Thread: 125gr loads for 308

Evening All

Well an old 308 slipped into the gun safe this evening and although I have a packet of ammo which came with it, that will last all of the first range/paddock visit.
Given that it will probably get used on goats most of the time I was thinking of using the sierra 125gr softpoint.
Recommendations for powder and loads? Will Ar2206H be alright I have some floating about that I believe is popular in the 308s?
I'm not looking for max velocity or anything like that, just a good reliable load, with projectiles/powder that are regularly in stock.
Rifle has 22" barrel and 1:12 twist.

I use some nosler BT 125gr. I wanted something for coyotes and ended up using them on whitetail and they have delivered quick kills for me so far. That being said is I want to extend the ranges on the coyotes so will probably end up going to a higher BC bullet when I use these up.

I use IMR4320 because it's what I could find quickly here. I will be switching when I change loads to whatever I find the most suitable after some research so I'm watching this thread with interest

I have a nice load for 125 accubonds also using 2206h in a 16" barrel.
You may find 2206 is too fast for a 22" barrel and get a better run out of 2208

I havent run 125s myself but 2206h should be the go.....You can struggle to get enough 2208 in for 130s tho it works alright.

Originally Posted by Gibo

I have a nice load for 125 accubonds also using 2206h in a 16" barrel.
You may find 2206 is too fast for a 22" barrel and get a better run out of 2208

I thought ADI originally made 2206 for the 308, and as 2206H is a smidgen slower it would be perfect

Originally Posted by .22-250 everything

I use some nosler BT 125gr. I wanted something for coyotes and ended up using them on whitetail and they have delivered quick kills for me so far. That being said is I want to extend the ranges on the coyotes so will probably end up going to a higher BC bullet when I use these up.

I use IMR4320 because it's what I could find quickly here. I will be switching when I change loads to whatever I find the most suitable after some research so I'm watching this thread with interest

Unfortunately IMR powders aren't that regular in availability in NZ. Things like 2206H is H4895 and is very common.
I will have a look at the BT's though, thanks.

I have not tried 125s but have had very good results with Barnes 130s behind 2206H driven at 2950ft/s out of a 18inch Remington Mohawk 600.

Originally Posted by Barefoot

I thought ADI originally made 2206 for the 308, and as 2206H is a smidgen slower it would be perfect

Yeah probably correct. I know bugger all. I use 2206h and 125s and get over 3000fps. I was just told its a fast burning powder suited to short barrel 308s I was merely commenting you may get better performance from a longer barrel with 2208.

49gn 2206h behind a 125 Nosler BT does 2970 out of my 17in Tikka. Clover leaf groups if the monkey behind it does his part. Everything so far has been boom, flop

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I use 48.5 gns of H335 behind 125gn accubonds. Achieve 2295 fps with a 16" barrel. Longer barrel shouldn't be an issue with the powders mentioned as long as pressures are ok.
Accubonds would be a bit of a waste on goats (don't need that sort of penetration) but the Sierras should be fine.

I wouldn't claim they are best for purpose. They were what was available anyway so I would take it with a grain of salt. I will be looking into it a little more when I change loads but this one is very accurate so I'll run with it

Not entirely related but I do rate the .308 125gr Hunting Ballistic tips Pills out of my 300 Blackout (18 inch 1:7 barrel)
Even from a cut down .223 round they do very well accuracy wise with the ADI powder crammed in to get 18 gr of 2205 in there...

But I can say that I do rate the results of the Pill from this platform in terms of penetration and the destruction that ensues ... well worth a try Stu although Id suspect the heavier ones in a 308 are probably even better for you I gave a almost full pack to @northdude for his .308 as I couldn't get them to group nearly as well as the 125's from my 300 BLK..

125grn nosler ballistic tip with 50 grns win 748 goes nicely as does same load with 125grn flat nose sierra 30/30 pill...well nice till they hit then just plain old naaaasty
shoots accurately in old miroku BLR

Ive used 125 gn Sierras in my 308 for years they work well on everything Reds,Sika,Thar and goats. 46gn 2208 20" tube.

I've got some 110gr TTSX's on the way, I'm aiming for around the 2800-2900 fps mark from a 21" tube, what powder should try?
I have on hand: 2209, 2208, 2206H & 2213sc