Reviews of 130 Gr Ttsx in 308 on Deer or Elk

The venerable .308 Winchester is i of the most popular centerfire burglarize cartridges currently used by North American hunters. Hither are a few of the best 308 ammo options that will serve you very well on your adjacent hunt.

Formally released in the 1950s around the same time every bit its 7.62x51mm NATO cousin, the .308 Winchester quickly developed a reputation for being a very well designed, efficient, and sweet shooting cartridge. The .308 Win has long been a favorite of hunters who want a short action cartridge that offers a good rest of accuracy, a relatively flat trajectory, moderate recoil, and acceptable killing power on medium and large game.

Not surprisingly, the .308 Winchester cartridge chop-chop defenseless on with North American hunters and somewhen approached and possibly even surpassed the legendary .30-06 Springfield in popularity. The cartridge remains a favorite to this twenty-four hour period and nonetheless consistently ranks amongst the Height 3 best selling centerfire burglarize cartridges in the Usa each year.

For that reason, merely about every big armament manufacturer like Aguila, Barnes, Berger, Blackness Hills, Browning, Buffalo Bore, Federal Premium, Hornady, HSM, Norma, Nosler, PMC, Prvi Partizan (PPU), Remington, Sellier & Bellot, Sierra, Swift, and Winchester produces several dissimilar variants of .308 ammo for hunting deer, elk, black bear, moose, and many other large game animals.

While the .308 Winchester excels on deer sized game, it tin can likewise be and extremely constructive cartridge for use hunting bigger game similar elk and even moose when using premium ammunition loaded with controlled expansion bullets.

It's of import to realize that different hunting situations necessitate the apply of different kinds of .308 ammo for best results and using the wrong armament can pb to disastrous operation.

For case, a balmy recoiling load that'south ideal for use on whitetail deer at short range requires would be a terrible choice for use on really big game similar elk.

The .308 Winchester tin can be quite a very effective cartridge for hunting elk and even moose. To be perfectly honest, the cartridge is a piffling on the light side for really big game like that though. The .308 is admittedly capable of getting the task washed, only information technology's important to use proper bullets if you plan on using the .308 for elk.

Fortunately, hunters now take admission to a great selection of controlled expansion bullets that perform very well on really big game similar elk and moose.

Lightweight 125 grain bullets are swell for deer hunting, but hunters who utilize those lighter bullets on larger game volition very likely feel problems with poor penetration, especially on steeply quartering shots. For this reason, I strongly recommend using premium quality controlled expansion bullets that are 165 grains or heavier (ideally 175-180 grains) if you program on using the .308 Winchester for hunting really big game like moose and elk.

Proceed all of this in heed when you select .308 ammo for an upcoming chase.

Additionally, while they tin can exist very accurate and are certainly capable of killing big game animals, I don't recommend using bullets designed for target shooting or marketed as match ammo like the Sierra MatchKing or Hornady A-Max and ELD Match for hunting.

This is because target or match bullets commonly aren't designed for optimum last functioning on big game animals and you may meet problems with poor penetration.

By the same token, it's a really bad thought (and often illegal) to hunt with full metallic jacket (FMJ) bullets. FMJ ammo (specially Lake City surplus ammo) is ordinarily very inexpensive and is groovy for plinking or target shooting. Merely don't hunt with that stuff.

Instead, it's all-time to stick with .308 Winchester ammo specifically designed for hunting that uses soft point, jacketed hollow point, or similar hunting bullets.

Fortunately, there is a wide variety of .308 mill loads specifically designed for just virtually any big game hunting state of affairs. So, regardless of whether you're using a bolt action Remington Model 700, a Ruger Hawkeye, a Winchester Model lxx, or some other hunting rifle, there is pretty much guaranteed to be something for everyone on the list beneath of the best .308 ammunition for hunting.

In this article, I'yard going to provide recommendations for the best .308 ammo for hunting deer, feral hogs, pronghorn, black acquit, elk, moose, and all sorts of other large game. I'll also go over the strengths and weaknesses of each individual load and so y'all can select the right armament for your specific needs.

Annotation: some of the links beneath are affiliate links. This means I will earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you lot make a purchase of rifle, handgun, rimfire, or shotgun ammunition through those links. This helps support the blog and allows me to proceed to create costless content that's useful to hunters like yourself. Cheers for your support.

Winchester Super 10

It's not flashy or trendy, merely this Winchester Super 10 loading with a 180gr bullet is definitely neat 308 ammo for deer hunting. Non merely is it very effective, but this ammunition is also normally very reasonably priced and has been ane of the easier 308 ammo options to observe during these past few years.

These bullets are pretty soft and tend to aggrandize very well at ranges inside 300 yards. Additionally, since this is a heavier bullet with a higher sectional density, it also tend's to penetrate pretty well and you'll probably get an exit wound from a deer regardless of the shooting angle with this bullet.

While I think this is outstanding deer hunting ammunition, I do not recommend using Winchester Super X ammo for hunting bigger game like black acquit, elk, or moose with a 308. Instead, stick to game like feral hogs and deer with this ammunition.

In addition to being very effective, this armament has one of the lowest costs per round out of all the .308 ammo on this listing. So, it'south tough to go incorrect if you want some dandy 308 ammo for deer hunting.

• Bullet Type: Winchester Ability Point
• Bullet Weight: 180 grains
• Ballistic Coefficient (G1): .382
• Muzzle Velocity: ii,620 anxiety per second

Get SUPER X 308 AMMO HERE

Too Available at: Lucky Gunner

Barnes VOR-TX

Barnes produces a couple of .308 ammo options as part of their VOR-TX line. Featuring their legendary copper Tipped Triple Shock X (TTSX) bullets, this ammunition is designed for rapid expansion, high weight memory, and deep penetration.

Available using 130 grain, 150 grain, or 168 grain .xxx caliber bullets, Barnes offers three outstanding choices for hunters regardless of what they're afterward.

The 168 grain load is an excellent pick of .308 Winchester ammo for elk, deer, bear, and moose hunting. While information technology's non designed for longer range performance, it'due south great for shots at typical hunting ranges and retains over 1,500ft-lbs of energy out by 300 yards.

In fact, I'd say that 168gr load is the best .308 ammo for elk hunting.

The load featuring a 150 grain Barnes TTSX will also piece of work for larger game similar elk in a compression, but it's much ameliorate suited for deer, conduct, and pronghorn. That loftier velocity 130 grain load is great .308 ammo for deer and pronghorn hunting.

All three loads are too 100% copper, which makes them an platonic choice of .308 hunting ammunition for use in states like California that that don't permit the utilise of lead bullets.

I'm a big fan of the Barnes VOR-TX line and both the TSX and TTSX bullets in general. I've used this ammunition with a lot of success on both deer and pronghorn over the past few years. This ammo is likewise a favorite amidst many North America, New Zealand, and Africa hunting outfitters.

• Bullet Blazon: TTSX Boat Tail
• Bullet Weight: 130 grains, 150 grains, or 168 grains
• Ballistic Coefficient (G1): .350 (130gr) .440 (150 gr), .470 (168 gr)
• Cage Velocity: 3,125 feet per second (130gr), 2,900 anxiety per second (150gr), or 2,700 feet per second (168gr)

GET BARNES 308 AMMO Hither

Besides Available at: Cabela'south, Natchez Shooters Supplies, Eyes Planet, & Palmetto Country Armory

Federal Premium Terminal Ascent

Federal'due south Terminal Rise line is another good option of .308 hunting ammo for hunters looking for good extended range performance. This ammunition uses the new Final Rising Bullet, which is likewise extremely aerodynamic and accurate. It'southward not quite equally aerodynamic as the Hornady ELD-X, but it still has a relatively loftier BC and is also much more robustly constructed.

With that in mind, I tend to lean more towards the Last Rising over the ELD-Ten for hunting bigger game similar elk with the .308 Winchester. This ammo is another great selection for hunters going afterwards game out west similar mule deer or pronghorn who need excellent 308 ammo for a long range hunting state of affairs.

If this armament shoots accurately in your rifle (and it oft volition), this is one of my recommended loads for hunters who need good 308 ammo for elk or moose hunting. Since information technology has such great long range performance, this is definitely the stuff you should employ if a shot past 250 yards is likely on an upcoming elk hunt.

• Bullet Blazon: Terminal Ascent
• Bullet Weight: 175 grains
• Ballistic Coefficient (G1): .520
• Muzzle Velocity: two,600 feet per second

GET Concluding Rising 308 AMMO Here

As well Available at: Brownell'due south, Natchez Shooters Supplies and Optics Planet

Winchester Deer Season XP

The .308 Winchester is ane of the nearly popular cartridges used by deer hunters in the United States. For this reason, Winchester offers a .308 load equally part of Deer Season XP line of ammunition. The Extreme Point bullet this rifle ammo uses is like to Winchester's Power Betoken bullet, but the Extreme Indicate has a large diameter polymer tip that's specifically designed to produce a gigantic wound channel along with massive impact trauma.

This oftentimes results in a brusk tracking task and a very piece of cake to follow blood trail (if the deer runs at all). Additionally, Deer Season XP ammo is designed specifically to compete with other popular whitetail deer hunting ammo options like Federal Fusion, Federal Power-Shok, Hornady American Whitetail, Winchester Super-X, and Winchester Ballistic Silvertip in terms of cost, concluding operation, reliability, and accurateness.

In fact, the Winchester Deer Season XP line has ane of the lowest costs per circular out of all the .308 Winchester ammo choices on this list.

And then, non only is this some reasonably priced .308 ammo, just it too has a solid reputation for producing a giant wound channel and minimizing the distance deer run subsequently being hit. All things considered, this Winchester ammo is 1 of my summit recommended brands of .308 ammo for whitetail deer hunting.

I do NOT recommend using Deer Season XP ammo for bigger game similar elk or moose. It'due south certainly capable of getting the job washed on bigger game, but I think the Extreme Indicate bullet expands far likewise rapidly at the expense of penetration for utilise on large game like that.

So, don't run a risk it. If you need a budget ammo option for hunting bigger game, go with the 180 grain Remington Cadre Lokt I also recommend.

Finally, Winchester does manufacture a lead-free version of their Deer Flavour XP ammo loaded with their Copper Affect bullet for use with hunters who are adopt (or are required to) use lead-gratis ammunition.

• Bullet Type: Extreme Bespeak
• Bullet Weight: 150 grains
• Ballistic Coefficient (G1): .392 (Deer Flavor XP) or .387 (Copper Touch on)
• Muzzle Velocity: two,820 feet per 2nd (Deer Season XP) or ii,810 anxiety per second (Copper Affect)

GET DEER Season XP 308 AMMO HERE

GET DEER Flavor COPPER IMPACT 308 AMMO HERE

Also Available at: Natchez Shooters Supplies, Optics Planet, and Palmetto State Arsenal

Remington Core Lokt

If you're a "meat and potatoes" kind of hunter who wants some dependable and reasonably priced .308 ammo for hunting deer, elk, feral hogs, and black bear, and then the Remington'due south 180 grain Core Lokt soft betoken will probably work really well for y'all. It's too available with a 150 grain bullet, which is great for deer hunting.

It's not the latest and greatest stuff by whatever means. Heavier bullets with a college sectional density (like this 180 grain bullet), tend to penetrate pretty well, fifty-fifty if they don't have a cutting edge design. Core Lokt has been around for a long time and countless hunters have successfully used this ammo to take just about every species of large game in Due north America.

I of those round nose bullets through the vitals of a black bear, elk, deer, or pronghorn will make for a very short tracking job. They don't call it the "deadliest mushroom in the woods" for aught.

That said, this would not be my first choice of a hunting circular for utilize on bigger game like elk or moose. The Federal .308 Winchester load using 180gr Nosler Sectionalization I previously mentioned is my #1 recommendation for elk and moose.

Nevertheless, Remington Core Lokt will absolutely work in that part and lots of elk and moose hunters utilise this ammunition successfully each year, particularly on young bulls or cow elk. This ammo is also cheaper and often more widely available than that Federal Load with the Division.

Indeed, this ammunition has ane of the lowest costs per round out of all the .308 ammo on this listing. If you're on a strict budget and tin can't afford premium ammunition, then I'd propose using the 180 grain Remington Cadre Lokt load above whatever of the other "budget" .308 ammo options.

• Bullet Type: Core-Lokt Soft Indicate (PSP)
• Bullet Weight: 180 grains
• Ballistic Coefficient (G1): .248
• Muzzle Velocity: 2,620 feet per second

GET CORE-LOKT 308 AMMO Hither

Also Bachelor at: Lucky Gunner

Federal Power Shok

Similar to the case with the Remington Core-Lokt, Federal Power Shok ammo is only unproblematic, dependable armament. Once again, this is very skilful .308 ammo for hunting deer, feral hogs, black conduct, and maybe even elk nether the right circumstances.

It certainly wouldn't be my first choice for hunting game similar elk or moose (go with the Core-Lokt if you need a budget ammo choice for hunting them), but it'due south outstanding for deer-sized game. This is also another very expert choice for deer hunters on a more than strict upkeep these days and has a toll per round on par with (maybe even a little better than) Remington Core-Lokt ammunition.

Bottom line: this is some reasonably priced ammunition without a agglomeration of bells and whistles that volition work great for deer-sized game at short to moderate range. Availability is also pretty good these days too!

If that's what you lot want, then pick upwards a couple of boxes, hit the range, and then get out hunting!

• Bullet Type: Jacketed Soft Bespeak (JSP)
• Bullet Weight: 180 grains
• Ballistic Coefficient (G1): .382
• Muzzle Velocity: 2,570 feet per second

GET POWER SHOK 308 AMMO HERE

Too Bachelor at: Lucky Gunner

Federal Premium Berger Hybrid

Berger bullets, peculiarly the Berger VLD and Hybrid Hunter (which is less sensitive to seating depth than the Berger VLD) have long been favorites with handloaders. Fortunately, Federal Premium also offers .308 Winchester hunting ammunition loaded with the Berger Hybrid Hunter bullet every bit a factory load. And so those bullets are no longer express to those who use handloads.

These bullets are known for exceptional accuracy and for being extremely aerodynamic. In fact, this is i of the most accurate .308 armament options for many hunters.

Though they exercise quite ofttimes deliver match class accurateness, the Berger Hybrid Hunter is non a run of the mill friction match bullet. Instead, it'due south designed to provide devastating terminal performance on many species of big game.

Most hunting bullets start to expand immediately upon impact. Nevertheless, Berger bullets are designed to penetrate several inches before expanding. Then, according to Berger, the Hybrid Hunter bullet volition shed anywhere from 40% to 90% of its weight (depending on affect velocity) and transport countless tiny fragments off into surrounding tissue.

This produces a massive wound cavity and dumps most, if not all, of the bullet's energy into the animal.

Those features make this load an fantabulous selection of .308 ammo for longer range hunting situations, especially if you're a proponent of the "energy dump" school of thought when it comes to selecting a hunting bullet.

Finally, HSM produces a very similar load with a 168 grain VLD Hunting bullet that'southward also extremely accurate and aerodynamic. Information technology likewise delivers like terminal performance upon impact. Since it's so similar to this Federal load, links to each are below.

• Bullet Type: Berger Hybrid Hunter
• Bullet Weight: 168 grains
• Ballistic Coefficient (G1): .489
• Muzzle Velocity: 2,700 anxiety per 2d

Become HSM 308 BERGER AMMO HERE

GET FEDERAL 308 BERGER AMMO HERE

Also Available at: Natchez Shooters Supplies, Eyes Planet, and Palmetto Land Armory

Nosler Trophy Grade

Nosler manufacturers a loading that uses a 165 grain AccuBond bullet every bit role of their Trophy Grade line. This is perfect for those in need of some quality .308 ammo for deer, comport, or elk hunting.

Just similar the proper noun says, the AccuBond is a bonded bullet where the atomic number 82 core is chemically bonded to the jacket, so y'all don't have to worry about the bullet "grenading" or expanding besides rapidly upon bear upon. It's not quite as tough as the Nosler Partition, but these features make the AccuBond a much better choice for an elk hunt than typical cup and core bullets.

AccuBond bullets are pretty darn aerodynamic and will reliably aggrandize at lower impact velocities. All things considered, this ammunition is tough plenty for close range shots on big game while at the same time providing very good extended range operation.

Some of the more specialized .308 Winchester loads (which I'll also cover in this article) offer meliorate performance in specific circumstances. Still, this 165 AccuBond load is an excellent all around choice for hunters who want a flexible and capable .308 hunting load.

• Bullet Blazon: Nosler AccuBond
• Bullet Weight: 165 grains
• Ballistic Coefficient (G1): .485
• Muzzle Velocity: two,850 feet per 2nd

VIEW DETAILS

Besides Bachelor at: Brownells, Cabela's, Natchez Shooters Supplies, and Palmetto State Armory.

Federal Premium Nosler Partitioning

Federal Premium's line featuring the legendary Nosler Sectionalization is my #2 recommendation (backside the Barnes TTSX) for hunters who demand the absolute best 308 ammo for elk, moose, or behave hunting. Loaded with a 180 grain Nosler Partition bullet, this load has over 2,600 pes pounds of muzzle energy and is perfect for hunting really large game where it's really important to use a heavy, well constructed bullet.

With that in mind, this is also perfect .308 armament for an African safari where really big or tough game like zebra, blue wildebeest, kudu, or eland are on the carte du jour. At the same fourth dimension, this ammunition is non limited to actually large, tough game either and volition too piece of work peachy on game similar whitetail and mule deer.

The Nosler Sectionalization is not the near aerodynamic bullet out at that place. At the aforementioned time, the .308 Winchester doesn't have the case capacity to generate high velocities with a 180 grain bullet.

These factors limit the constructive range of this item .308 Winchester load to a certain degree. Nevertheless, this is still some outstanding .308 ammo for shots out to a couple hundred yards.

Like I said, I retrieve this is the best .308 ammunition for moose or elk hunting. Just do your best to keep shots under 250 yards or so with it.

The Nosler Division is a very one-time bullet design, but it remains ane of the best hunting bullets around and has a proven rail record over the form of many decades and won't permit you down at the moment of truth. In that location's a reason why it'south and so darn pop with those who prefer to utilise handloaded ammunition as well every bit factory loads.

With proper shot placement, this ammunition will deliver splendid performance if it hits os or soft tissue. Simply aim for the vitals, do your office every bit a shooter, and the bullet volition exercise the balance.

• Bullet Type: Nosler Division
• Bullet Weight: 180 grains
• Ballistic Coefficient (G1): .474
• Cage Velocity: 2,570 anxiety per second

VIEW DETAILS

Also Bachelor at: Natchez Shooters Supplies and Optics Planet

Hornady Precision Hunter

The .308 Winchester has a long and distinguished history of use for precision shooting at long range. Information technology should come equally no surprise so that Hornady includes the .308 Winchester in their Precision Hunter line of factory ammo.

Loaded with the extremely aerodynamic Extremely Low Drag eXpanding (ELD-10) bullet, this ammo line is designed for western hunters going after game like mule deer or pronghorn who demand the very best ammo for a long range hunting situation. Using a 178 grain ELD-Ten bullet, that load is a very good .308 ammo selection for hunters looking to clasp every bit of long range performance out of the cartridge.

Hornady advertises that the ELD-Ten bullet has the all-time-in-grade ballistic coefficients over their entire trajectory and that their Precision Hunter ammunition likewise offers match grade accuracy (usually sub-MOA).

Though the ELD-Ten does not have a bonded core like the Hornady InterBond, the ELD-10 does feature a thicker jacket and a the Hornady InterLock ring to help increase weight retention, command expansion, and minimize the chances of core-jacket separation. For this reason, the ELD-10 is nonetheless devastating on deer and pronghorn sized game, only it's also a much improve choice than their SST bullet for use on larger game.

That said, the ELD-X is still a little too fragile for my tastes. Many hunters utilise this exact ammunition on elk each year with a lot of success. Personally, I prefer a tougher bullet for elk sized game (like the Terminal Ascent that's side by side on this list). I think the ELD-10 is perfect for deer sized game though.

Have all that for what y'all volition.

Finally, Black Hills produces a very similar load with a 178gr ELD-X. For all intents and purposes, I think it'south practically interchangeable with this Hornady load (links to each are beneath).

Any way you slice it, this .308 ammunition is capable of delivering great concluding performance on a wide range of big game for shots at 400+ yards.

• Bullet Type: Hornady Extremely Low Drag eXpanding
• Bullet Weight: 178 grains
• Ballistic Coefficient (G1): .552
• Cage Velocity: 2,600 feet per second

Become Black HILLS ELD-Ten AMMO Here

GET HORNADY PRECISION HUNTER AMMO Hither

Also Bachelor at: Brownells, Cabela's, Natchez Shooters Supplies, Optics Planet, and Palmetto State Armory

Hornady Custom Light

The .308 Winchester is a popular cartridge for new, modest framed, and or recoil shy hunters. It'due south an specially common choice for children to chase with and I shot my starting time two deer with a .308 when I was a male child.

My dad is a handloader, and then he made some reduced power loads that were very pleasant for me to shoot, but still mortiferous on whitetail deer at curt range. Not everybody handloads though.

With this in listen, Hornady offers a reduced recoil .308 option every bit office of their Custom Light line of armament. This is a reduced power load that uses a lighter bullet fired at a slower than usual velocity. This results in an exceptionally balmy recoiling .308 load that's still deadly on deer sized game at short to moderate range.

This armament is loaded with a 125 grain Hornady SST bullet. The Super Shock Tip bullet (SST) has a reputation for peachy accurateness and will also still reliably expand at low touch velocities. These characteristics make it a practiced choice for a reduced power loading similar this one.

With all that in mind, this is great .308 deer hunting ammo for recoil shy hunters. Then if you need an authentic and mild recoiling .308 ammo choice for your child to deer chase with, and so Hornady's Custom Light .308 ammo is just virtually perfect.

At that place's no such matter as a free lunch though. This load delivers such mild recoil by firing a lite bullet at a depression muzzle velocity (just 2,675 fps). For this reason, I DON'T recommend using this ammo on bigger game like elk or taking shots on deer past nearly 200 yards with it though.

It will evangelize good terminal performance on deer sized game. Merely don't expect a complete pass through (even on a broadside shot), specially on bigger bodied animals.

• Bullet Type: SST
• Bullet Weight: 125 grains
• Ballistic Coefficient (G1): .305
• Muzzle Velocity: 2,675 feet per second

VIEW DETAILS

Also Available at: Brownells, Cabela's, Natchez Shooters Supplies, Optics Planet, and Palmetto Land Armory

Nosler Ballistic Tip

Nosler also offers a loading that uses a 125 grain Ballistic Tip bullet. This bullet is also an outstanding option for hunting sparse-skinned game like deer and pronghorn.

All the same, this load shoots those Ballistic Tip bullets quite a chip faster than than the Extreme Betoken bullets used in the Winchester Deer Season XP load. Fifty-fifty though they're lighter and non quite every bit aerodynamic, this Ballistic Tip load still has a flatter trajectory than the comparable Winchester Deer Season XP load.

Ballistic Tip bullets are also designed to evangelize devastating terminal effects to game upon impact. Goose egg is guaranteed, but these bullets often deliver instant, knock down results on deer sized game.

All things considered, Nosler Ballistic Tip .308 ammo is better suited for longer range shots on game like mule deer or pronghorn than the Winchester Deer Season XP. It will also work extremely well on that same sort of game at closer range.

I do NOT recommend using Nosler Ballistic Tip ammo for bigger game like elk or moose. Like the Extreme Point, I think the Ballistic Tip bullet expands far likewise rapidly for use on large game like that.

Stick to game similar whitetail deer, mule deer, and pronghorn with the 125 grain Ballistic Tip. You'll probably be very happy with the results if you do that.

• Bullet Type: Nosler Ballistic Tip
• Bullet Weight: 125 grains
• Ballistic Coefficient (G1): .366
• Muzzle Velocity: three,100 feet per second

VIEW DETAILS

Too Available at: Cabela's, Natchez Shooters Supplies, Optics Planet and Palmetto State Armory.

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The Lyman 50th Edition (p205-206), and Hornady 10th Edition (p364-369) reloading manuals were used as references for this commodity.

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