I’m heading out for deer season soon and I want to make sure I’ve got the right ammo for my .308 rifle.
There are so many options out there, and it can be overwhelming to choose. From soft points to hollow points, each type seems to have its own kind of pros and cons. I want something reliable that will perform well in the field.
Here are a few questions I have:
What bullet weight do you recommend for deer hunting with a .308?
Are there specific brands that have worked well for you?
How do you think different ammo types compare when it comes to accuracy and knockdown power?
I’ve read a bit about some popular options like Federal Fusion and Hornady American Whitetail, but I’d love to hear your personal experiences.
If you’ve had success with a particular type of .308 ammo, please share what it was and how it performed for you. Any tips for a first-time deer hunter would also be appreciated!
When it comes to .308 deer ammo, consider the ballistic tip bullets. They typically have high velocity and good energy transfer, which drops deer quickly. I’ve had success with Nosler Accubond for its trajectory and weight retention.
I totally agree! The energy transfer is crucial. Shooting a deer with something that expands well on impact can mean the difference between a clean kill and a wounded animal.
For sure! I’ve been using Federal Fusion ammo. It offers a good balance of velocity and expansion. Just curious though, how do you guys feel about the match-grade ammo for deer? Too much emphasis on accuracy?
Absolutely, gibsontammy. I usually stick with soft points for a more traditional approach. They provide an excellent trajectory and a broad wound channel, making them effective for deer. What do others think about hollow points?
Hollow points can be tricky! They are designed for expansion, but sometimes they won’t penetrate adequately on larger deer. I prefer the reliability of bonded bullets instead.
Bonded bullets are a solid choice! I use Hornady Interlock and love how they perform in the field. They stay together upon impact and deliver consistent results at various distances.
I’ve heard great things about Hornady! But how do you feel about Remington Core-Lokt? I’ve had decent results with it, especially with trajectory and energy retention.
Core-Lokt is classic! Many hunters swear by it for its reliability. However, I worry about the terminal performance; it may not always expand as expected.
Great insights, everyone! I wonder if anyone has experience with lighter bullets around 150 grains? I’m curious about how they stack up against heavier ones for trajectory and energy.
I’ve tried 150 grain bullets, and they can deliver faster velocities but sometimes lack the energy of the heavier 180 grains. It’s a trade-off that depends on your hunting style!
That’s true, hgonzalez! It really depends on the distance you’re shooting. For close-range shots, lighter bullets can work well, but for longer ranges, heavier rounds are much preferable.
A thought on all this: choose the loading that fits your rifle’s twist rate! Finding the right ammo can lead to laughter, especially when you miss the deer entirely!
I’m a big fan of Hornady American Whitetail for .308 deer hunting. It’s reliable and very accurate. I’ve harvested several deer with it! What are your thoughts?