Choosing the Right .308 Bullet: Key Factors to Consider
Purpose-Driven Performance
The first question to ask yourself is, “What am I going to use this ammunition for?” Your answer will dramatically narrow down your choices.
Hunting: Hunting dictates a bullet with specific terminal performance characteristics. Factors like game size, hunting distance, and the terrain all play a role. You need a bullet that expands reliably upon impact, delivers sufficient energy transfer to ensure a quick and ethical kill, and penetrates deeply enough to reach vital organs. Different game species will require different bullet designs. For example, a bullet suitable for whitetail deer might be less effective on elk or bear.
Target Shooting: For precision target shooting, accuracy and consistency are paramount. Bullet construction that allows for superior ballistic performance and a high ballistic coefficient are the hallmarks of a great target bullet. A flat trajectory and resistance to wind drift are critical for hitting targets at long ranges. Expansion is not a primary concern; instead, these bullets are designed to punch clean, precise holes in paper or steel.
Tactical Applications: The need for accuracy, rapid target engagement, and reliable performance are key considerations when looking at .308 bullets for tactical use. Bullet selection here may involve a balance between expansion and penetration, depending on the specific mission. The best bullet for self-defense may look very different than one optimized for long-range precision.
Understanding Your Rifle’s Twist Rate
Your rifle’s twist rate is the rate at which the rifling within the barrel spins the bullet. This spin stabilizes the bullet in flight, preventing it from tumbling and ensuring consistent accuracy. The twist rate is usually expressed as a ratio, such as 1:10 (one full rotation in 10 inches of barrel length). This is a critical factor when choosing .308 bullets.
Matching Bullet Weight and Twist Rate: Generally, faster twist rates (e.g., 1:10 or 1:11) are better suited for heavier bullets, while slower twist rates (e.g., 1:12) perform well with lighter bullets. Using a bullet that is too heavy for the twist rate can lead to instability and poor accuracy, while a bullet that is too light for the twist rate may become over-stabilized, leading to erratic flight.
The Importance of Experimentation: While general guidelines exist, the best way to determine the ideal bullet weight for your rifle is often through experimentation. Test different bullet weights and measure the resulting accuracy.
Deciphering the Ballistic Coefficient (BC)
The ballistic coefficient (BC) is a crucial metric, particularly for long-range shooting. It quantifies a bullet’s ability to overcome air resistance. A higher BC indicates a bullet is more aerodynamic and less affected by wind and drag.
Impact of BC on Trajectory: A bullet with a high BC will retain its velocity and energy better over distance. This results in a flatter trajectory and less wind drift, making it easier to hit targets at long ranges.
How to Utilize BC: Consider the BC when selecting bullets. This will dramatically affect long-range accuracy and the level of precision you can achieve with your reloaded .308 ammunition.
Bullet Construction: A Deep Dive
The construction of a bullet significantly impacts its performance. Different materials, designs, and features cater to specific needs.
Core Materials:
Lead Core: This is a common and cost-effective choice for most bullets. Lead is dense, and provides good expansion characteristics.
Solid Copper: Copper bullets are often chosen for hunting, especially where lead restrictions exist. They offer excellent penetration and weight retention, making them ideal for larger game.
Jacket Materials:
Copper Jacket: Jackets are commonly made of copper or copper alloys. The jacket’s thickness and design help control expansion and determine how the bullet performs upon impact.
Bullet Types
Full Metal Jacket (FMJ): These bullets have a lead core encased in a full copper jacket. They typically do not expand upon impact and are ideal for target practice or plinking.
Hollow Point (HP): Hollow points are designed to expand rapidly upon impact. They are often used in varmint hunting or target shooting, as the rapid expansion creates a devastating wound channel.
Soft Point (SP): Soft point bullets have a portion of the lead core exposed at the tip, promoting controlled expansion upon impact. These are a popular choice for hunting, providing a balance between expansion and penetration.
Ballistic Tip (BT): Ballistic tip bullets feature a polymer tip that is designed to initiate expansion. These bullets typically expand rapidly, making them suitable for hunting thin-skinned game or target shooting.
Bonded Bullets: Bonded bullets use a process to create a chemical bond between the jacket and the lead core. This increases weight retention upon impact and ensures greater penetration, making them popular for hunting medium to large game.
Partition Bullets: Partition bullets have a lead core divided by a partition. This design allows the front portion of the bullet to expand quickly, while the rear portion maintains its integrity for deep penetration.
Monolithic Solid Bullets: These bullets are made from a single piece of solid copper or copper alloy. They provide deep penetration and are often used in hunting larger game or where lead restrictions are in place.
Top .308 Bullet Recommendations by Intended Use
Here are some top-performing .308 bullets, categorized by their intended application, to help you find the *best .308 bullets for reloading* for your specific needs.
Best .308 Bullets for Hunting
Nosler AccuBond: This bullet is a favorite among hunters, known for its controlled expansion and high ballistic coefficient. It’s ideal for medium to large game. The bonded construction ensures excellent weight retention, maximizing penetration.
Manufacturer: Nosler
Weight: Commonly available in weights ranging from 150 to 180 grains
Bullet Type: Bonded, Ballistic Tip
Pros: Excellent accuracy, controlled expansion, high BC, good penetration.
Cons: Can be more expensive than some other options.
Sierra GameKing: Known for exceptional accuracy, the Sierra GameKing is a soft-point bullet favored for hunting. These bullets offer consistent performance and good expansion characteristics when hunting game.
Manufacturer: Sierra
Weight: Typically available from 150 to 180 grains.
Bullet Type: Soft Point
Pros: Excellent accuracy, consistent expansion.
Cons: May not provide the same level of penetration as bonded or monolithic bullets.
Hornady InterLock: This bullet design has been around for a long time, and for good reason. The InterLock ring secures the core to the jacket, creating excellent weight retention for hunting. It’s a cost-effective and reliable choice for medium-sized game.
Manufacturer: Hornady
Weight: Available from 150-180 grains.
Bullet Type: Soft Point
Pros: Reliable expansion, good penetration, affordable.
Cons: Not ideal for the largest game animals.
Barnes TTSX: The Barnes TTSX is a solid copper bullet designed for deep penetration and excellent weight retention. This lead-free option is perfect for hunting in areas with lead restrictions and excels at taking down large game.
Manufacturer: Barnes
Weight: Available in a range of weights.
Bullet Type: Solid Copper, Hollow Point
Pros: Excellent penetration, lead-free, good weight retention.
Cons: May require a slightly different load than lead-core bullets.
Swift Scirocco II: This bonded bullet offers controlled expansion, high ballistic coefficient, and excellent weight retention. This design creates a versatile hunting bullet.
Manufacturer: Swift
Weight: Available in a range of weights.
Bullet Type: Bonded, Ballistic Tip
Pros: High BC, excellent accuracy, exceptional weight retention.
Cons: Slightly more expensive than some other options.
Best .308 Bullets for Target Shooting (Long Range)
Sierra MatchKing: The Sierra MatchKing is a renowned bullet known for its extreme accuracy, making it a favorite for long-range target shooting. Its precision design ensures consistent performance, making it ideal for competitive shooting.
Manufacturer: Sierra
Weight: Typically available from 168 to 175 grains.
Bullet Type: Hollow Point Boat Tail
Pros: Unparalleled accuracy, high BC, consistent performance.
Cons: Not designed for hunting.
Berger Hybrid Target: Berger Hybrid Target bullets combine the benefits of both tangent and secant ogive designs, resulting in excellent ballistic performance and a high BC. This creates a versatile bullet for precision shooting.
Manufacturer: Berger Bullets
Weight: Offered in a variety of weights.
Bullet Type: Hollow Point Boat Tail
Pros: High BC, exceptional accuracy, relatively easy to tune.
Cons: Can be more sensitive to seating depth.
Hornady ELD Match: ELD-Match bullets incorporate Heat Shield tips, providing excellent ballistic coefficients and consistent performance. The precision-engineered design translates to superior long-range accuracy.
Manufacturer: Hornady
Weight: Offered in various weights.
Bullet Type: Hollow Point Boat Tail
Pros: High BC, excellent accuracy, consistent performance, and availability.
Cons: Expansion is not a primary concern.
Lapua Scenar: Lapua Scenar bullets are known for their exceptional accuracy and consistent performance, making them a top choice for competitive shooters. This is a very popular bullet for all types of precision applications.
Manufacturer: Lapua
Weight: Available in various weights.
Bullet Type: Hollow Point Boat Tail
Pros: Excellent accuracy, consistent performance, very high quality.
Cons: May be more expensive than some other options.
Best .308 Bullets for Tactical/Self-Defense
(It’s important to be cautious when using .308 Winchester for self-defense due to the risk of over-penetration. Local regulations may restrict the use of certain ammunition. This section is included to provide a balanced perspective and must be used responsibly.)
Federal Premium Tactical Bonded: The bond between the bullet core and jacket ensures that this bullet is designed for controlled expansion and deep penetration. This design makes these bullets effective in tactical applications.
Manufacturer: Federal
Weight: Typically available in 165 to 180-grain options
Bullet Type: Bonded, Soft Point
Pros: Good penetration, reliable expansion.
Cons: Over-penetration can be a serious concern.
Hornady GMX: GMX bullets are a solid copper design, providing excellent penetration and weight retention, ideal for defensive or tactical applications.
Manufacturer: Hornady
Weight: Available in a range of weights.
Bullet Type: Solid Copper
Pros: Good penetration, controlled expansion.
Cons: Requires careful load development.
Essential Tips for Reloading .308 Bullets
Reloading .308 bullets can be a rewarding and cost-effective experience. Always prioritize safety and follow these reloading guidelines:
Safety First: Always follow safe reloading practices. Wear safety glasses, and work in a well-ventilated area.
Quality Components: Use high-quality components, including primers, powder, and brass cases.
Consult Loading Manuals: Always start with data from reputable reloading manuals. Never exceed the recommended load data.
Careful Load Development: Work up loads gradually. Start with the minimum recommended charge and increase the powder charge incrementally, observing for pressure signs.
Monitor Pressure Signs: Watch for signs of excessive pressure, such as flattened primers, hard bolt lift, or bulged cases.
Conclusion
Choosing the *best .308 bullets for reloading* is a complex but worthwhile process. Consider the intended use of your ammunition, your rifle’s twist rate, bullet construction, and the desired terminal performance. Reloading provides the ability to tailor your ammunition to meet your individual needs. Explore the recommendations presented here as a starting point, and don’t be afraid to experiment to find the perfect combination for your rifle and shooting style.
Remember, successful reloading requires patience, attention to detail, and a commitment to safety. With the right knowledge and components, you can consistently produce accurate and effective .308 ammunition, enhancing your shooting experience and maximizing the potential of your rifle. Reloading is a journey of constant learning. Stay informed, stay safe, and enjoy the process of creating your own custom ammunition.
