Best Projectile For The 308 Norma Magnum

[Divey]

This is my first post, so, be kind to me or I'll run away and sulk.

I want to do some long range deer (Fallow) shooting and was wondering what the best projectile choices there are for the 308 Norma Magnum cartridge.

Any assistance from folks that have this cartridge would be much appreciated.

 

[roninflag]

what rifle. based on my experience with the 300 win mag. the 210 berger. or any of the bergers from 175 on up.

 

[Divey]

The rifle is a Parker Hale. Was not the flashiest thing you will ever see, so I recently put a Boyds Thumb-hole stock on it and topped it with a Bushnell Elite 6500 4.5 - 30 x 50. I've bedded and floated the action and barrel. If it does not shoot to my satisfaction, I'm going to chuck the barrel in the bin and put something decent on it.

It's a 1 in 10 twist. It's also a pretty heavy profile.

I'm guessing that if I try all projectiles that are suggested I try, it will cost me a fortune in load development. That's why I want advice from other 308 Norma owners.

 

[COBrad]

I'll disqualify myself from the start and say I have not shot the .308 Norma...
That said, I did shoot a .300 Jarrett for a good while. The Jarrett carries a little bit more velocity than the Norma, and I used 200 grain Accubonds with great success.
Looking through my Berger manual, I would guess their 190 and 210 gr. bullets would give the best compromise of speed and high BC.

 

[Divey]

It's a shame that my mind has been slightly poisoned against the Bergers.

I'll explain. I bought some Berger VLD in .257 Calibre for a 257 Roberts Ackley Improved. I tried everything I could to get them to shoot and they were just terrible. However, there is information available now that I was unaware of at that time. I have been told that these VLD projectiles either have to be touching the lands OR well away from the lands for them to shoot to an acceptable degree of satisfaction.

Anyway, the only projectiles I have in .308 calibre to try in the Norma Magnum at the moment are these....





I know that these projectiles have been around for a long time now and a more modern suitable projectile could be much better for me to try.

 

[HARPERC]

No 308 Norma lurking in my past either, just curious, what's available in your neck of the woods? Component scarcity here has some products unavailable. I'd stay between 190 and 220 grains then select from what was available in that range.

 

[HARPERC]

Crossed in cyberspace-I'd use the 180's unless the rifle rejected them.

 

[Divey]

No 308 Norma lurking in my past either, just curious, what's available in your neck of the woods? Component scarcity here has some products unavailable. I'd stay between 190 and 220 grains then select from what was available in that range.

Most are normally available, however, I have recently gone to a US based website that specialises in International projectile sales. It's been a long wait for half of my order, but at the end of the day the wait is worth it.

What do you think of the price of these little beauties I bought here in Australia......






I recently bought some direct from the USA for $34.18 USD a box. All up for postage and a few other extras, they worked out to be very close to $40.00 AUD.

Scary eh!!

 

[HARPERC]

WOW! I just checked my stuff I don't get around to drawer. 1 box marked $4, and 1 marked $10. They've been there awhile.

 

[HogginKing]

Divey
I have been using a 308 Norma Mag. since the early 70's. It's a Remington 03-A4 Springfield. I have used Hornady 180 gr. spire pt., worked on Whitetail Deer. Also used Sierra 180 gr. spire pt., 180 gr. Nosler Bt., all worked well on Whitetail Deer out to 300 + yds. Several years ago, new barrel, I have been using the Sierra 165 Gameking Hpbt's. on Whitetail deer and Groundhogs. Any of the above will do what you ask, extend the range then a heavy bullet will be in order as per the other post's. Have fun and enjoy

"The 308 Norm Mag., the Original Hammer of Thor"

Hogginking

 

[Divey]

Divey
I have been using a 308 Norma Mag. since the early 70's. It's a Remington 03-A4 Springfield. I have used Hornady 180 gr. spire pt., worked on Whitetail Deer. Also used Sierra 180 gr. spire pt., 180 gr. Nosler Bt., all worked well on Whitetail Deer out to 300 + yds. Several years ago, new barrel, I have been using the Sierra 165 Gameking Hpbt's. on Whitetail deer and Groundhogs. Any of the above will do what you ask, extend the range then a heavy bullet will be in order as per the other post's. Have fun and enjoy

"The 308 Norm Mag., the Original Hammer of Thor"

Hogginking

I like it.

When you say a heavier bullet, do mean heavier than the 180 grainers or heavier than the 165 GameKings??

It's amazing that when you look at some ballistic charts, it seems as though the 308 Norma Magnum has the drop on the 300 Win Mag even though the case has less capacity. It must be a more efficient cartridge. Dunno!

 

[Nimrod]

Hey Divey,
My .308 Norma was built on an '03 Springfield that wore the original military barrel rechambered. It loved the 180 grain Sierra and also the old Nosler solid base. Alas, I had to sell the old rifle years ago and I will always miss it, I do still have the dies though On a side note, my old Mauser actioned Parker Hale shot very well, it was a .243 though.

Bob

 

[Divey]

Hey Divey,
My .308 Norma was built on an '03 Springfield that wore the original military barrel rechambered. It loved the 180 grain Sierra and also the old Nosler solid base. Alas, I had to sell the old rifle years ago and I will always miss it, I do still have the dies though On a side note, my old Mauser actioned Parker Hale shot very well, it was a .243 though.

Bob

This is a weird Parker Hale. It has no markings whatsoever. Was fitted with an original Mauser safety. However, the floor plate and trigger guard are made from aluminium and the actual magazine is longer that an standard 30-06 Mauser.

 

[HogginKing]

Divey
Depends on the distance you intend to shoot! That should be your guide to the bullet weight you use. At this time I use the Sierra 165's for Whitetail and do not shoot much over 300 + yds., my choice. Now Groundhogs are another matter, I go the distance when hunting them, using the 165's. Not the best choice but that's me. My barrel has a 1 in 10 twist and I have shot up to 200 gr. roundnose out of it and accuracy has been good across all weights. The 180's work and I do not know anything about the new'er weight's and style's on the market now. The other posters know alot more about the new bullets and they would be the one's to ask. Safety, Accuracy, Velocity in that order.
Take care & have fun

Hogginking