Thread: 308 165gr

Morning @bumblefoot

Having shot both 150 & 165gr in the .308 for years, I can say with reasonable confidence... that it doesn’t really matter.

Your decision should concentrate more on what type of bullet construction you need. Sounds like you want an all rounder for close bush ranges to 300ish. Therefore no need to worry too much about BC and all the modern ballistic favourites as the high BC performance advantage only starts around 250-300m. A traditional bullet like the Sierra 150gr and 165gr GameKings and ProHunters would be a safe bet - they will work - ditto the Speers.

I just sighted in my 30 this morning with 165gr Sierra Gamechangers (sako factory ammo).
Tightest group iv ever shot to be honest.

If the forum chrony ever shows up at my house il be set.

I have used the 165 SGK's in my 308, 30.06 and 308NM, and they do the job well, accurate and bang flop. I also use the 165 SST's, same load, and can interchange anytime in the 308 and 30.06. Same result, they do the job well, accurate and bang flop. At the ranges you are talking I dont think you're gonna have any problems with a good ol' fashioned cup and core projectile, simply try a few and pick the one that shoots the best.

However I recently sorted a load for my mates 30.06. Had to be quick, cheap and effective. Tried both my SGK and SST loads and they shot ok. So tried some 150 SGK's, standard ol' cup and core flat based projectiles, and it shot lights out! That was a 60 yr old BSA, and it either likes the lighter 150's or it likes the flat base.

Originally Posted by Husky1600

I have used the 165 SGK's in my 308, 30.06 and 308NM, and they do the job well, accurate and bang flop. I also use the 165 SST's, same load, and can interchange anytime in the 308 and 30.06. Same result, they do the job well, accurate and bang flop. At the ranges you are talking I dont think you're gonna have any problems with a good ol' fashioned cup and core projectile, simply try a few and pick the one that shoots the best.

However I recently sorted a load for my mates 30.06. Had to be quick, cheap and effective. Tried both my SGK and SST loads and they shot ok. So tried some 150 SGK's, standard ol' cup and core flat based projectiles, and it shot lights out! That was a 60 yr old BSA, and it either likes the lighter 150's or it likes the flat base.

It could be the flat base. I don't reload but have tried loads of different flavour 30 06 cartridges in my M17 and the boat tails never worked well

Originally Posted by Tribrit

I just sighted in my 30 this morning with 165gr Sierra Gamechangers (sako factory ammo).
Tightest group iv ever shot to be honest.

If the forum chrony ever shows up at my house il be set.

Will post next week....

I've used 308 very extensively and mostly used 165gr bullets. The SST is great, as is the Serria HPBT, I used the plain old Hornady SP mostly as it was the most accurate. But really as above any standard 150gr or 165gr bullet will do what you are asking of it.

Again; I'm overthinking it ha ha; typical! Paid for the rifle this morning. The guy who originally had it bought it in 308 because he wanted to try a Howa before buying a Howa Creedmore for long range stuff. He knew he'd be able to easily sell a 308. Ended up with a tricked out with a tricked out Howa Creedmore. It is as-new and only $599! Stoked.....

Thanks everyone for your input. Think I'll try some 150 or 165 GameKings. I like the way the 55gr perform in my 223. I'll see if Gunworks have them in their trial packs

Serria usually pretty accurate, so you might find you start and finish right there.

If the Howa is a “Mountain” lightweight with the really light #1 contour barrel, then you will need to concentrate on the accuracy of your first cold bore shot, as the one I had did have a tendency to wander as the barrel heated up, which was very quickly! This was never a problem as almost all the shooting I did with it was close range but on paper it was quite noticeable at 300m.

So load development can be a bit of a patient process, as you really do need to let the barrel cool right down between shots, else you’ll be chasing your tail.

Yeh I’ve always found the GK accurate and possibly the Pro hunter even more so.

Originally Posted by Flyblown

If the Howa is a “Mountain” lightweight

No it's not the Mountain; just a 1500 with the lightweight barrel. I usually sight in etc with 3-shot groups and let the barrel cool down in between as they are hunting rifles. I have to check the 223 sighting (after arsing up in a creek and drowning it... And knocking it on the rocky bottom) and sight the SMLE in on the same day, so will alternate rifles which will give them time to cool

165 SST from a 18" barrel at 2650fps works very well !!!!

As mauser 308 said Flat base bullets set up in the rifling better especially in a worn throat thats why they perform so well.
At the ranges you are considering there is no advantage to be had from boat tails except they are slightly easier to seat when reloading.

Check out the Speer 165gr BTSP. Speer are cheap rounds and work rather well.

I've got some 168gr TMKs to try out of my 308 as I've gone to 165s of late. And having seen how they work out of my big rifle I'm confident.

Nosler partitions within their allowable range are absolutely brutal and seem to hit extra Hard.

I got a box of these 165 gr GameKings open to offers?