&23

Re: Good cheaper bullet for deer texken #17231214 05/08/22 Joined: Mar 2011 Posts: 655 S Skatchewan Campfire Regular Skatchewan Campfire Regular S Joined: Mar 2011 Posts: 655 Originally Posted by texken never had a problem with remy core loct's Can't get them as components

Re: Good cheaper bullet for deer Buckshot77 #17231987 05/08/22 Joined: Jan 2022 Posts: 237 The flat woods B Buckshot77 OP Campfire Member OP Buckshot77 Campfire Member B Joined: Jan 2022 Posts: 237 The flat woods I bought a couple boxes of Hornady # 3031s. Haven't had a chance to load any up yet. Going to try the cast bullets for pinkers too. It might be lonely at the top, but it's a bitch at the bottom.

Re: Good cheaper bullet for deer Elvis #17232519 05/08/22 Joined: Aug 2010 Posts: 48,004 Battle Born B bsa1917hunter Campfire 'Bwana bsa1917hunter Campfire 'Bwana B Joined: Aug 2010 Posts: 48,004 Battle Born Originally Posted by Elvis The Hornady Interlock flat base would be my pick, 150gn in the .308. Mine too. That is the easy button, but just about any 150gr bullet works in the 308. Originally Posted by raybass I try to stick with the basics, they do so well. Nothing fancy mind you, just plain jane will get it done with style. Originally Posted by Pharmseller You want to see an animal drop right now? Shoot him in the ear hole. BSA MAGA

Re: Good cheaper bullet for deer Mike_Dettorre #17232549 05/09/22 Joined: Jun 2001 Posts: 32,065 Kenai Peninsula, AK L las Campfire 'Bwana las Campfire 'Bwana L Joined: Jun 2001 Posts: 32,065 Kenai Peninsula, AK Originally Posted by Mike_Dettorre "Yep. if John Nosler were a better shot, he wouldn't have invented the Partition." Now that's funny! Uh-huh. And likely true. Moose don't take a lot of killing, just a bit of time to get there. I've killed them with .22 Mag (road-hits) .243, 12 Ga slug, 270, 30-30, '06, .338WM, and maybe some day, my 7X57 and/or .260. I won't ever use a .338 210NP on moose again, I'll tell you that! Blew up on the near-side shoulder blade, nothing ever got to the far side lung, never found the back part- probably went back out the large entry wound. An anomaly, probably, but still....a moose lurching back to it's feet when you are 10 feet away on the walk-up is not a good thing. Gets the juices going tho! The 225, 250 NP's , yes, but several C&C shoot better in my rifles, and I don't need Premiums anyway. I have some (at least two calibers) , but I don't "need" them, when C&C do everything I ask of them. If a good blood trail is mandatory, the SST's will definately do it, but so will several others. I won't use Federal Hi-shoks anymore on large animals tho. Explosive, almost. Probably very good on 150# deer. And accurate, in my rifles. Good for target practice, large entry wounds and shrapnal inside the body, but I'm a blow--hole-to-daylight guy. The only true cost of having a dog is its death.

Re: Good cheaper bullet for deer Buckshot77 #17240146 05/11/22 Joined: Jan 2019 Posts: 529 North Carolina 4 4570fan Campfire Regular 4570fan Campfire Regular 4 Joined: Jan 2019 Posts: 529 North Carolina Speer Hot Cor and Hornady Interlocks are my go to since Remington components dried up.

Re: Good cheaper bullet for deer Buckshot77 #17310493 06/05/22 Joined: Nov 2021 Posts: 177 Iowa M Monkeymaster Campfire Member Monkeymaster Campfire Member M Joined: Nov 2021 Posts: 177 Iowa Hornady 150 sp interlock Speer 150 hot core IMO Let him grow, Shoot a doe !