Optimal .308 Win Mule Deer Load

[SteveO]

There is a 7mm-08 vs. 6.5 PRC thread going on in another forum and the following was posted for an "optimum" 7mm-08 load that better retained velocity and trajectory than most factory 7mag loads.

It got me thinking. I've recently picked up a beautiful little 308 Win and was wondering if anyone has optimized the 308 Win like this before I get started reloading for it.

 

[DoneNOut]

I am currently working on a 708AI build, 26" with 162 ELDM ready to load for a LR range rig. For the reasons illustrated above. This is a reason the top dogs in the F-Class run 7mm cartridges. I doubt you will find a 308 WIN recipe to contend.

 

[HARPERC]

I doubt you will find a 308 WIN recipe to contend.

I have minimal experience with either, but I've followed @Gingerman awhile, and he has worked both extensively.

 

[Roughrice]

I have a similar load... 162 A-Max running 2750 with 46 grains of H4350 and Fed210.
They are seated long and running in a long action and 26" Rem Varmint barrel though.
Hits 600 yard steel with authority.
The ELD-M may have slightly higher BC but my A-Max is 12.7 MOA for 600 down here at sea level.

 

[Roughrice]

I agree. I don't think a 308 would carry velocity and more importantly the energy at those extended ranges.

 

[BillLarson]

There is a recent....very long thread about the 308.... read it.....
speeds and kill experience is very eye opening.....

 

[DoneNOut]

There is a recent....very long thread about the 308.... read it.....
speeds and kill experience is very eye opening.....

I think my main takeaway from that was 30" barrel running 168gr Hybrids full tilt. Which really isn't the regular 308 rig.

 

[Roughrice]

My 308 loads won't keep up with that 7mm-08 with comparable barrel length at 1000.

 

[DoneNOut]

30" 200gr Berger .640 G1 8500ft 2750fps

 

[44-40]

Just shot some 308 a couple of days ago.
22" barrel 9 twist SA 2.980" detachable MDT mag
Wasn't trying for any hunting loads. But what can be done, with cheap LC primed cases, along with Lapua Palma, and Lapua LR. The Lapua LR was faster, by 40 to 50 fps and LR was mostly single digits with Palma SR 3 times the S/D in this limited test, with ball powders.
155 Lapua 3098 fps,
168 Berger 2920 fps
200 gr SMK .715 BC 2740 fps
225 gr eldm 777 BC 2550 fps
230 gr SMK .800 BC 2550 fps...this has great accuracy 17 rds fired 15 into .988" on the ladder test, 2 shots just outside the ragged hole, with hybrid cases.
250 Atip 2319 fps. But could add more powder on this load, had to start low.
All from a 7.5 lb hunting rifle with a Bartlein 5 R 22" 9 twist barrel, 10 rd detachable MDT center feed 2.980" the long bullets 230 SMK & 225 eldm were single load
The 208 eldm was around 2560 fps LC brass and 2640 fps Lapua LR. LC brass was mostly up to the task... Berger makes a 208 hybrid, .689 BC
But none are available for testing...should be able to get them to 2640 fps with Lapua Brass...easily with the hybrid case, in this 22" barrel...new powders, heavy high BC bullets 9 & 8 twist barrels bring new life to the 308 Win.. plus the hybrid case with 80,000 psi available to 308 based cartridges. Ran them in 6.5 Creedmoor for 3150 fps on Nosler 140 gr RDF as and example. This new introduction of bimetal hybrid seems to have fallen on its face for the civilian market with the fall of the 277 Fury Cross rifle. But the 6.8x 51 mm military is running the SS head 80,000 psi in full auto to get velocities high enough to penetrate bullet proof vest.

 

[44-40]

It Wasn't supposed to be a "****ing contest".. don't make me drag out the 30" 8 twist 308 on a long action chasis with 3.4" long cartridges out of the mag. Then add the hybrid bimetal cases.
Totally juiced up over 3900 ft /lbs of muzzle energy 80,000 psi hybrid 308 cases. Like 168 match 3255 fps, 225 ELDM 2719 fps, or 200 SMK. 715 BC 2952 fps. Totally out of bounds but it is a 308 case. I have 30 plus yrs with the 308 case, and build my own rifles, and chamber and throat for specific purposes.
My standard Lapua brass loads mag feed for this 30" 8 twist is 200 gr SMK .715 BC 2856 fps ave mag feed with 3.4" mags. or 230 Atip .823 BC at 2620 fps 225 eldm .777 BC 2675 fps
I was gonna throat it for 250 Atips .878BC but it shoots well with the 200s to 230 where its at with standard Lapua brass...but 250 Atip with 30" barrel should get to 2500 fps with the full 3.4" mag capacity ...without introducing the hybrid cases with extra high pressure. I PRC'd the 308..but any case can be improved upon...depending on availability of powders, with respect to case capacity and pressure it can be run at...the bimetal hybrid cases really improve the 6.5 Creedmoor to magnum performance. But I aint gonna hunt with any of these. Probably be a well worn, altered, model 7 350 Rem Mag 250 gr 2630 fps or 200 gr 2940 fps, 20" short, fast, comfortable warm pilliar bedded walnut, with 2.910" feed mag, tactical bolt , low power 3-9 , 2-7, or 2-10 X scope, ...will meet all my needs.

 

[AkleyFan]

Looking at the numbers for Hornady's 178gr ELD-X Precision Hunter .308 Win ammo - it'll get you very close to the 7-08 162gr ELDM load @ 1000 yards. I like it.

 

[Roughrice]

Agree.
30 inches of barrel loaded out loong in a 308 is fantastic... BUT, All up in the same pajamas........Will it do it then?

 

[DoneNOut]

Agree.
30 inches of barrel loaded out loong in a 308 is fantastic... BUT, All up in the same pajamas........Will it do it then?

It was to illustrate what would be needed to be comparable to the ballistics of that 708 162 ELDM data posted. So, no way is a common 22"ish 308 WIN rifle, one would typically hunt with, going to compare.