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Thomas Pavelka

It has been said, that a wise man learns from his mistakes. A wiser man yet, that learns from the mistakes of others. If I may, I would like to take this a step further and say, The wisest man learns from the experience and wisdom of others.

I own a Savage Model 111 Lightweight Hunter in 308 that weighs in at a scant 5 pounds. I have a Leupold VX R scope on it and while the recoil is fast and sharp as to be expected from a lightweight rig, it is by no means unpleasant, and the rifle groups nicely with 150 Bonded Winchester Hollow Points. It however hates Berger VLD 168 grain bullets to the extent groups are more in line with a buckshot pattern.

I really want to love this rifle as it is a joy to carry in the field. But alas, it is a 308. When I look at the puny cartridge next to a 30-06 it feels naked and underpowered. Perhaps not, but that is the perception I get.

There are many who admire, use, and kill a lot of game with 308's. And while I do not want to put those folks over the edge bashing their favorite round, I am asking for advice so that I can go afield with the little Savage and feel confident that I will drop game and not wound it.

I am not sure why this rifle does not like Berger bullets. Perhaps the ogive? I will say, the brass HSM uses for the 308 appears to be of military type and has been annealed at the shoulder and neck. Even with the 1:12 twist it should stabilize a 165 grain bullet and perhaps a 180?

But even if it did like 165 and 180 grain bullets, I keep looking at the velocity difference between it, and the 30-06 and keep reaching for the faster velocity of the 06 because I know that velocity plays a big part in the killing equation.

Myself, I would consider a 308 to the light side for Bears and Moose, but I would think it would be the berries for deer and deer size game with the lighter bullets of 150 persuasion. The question here if this is so, what would that one bullet be? I'm thinking already I'm hearing 150 Nosler Partition?

I would not expect to take South end shots on North bound game as I don't see the weight and velocity to do that well. But carefully placed shots from a stand one would think would get the job done.

As much as I've dwelled and read here on this site since I found it, and by the way I have never seen so much knowledge in one place, the one thing I find no information on, and perhaps it is here and I just missed it, is the state of the animal at impact of a bullet.

In my limited experience, and animal that has made the hunter and is ready to flee is an animal that is adrenalined up and harder to put down. Where as an animal that is completely unaware of danger often drops at the shot, providing of course a precise hit.

Should I count my loses and trade in the 308 for a 270, another 30-06, or even a 7mm RM and call it a day, or, should I give it a chance to shine?

Thanks in advance for any input as the 2015 season is a mere 9 months away.