Thread: 155gr (or heavier) .308s

Hey fellas

Im down to my last 100 odd of the bulk boxes of HBC Optimus bullets i bought before covid (they were like $250 per 500 box).

So im on the hunt for something simmilar, ideally if someone has a box of the above sitting around that they arent gonna use then i wont have to change my load much.

But open to any other 155gr heavier target bullets that available cheaper than what the shops ask.

I use them for animals so i dont want FMJ or Pointed, HPBT or plastic tipped ones are fine.

Im also keen to steer away from the traditional SMK as it doent always open on animals.

A 500 box at a sharp price would be ideal

Slightly aside from your request: how well do the HBC Optimus bullets go on game in comparison to some of the others you have mentioned (and maybe others)?

What about Targex ? I use the 175gn variety in my 308win but I'm sure Bryn does a lighter version maybe 165gn (seems to come to mind)
Stupidly accurate and proven to perform on game as well.
Targex are reasonably priced as well and generally available

HBC Optimus sadly RIP.
Never used on game but used then instead of Sierra 2155s. Every bit as accurate. Never grabbed a quantity when they were around. Dick.

Originally Posted by rupert

Slightly aside from your request: how well do the HBC Optimus bullets go on game in comparison to some of the others you have mentioned (and maybe others)?

To me they perform on game exactly the same as the ELDM, AMAX which is to enter the chest cavity and break to pieces. Of fallow you get pass through most of the time on small ones, but not on bucks. Dont recall having pass through on reds.

Have shot deer out to 600 yards with them with no problem, my muzzle velocity is about 2835fps.

On headshots they blow the head in half pretty much.

Originally Posted by dannyb

What about Targex ? I use the 175gn variety in my 308win but I'm sure Bryn does a lighter version maybe 165gn (seems to come to mind)
Stupidly accurate and proven to perform on game as well.
Targex are reasonably priced as well and generally available

Yeah thats pretty much my idea is to switch to Targex as ive done for the 22-250AI (long range loads). Was thinking to try hos 175. Unless i can find something cheaper in the back of someones cupboard

Originally Posted by NewbieZAR

To me they perform on game exactly the same as the ELDM, AMAX which is to enter the chest cavity and break to pieces. Of fallow you get pass through most of the time on small ones, but not on bucks. Dont recall having pass through on reds.

Have shot deer out to yards with them with no problem, my muzzle velocity is about 2835fps.

On headshots they blow the head in half pretty much.

Another option may be speer 165gn btsp also said to perform well on game and have a good bc

Originally Posted by NewbieZAR

To me they perform on game exactly the same as the ELDM, AMAX which is to enter the chest cavity and break to pieces. Of fallow you get pass through most of the time on small ones, but not on bucks. Dont recall having pass through on reds.

Have shot deer out to 600 yards with them with no problem, my muzzle velocity is about 2835fps.

On headshots they blow the head in half pretty much.

Also comparable to the berger VLD i used to use in my 270

SMK's expand fine, you just have to make sure the tips are open and not folded over.
I use them in several calibres.

Originally Posted by dannyb

What about Targex ? I use the 175gn variety in my 308win but I'm sure Bryn does a lighter version maybe 165gn (seems to come to mind)
Stupidly accurate and proven to perform on game as well.
Targex are reasonably priced as well and generally available

yeh ive loaded 175s from Targex in my 300wsm- they're very good shooters on steel- if not better than Hornady eldx/m- tho havnt downed anything with it yet.

Originally Posted by ANTSMAN

yeh ive loaded 175s from Targex in my 300wsm- they're very good shooters on steel- if not better than Hornady eldx/m- tho havnt downed anything with it yet.

I have them doing 2600fps in my 20" 308 and downed a yearling red at 470yds recently I was more than happy with the terminal performance. Yearling reared up at being hit, did a wobbly turn on the spot then collapsed, bullet didn't pass through was found under skin on far side shed most of it'score and dumped all it's energy in the engine room , massive bleeding from entry wound, Vitals were mush heart and lungs shredded.
Only shot one animal so far, happy to keep using them for now

Thanks for the info NewbieZAR. I'm wondering what happened to HBC Optimus. It was a family business in the Northern Territories from my understanding.

@NewbieZAR mates got a heap of bulk 185gr VLD Hunting Bergers, he got sent a wrong box of 1000 instead of the target ones for FTR. So they’re just sitting there. Can ask him if you want.

Originally Posted by McNotty

@NewbieZAR mates got a heap of bulk 185gr VLD Hunting Bergers, he got sent a wrong box of 1000 instead of the target ones for FTR. So they’re just sitting there. Can ask him if you want.

Yeah mate, ask him whats they gonna cost please