Choosing the right ammunition is crucial for a successful and ethical deer hunt. The .308 Winchester, a versatile and powerful cartridge, is a popular choice for many hunters, but selecting the best round requires understanding your hunting style, the typical range of your shots, and the specific characteristics of the ammunition available. This guide will help you navigate the options and make an informed decision.
Factors to Consider When Choosing .308 Ammo for Deer
Before diving into specific recommendations, let's examine the key factors influencing your ammunition selection:
1. Bullet Weight:
Bullet weight significantly impacts bullet trajectory, energy retention at distance, and penetration. Heavier bullets (e.g., 168-grain, 175-grain) generally offer flatter trajectories and better energy retention at longer ranges, making them suitable for shots beyond 200 yards. Lighter bullets (e.g., 147-grain, 150-grain) are better for close-range shots and offer faster velocities, potentially resulting in less recoil.
2. Bullet Construction:
The bullet's construction directly affects its performance upon impact. Here are common types:
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Full Metal Jacket (FMJ): These are typically used for target practice due to their lower cost and consistent performance, but are less suitable for hunting as they often pass through the animal without sufficient expansion.
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Soft Point (SP): These bullets expand reliably upon impact, delivering greater energy transfer and causing more humane kills.
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Boat Tail (BT): The boat-tail design improves ballistic coefficient, contributing to a flatter trajectory and better long-range accuracy. Many hunting bullets incorporate a boat-tail design.
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Controlled Expansion: These are designed to expand reliably at various velocities, ensuring consistent performance regardless of the shot distance. This is a highly sought-after characteristic for hunting ammunition.
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Partition Bullets: These feature a partitioned core that allows for controlled expansion while maintaining penetration. These are preferred by some hunters for larger game.
3. Ballistic Coefficient (BC):
The BC indicates a bullet's ability to overcome air resistance. A higher BC means a flatter trajectory and less drop at longer ranges.
4. Intended Shot Distance:
Your typical shot distance dictates the bullet weight and construction. Close-range shots might benefit from lighter, faster bullets, while longer-range shots require heavier, higher-BC bullets to maintain accuracy and energy.
Top .308 Winchester Rounds for Deer Hunting
While the "best" round is subjective, several consistently perform well for deer hunting:
For closer range shots (under 200 yards):
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Federal Power-Shok 150-grain Soft Point: A reliable and affordable option that provides good expansion and penetration at closer ranges.
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Hornady SST 150-grain: Known for its consistent expansion and deep penetration.
For longer range shots (200 yards and beyond):
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Federal Premium Trophy Bonded Bear Claw 168-grain: Designed for consistent expansion and penetration, even on tougher game.
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Hornady ELD-X 168-grain: Excellent ballistic coefficient contributes to impressive accuracy and energy retention at long distances. A premium option.
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Barnes TTSX 168-grain: Copper bullets known for exceptional accuracy, deep penetration, and consistent expansion. A very popular choice among hunters valuing ethical harvesting.
Note: Always check your state's hunting regulations regarding legal ammunition and bullet types.
Conclusion: Making the Right Choice
Selecting the best .308 round for deer hunting involves considering several factors, primarily bullet weight, construction, ballistic coefficient, and your anticipated shot distance. The ammunition recommendations provided above represent popular and proven choices, but it is crucial to practice with your chosen ammunition to ensure accuracy and familiarity before heading out on your hunt. Remember that responsible hunting includes ethical shot placement and the use of appropriate ammunition to ensure a quick and humane harvest. Consult with experienced hunters and firearm experts to refine your ammunition choice and hunting techniques.
