New member/new rifle/first post!!

[rboyson]

Hello all, I'm new to the forum so give me a break if I'm posting in the wrong spot lol
I've read a lot of forums from this site and finally decided to join. I hope I can get a lot of help from you More experienced hunter/shooters. I've been shooting for about a year now and at first wasn't much into hunting but Ive decided to give it a try. My main and newest rifle is my Remington 700 sps stainless in 308 with a Boyds stock on it. I was shooting cheap wal-mart ammo but I decided to step up and start shooting the good stuff. I'm thinking Nosler 165gr accubonds, or Sierra gamekings I'm leaning toward the Nosler accubonds. What do you hunters think would be my limit with this gun as far as which game I can take and at what range? I think if I use the better ammo this gun should be a MOA shooter, what do you think? Also if you have any other suggestions please tell me. I don't reload so I can't shoot the VERY expensive stuff, but I'm willing to pay 27$ a box if I have to.

Thanks and I'm happy to be part of the forum.

 

[tomestone]

Hello rboyson I have loaded both the Noslers and the Sierra GameKings in my rifle and found the Sierras gave me a better group at 100yds. The Sierra was half the price,cost doesnt always mean better.Its good to try a few different brands some will group better than others. Happy Shooting.gun)

 

[Doublezranch]

Shoot as many bullets as you can. Gather your data and shoot the best grouper of the bunch. Once you find the bullet you would like to shoot, live at the range. Get to know your rifle inside and out. By the end of the summer, you will be ready to do all the hunting you can handle, and have a successful season.

 

[trebark]

Welcome to the forum. You've got a nice rifle to start with. There's plenty you can do to improve the accuracy potential. Here's a couple examples of things you can do....

http://www.longrangehunting.com/forums/f53/my-308-1k-rifle-evolution-continues-43510/

http://www.longrangehunting.com/forums/f53/nephews-transformed-rifle-53634/

In terms of ammo to shoot, always consider the bullet first. It's the part that is ultimately going to get the job done. Generally speaking, if you can get better than 1moa accuracy out of your rifle, you should be able to take deer at 500 yards.

If you're willing to spend $27 a box for ammo, give serious consideration to saving a few $$ and start reloading. Then you can choose the right bullet for what ever job you have.

 

[steelshooter]

I had a 308 for rifle silhouettes, and I found that a165gn with a fair bc like the Hornady SST retained more energy at 500m than a 180gn. Some 180s wouldn't bring a ram down. I handloaded though.

 

[royinidaho]

Learn to properly clean the bore.

Learn what a proper "break in" is

Learn what copper remover is.

Learn how often your rig likes to be cleaned.

Stick with the best shooting brand and bullet weight.

If you can put 1 shot on 5 successive days within 1/2 inch of the first day's shot your way more than good to go.

Have fun and wear ear protection.

 

[Stickman]

I am a new member as well, but have been on the site a while reading. Lots of great info and great members here. Enjoy that new gun!!gun)

 

[rboyson]

Thanks for all the great advice!
I've decided to get 165 grn Nosler accubonds (I found them for 25$ a box) then I'm gonna use a friends reloading supply and get started on what bullets my gun likes and dislikes.

 

[buckfynn]

Welcome to LRH, Rboyson.

What do you hunters think would be my limit with this gun as far as which game I can take and at what range?

I have used my .308 to kill deer, black bear, and elk. Most of my shots have been between 100 and 200 yards. With the right load, and using a range finder to calculate distance, I wouldn't hesitate to take elk up to 400 yards under ideal conditions.

BTW: Most of the time I use a .243 for deer and black bear.

I think if I use the better ammo this gun should be a MOA shooter, what do you think?

You will have to try a variety of ammo to see how your rifle will shoot. You might want to try Nosler Partition, Barnes TSX, and plain old Core-Lokt SPS plus others to see how your rifle groups with each type of ammo. If you do not find the results you desire with factory ammo, then see if your buddy will work up some handloads for you.

 

[RDM416]

Learn to properly clean the bore.

Learn what a proper "break in" is

Learn what copper remover is.

Learn how often your rig likes to be cleaned.

Stick with the best shooting brand and bullet weight.

If you can put 1 shot on 5 successive days within 1/2 inch of the first day's shot your way more than good to go.

Have fun and wear ear protection.

Welcome to the forum rboyson! The above is great advice from Roy and like others have said, you need to get into reloading it will save you a lot of money pretty quickly. That will translate into more trigger time.........

Pick up "Applied Ballistics" (book) by Bryan Litz (available on this site) and Handloading for Competition by Glen Zediker (available on amazon), and keep reading the forums and asking questions. Have fun.gun)