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> Sambar-worthy bullet for 308
Sambar-worthy bullet for 308
@ 12:17 pm (GMT) |
Buck SlammerHi guys, have shot near a truck load of sambar with everything from 7/08 & 270 up to 416, but mostly with 338 calibre mags which are decisive, however wanting to give the 308 a try as I’m wanting to carry less and go further on my 10 day backpack hunts. I want some advice from experienced regarding bullets. I’m a fan of two holes, so I’m drawn to 150 & 165gn T/TSXs, 165gn Swift A-Frame or Woodleigh PP. I don’t have the time to experiment as I once did so want to fast path the process with help of those who use the 308s on sambar or even elk - which are in the same ballpark - tenacity and size-wise. Cheers |
Replies
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@ 12:53 pm (GMT) |
Buck SlammerRe: Sambar-worthy bullet for 308Before people suggest heavier or longer bullets, my bbl twist is 1:12 - so im staying under 180gn bullets. Cheers |
@ 07:54 am (GMT) |
Nathan FosterRe: Sambar-worthy bullet for 308Hi Buck, if you have already short a truck load of Sambar with the 7mm-08 and .270 then you will by now also have some idea of which bullet styles work best versus your hunting methods and the shot placement you prefer to use. There is not much point adding to this as you will already have your own experience and biases.About the only thing that might help, is an explanation of the physics involved. In other words - put some science to what you have already seen. In the .338, you have a lot of energy as a result of both bullet weight and speed (weight x speed = kinetic energy). If you reduce the bullet weight and the speed, then you reduce energy potential. But in addition to this, if a very tough bullet is used in order to obtain penetration (for the exit wound you want), there will be a resulting reduction in energy transfer (available energy for wounding). As a very rough guide - The tough 168gr TSX works best at very close ranges where velocity is high. It produces a very broad and deep wound when used inside 100 yards. But push it out a ways and it does not offload its energy, resulting in runners. The bonded bullets tend to offload a little more energy at impact velocities of 2200 to 2400fps, depending on the individual bullet design. Basic conventional bullets come into their own at mild to low speeds, giving a good energy dump - even if this means sacrificing some penetration. I am sure you will have come across guys who swear by the Remington Core-lokt. Hopefully the above helps to explain why this is the case. Small bore - low BC - low impact velocities - bullet design allows adequate penetration while offloading all available kinetic energy - bullet comes to rest under offside hide. The .308 is not as emphatic as the .338WM so its just matter of making peace with this and to not try and duplicate the performance of the larger cartridge. Yes you can have an exit wound but you might have to give up some wounding to achieve this (more noticeable at the lower impact velocities). Bush ranges - try the 168gr TSX, Woodleigh or 180gr Swift A-Frame. Mixed ranges / open gullies - The Nosler Partition sits right in the middle of all around performance - fast expanding unbonded front core, partitioned rear and not placed under too much stress at .308 speeds. But it is hard to come by at the moment. In lieu of this you could try the 180gr Interbond or Accubond but neither are the same as the Partition. Short barrel / low speeds or extended ranges - Try a conventional 180gr BTSP bullet. But also, do consider giving a 190 to 200gr bullet a go in your rifle. You might find that your barrel could care less about what an online twist calculator thinks its should be capable of. Again, much depends on your methods and expectations. A basic 165gr conventional bullet will drop sambar on the spot with a neck shot, but can break up on a shoulder joint shot. The same bullet can penetrate adequately and dump all energy with a meat saver shot (behind shoulder), but animals can run a long way as the weight x speed simply does not have the energy (hydraulic force) of the .338. Hope that helps a bit. |
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@ 07:23 pm (GMT) |
Buck SlammerRe: Sambar-worthy bullet for 308Thanks Nathan. If you reckon the 168gn Barnes or 180gn woodleigh will stabilise in the 1:12 twist then I’ll go with what if either I can get. Thanks |
@ 07:06 pm (GMT) |
Mike SpiesRe: Sambar-worthy bullet for 308I have used Swift A Frames on game from Impala to eland and Cape buffalo. These were mostly one shot kills, using my 7mm RM and my 404 Jeffery for eland and buffalo. I am totally sold on their consistent performance on all game at all ranges at which I have used them.I am currently building a .308 Norma Magnum to use on elk and medium African game - and I plan on using 180 to 200 grain A Frames. Nathan, I am a new poster here but have used you Knowledge Base extensively and have 5 volumes of your books. |
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