Hunting ammo

[Criticalt]

My girlfriend was at the gun shop the other day and did me a huge favor. I have shot up all my 308 ammo and she knew I had to get more for hunting deer next month. This is my first time using a rifle for deer.
So, she bought Federal 180 grain soft points......4 boxes. I was planning on using 150-165 grain soft points.
My question is, does it really matter? Ive blown through about 200 rounds of the 180 grain and the gun shoots great at 50-200 yards. Very little recoil and very comfortable.
Its not a problem to buy more ammo but just wondering.

 

[meketrefe]

Is that the fusion, the power shock or the vital shock? I am asking because the one with the nosler partition might be a bit
too much for deer in 180gr. Any heavy control expansion is more aimed to larger animals unless specified.
Otherwise the regular power shock with the typical 180gr will be great for deer.

 

[Greywolf224]

Following on @meketrefe heals I shoot my .270 using the power shock SP's and have taken deer with both 130gr - 150gr. If they dont drop in their tracks, they do so by 25yds.
I don't like heavy grain bullets for our North East game.

 

[meketrefe]

It is not so much the grain only is that you don't want something too stout as deep penetration is not really needed.
The vital shock are loaded with nosler partition that are great for large Elk and bear.
But the other should be fine as it has softer jacket it will create a faster broader wounding.
I think I got the names right. It should say on the box or their website anyway.

 

[Criticalt]

T

Is that the fusion, the power shock or the vital shock? I am asking because the one with the nosler partition might be a bit
too much for deer in 180gr. Any heavy control expansion is more aimed to larger animals unless specified.
Otherwise the regular power shock with the typical 180gr will be great for deer.

They are Power Shok.....they have a deer on the box.

 

[Bananabandit]

T

They are Power Shok.....they have a deer on the box.

Please do not use their marketing for real world application. Not saying this ammo wont work, but that logic should not be used. YMMV.

 

[meketrefe]

T

They are Power Shock.....they have a deer on the box.

Good! those are the right ones. And also you can tell they are cheaper.
Premium bonded are almost twice the cost.
Also give a try to the lighter bullets if you want.
150gr soft points are more than plenty for deer and if you shoot well with them then they hit faster so
even broader wounding. Not that will make a huge difference so if you are all zeroed with the 180s
and are happy with them then might want to stick to them.

Whatever you feel confident with is what you should use.

Good luck with the hunt.

 

[meketrefe]

In this case the marketing is right.
Those federals are like the sp hornady's. Time tested affordable and reliable deer bullets.

 

[Greywolf224]

In this case the marketing is right.
Those federals are like the sp hornady's. Time tested affordable and reliable deer bullets.

I agree. They have taken plenty of bear and deer and is a great all round cartridge for North East game. Specially if its meat hunting that your are going for.

 

[carpediem]

Good! those are the right ones. And also you can tell they are cheaper.
Premium bonded are almost twice the cost.
Also give a try to the lighter bullets if you want.
150gr soft points are more than plenty for deer and if you shoot well with them then they hit faster so
even broader wounding. Not that will make a huge difference so if you are all zeroed with the 180s
and are happy with them then might want to stick to them.

Whatever you feel confident with is what you should use.

Good luck with the hunt.

^^This.^^ I use the 150 grain weight exclusively. I do change the bullet types (power point, soft point, etc.) but not the weight. I find that my rifle loves the 150 grain round. Only once have I shot a deer twice, and the second round wasn't a necessity in that case. Even at 240 yards, the 150 grain delivered a devastating wound to a coyote. I really like that weight round for my .308.

 

[Deplorable Me]

Girlfriend buys you ammo?

Marry her.

 

[meketrefe]

Girlfriend buys you ammo?

Marry her.

My G.Friend used to give me a lot of things. Then I married her and all that stopped! ... lol

So, if she is buying you ammo, don't be in a rush to get married!!!

 

[Criticalt]

Girlfriend buys you ammo?

Marry her.

Been living with her for 15 years, no wedding bells in the future plan.

And yes, she was there buying a holster for her sp101 and remembered I needed ammo.

 

[Deplorable Me]

I'm predicting a good booty call tonight.

What did she break?

 

[Criticalt]

I'm predicting a good booty call tonight.

What did she break?

Shes been in bed for an hour, id get gut punched if I tried that!

 

[Magnus]

Check all your guns, she probably claimed one. The ammo was a male version of flowers.

 

[Criticalt]

Please do not use their marketing for real world application. Not saying this ammo wont work, but that logic should not be used. YMMV.

Oh I get it, marketing does not work on me, a good friend is in marketing and I know what a bastard he is.
My point is that its not strictly target ammo and is made to enter and destroy fleshy animals.

 

[Deplorable Me]

Shes been in bed for an hour, id get gut punched if I tried that!

You're married but just don't know it.

 

[Bananabandit]

Oh I get it, marketing does not work on me, a good friend is in marketing and I know what a bastard he is.
My point is that its not strictly target ammo and is made to enter and destroy fleshy animals.

I was just poking at you. I know you're smarter than that.

You're married but just don't know it.

You mean the .gov doesn't know it.

 

[Acer-m14]

I'm reloading
130 gr. SBT GameKing bullet (#1820)

also have these for the Mosin if i take it out again ,..