Looking for a new .308 SD round,Ideas?

So I have been using Federal TRU 165g for a number of years. When I went to order a new case I couldn’t find any. I guess I missed Federal D/C that offering. I’m down to just a few boxes left. I see they have a new tipped 168g TRU 308T. I can’t find any information, but maybe my google-fu is weak. The 155 TAP AMAX and 150 GD was recommended in the past. What’s the current all around lineup for SD/HD? Guns I use are 16” AR10, PTR 91, SA M21, and a couple Rem 700. Just want something that will cycle reliably and is good for SD/HD.

Thanks

FB

The 155gr Amax is still a great choice for non barrier. Any of the tipped loads seem to do pretty good here as well, 150 to 168 Rem, Win, Nos, etc.

GD/Fusion is good if you include barrier. I like the small tip for feeding in a semi vs most soft points.

Thanks Todd and Mega

I have read the link on TOS a number of times. I don’t think the .308 has been updated in a decade to include the newer rounds. I used the recommended old TRU that is no longer listed on LE Vista.

The AMAX and GD are cheaper than the 308T. Another option maybe the Fed Premium load that has the 165 SGK P308C.

FB

DocGKR is active on pistol-forum for specific questions. I cant comment on 308 as my applicable experience is pretty much zilch.

If your blowing holes in bad boys with a 308 load for HD, I think its safe to say they are going down. I’d pick something that cycles well and let it rip.

PB

I’ll be phasing out of .308, but the last time I chose SD ammo I went with a 165 gr (May have been 168 gr, I forget) Sierra Game King JSP load.

Has good penetration and expansion. Wasn’t concerned with barriers. I think I paid about $15 /20 rds.

Ron3: I think that’s the p308c round I was thinking about. You are correct at 165g. I have corrected my typo.

PB: AR15s are my close at hand longgun (64 g GD) but since I have .308s I’d just like to have a good round. GMM and FMJs have shown to be poor preformers per Doc and others. I have plenty of both and would use if needed.

FB

I’d pick the round that works the best in your rifle, .308/ 7.62X51 is going to shoot through a lot of stuff before stopping. With that said any bullet you use will suck the wind out of any bad guy and most likely change the game real quick in your favor.

That was my thought originally as well.

Seriously, though, any premium hunting bullet between 150 and 165 grains with a relatively small tip to feed well sounds pretty good to me.

My worry with the 7.62x52 /.308 would be over penetration but I’m thinking you have factors like that well in hand.

Andy

Hi Andy,

I live in the sticks and can’t see my neighbors so over penetration isn’t a big worry. AR15s and Glocks are my primary go to guns for HD. It’s just I am about out of my current SD .308 ammo and it’s not made anymore.

I might just grab some AMAX and Gold Dots that are on Docs old recommended list on TOS and see which is better out of my guns.

I didn’t know if anyone had any experience with any of the newer selection out there.

Since I started this thread I did find a post on officer.com I believe that said the a few LE Depts were changing from GMM to the new Federal TRU. I used the old TRU and was happy.
FB

I kinda have to laugh when I read the threads on what ammo to buy for the 5.56 for when shtf, With 7.62X51 it’s all real nasty!

There can be a significant difference in terminal, and barrier performance between different loads.

Understanding the difference and picking one that meets your needs is not something to laugh at… Or obsess too much over.

I agree.

We used to use BH 168 AMAX in our bolt-guns to great effect. A few years back we went to the Ruger RPRs and found the Hornady 155 ELD shot tighter.

I would buy a box of different weight AMAX/ELD and see which one fires the tightest. We’ve had good luck punching auto-glass with ELD. We did use 164 Federal Bonded Soft-Point as our barrier load when still in the 168 AMAX, but no longer stock two rounds since the switch. Not sure what prompted the dropping of the 164 Fed as I was off snipers at that point and not involved in the testing.

Avoid anything SMK or BTHP at all costs other than shooting paper.

Thanks Tick

Yep [emoji106]

This.

Except for the well documented inconsistent performance of ball and OTM like SMK…

This. The 175gr SMK has a high chance of exiting the target and being a danger to those behind as well as deviating widely off target if it strikes a barrier first. For CONUS use where LE sniper engagements are more like 50 to 100yds max, you are better off giving up 0.5 MOA and getting a more consistently performing bullet like Gold Dot.

And if you want a fragmenting round the various tipped bullets do so consistently.