Discussion Forums

david root

Hi friends,
I'd like to hear your thoughts on pros and cons of the 165/168 grain bullets vs. the 180 class, for a 308.
Let me first say I've read all the books and the knowledge base on 308 several times, drank the cool aid, took the green pill and I'm ready to learn the secret handshake. I'm all in. But it's a lot of info and I'd like to have a discussion with more knowledgeable bros.
So I read that velocity kills, makes sense. But also sectional density is important. And the 308 suffers from wind drift. Seems the 180 class would be a a strong performer but for the velocity?
I shoot a savage model 10 with a heavy barrel cut down to 20" and a ruger scout with a 16" barrel. Both 1 in 10 twist.
I'm good with the close range/ long range dual bullet set up but am trying to get to one grain wieght. I'm dialing back on the outer reaches and sticking to close to mid range being that I might only get one or two animals a year and want to stick with meat saver shots. Beyond animals, in practice, or post apocalyptic zombies I'll shoot, occasionally, way way out.
I'm leaning towards partions for close in and a-max and Speers for reaching out but am still on the fence with grain. I could shot mule deer or elk on the same hunt. I think I read the 180 grain partion performs well on light body game as well? It seems the heavier bullet has real pros but seems the 165 is very popular? Both in reading and more often unavailble, where the 180's are pretty avialable. On that note I'm looking to stock up a little as things are getting a little nuts here in Yankee land and things like the speer btsp are unavailable with no backorder in any grain. But hey, that 178 grain a-max is one sexy bullet! I should also mention I'm shooting at 7600' plus or minus so I have a little boost in performance there. Thanks for your thoughts.