New rifle. What should I consider the max effective range of .308 to be?

[libertyman777]

Hi all,

I've lurked around for a while but haven't done a lot of posting. I've just ordered a FN SPR A2. FN has discontinued this stock option and so the rifle was a really good buy at $1500.

Anyway, the rifle is in .308 and I'm wondering what I should consider the maximum effective range. I'll hunt with Berger VLD's (155 or 175) if they'll shoot in the rifle.

My scope is an older IOR 10x42 MP8.

Thanks,

Paul

 

[J E Custom]

Hi all,

I've lurked around for a while but haven't done a lot of posting. I've just ordered a FN SPR A2. FN has discontinued this stock option and so the rifle was a really good buy at $1500.

Anyway, the rifle is in .308 and I'm wondering what I should consider the maximum effective range. I'll hunt with Berger VLD's (155 or 175) if they'll shoot in the rifle.

My scope is an older IOR 10x42 MP8.

Thanks,

Paul

Depending on the bullet and load the 308 should be good for big game from 600 to 800 yards.

Look at the downrange velocity and where the bullet drops below 16 or 1700 ft/sec will be about
the maximum distance on game.

Some think that the Berger's need 18 to 1900 ft/sec to perform on game.

After finding out where your velocity drops below around 1800 ft/sec, shoot at the maximum
distance and verify that accuracy Is good enough, and that is your maximum effective hunting
distance.

It doesent matter what Me or anyone else says, your rifle and load will determine the maximum
distance you should hunt.

J E CUSTOM

 

[libertyman777]

Thanks for the information. You're correct, I'll need to determine myself but I kinda wanted a ball park. I'll probably limit myself to much less.

Since the Bergers have to run a little hotter to perform, what are considered good performing projectiles on game?

Paul

 

[davkrat]

With my .308 I can push the 150 gr ETips around 2750 fps. Nosler suggests 1800 fps minimum for expansion. Many suggest bumping manufacturer recommended min. velocity by a couple hundred fps so I'd go with 2000 fps for the Etips.

At my home range 2000' elevation and around 70 degrees my load hits 2000 fps right around 475 yards and 1200 ft/lbs. around 550 yards.

Jump up to 8000' and 50 degrees and 2000 fps is around 550 yards and 1200 ft./lbs. is around 650 yards.

I feel comfortable with 500-600 yards. At 600 yards a 2 MOA target is 12" about the size of the kill zone on many deer and larger game, from field positions most people should be able to easily hold 2 MOA. For a .308 I'd say 600 yards is pretty much what you can expect. Like the pole on this site showed most game is taken inside 400 yards though.

 

[jcvibby]

always depends on how you shoot it but for animals I say 400 yards and for targets I say 750 yards.

 

[J E Custom]

Thanks for the information. You're correct, I'll need to determine myself but I kinda wanted a ball park. I'll probably limit myself to much less.

Since the Bergers have to run a little hotter to perform, what are considered good performing projectiles on game?

Paul

I have found one of the best performing bullets for consistently on game is the Accubond.

At extreme range I used to use the Ballistic Tip where velocity was likely to be 17 to 1800
ft/sec. But the Accubond Has not let me down as low as 1600 ft/sec.

I am like the others and try not to drop below 1800 ft/sec on any bullet for game but where
you are just trying to hit paper or a gong the 308 will accurately hit out to 1200 yards.

As suggested 600 yards would be a good limit for deer size game and 400 yards for Elk.

J E CUSTOM

 

[trebark]

always depends on how you shoot it but for animals I say 400 yards and for targets I say 750 yards.

750 on targets...really? somebody better tell all those guys shooting f-class matches on the 1k line.

 

[Buffalobob]

A lot depends upon the accuracy of the rifle and shooter but as
trebark says, those of us who used the 308 for 1000 yard competition on a regular basis have a lot of faith and knowledge concerning our ability to place bullets where they need to go.

As long as I have faith in myself and my rifle and a good hunting bullet in the chamber I will pull the trigger.

 

[stidsteak]

Sierra Game Kings!

 

[Buffalobob]

As long as I have faith in myself and my rifle and a good hunting bullet in the chamber I will pull the trigger.

Such as a 175 Match King.