Thread: Q - Mildest 308 load that would reliable kill deer sized game ?

Well, you can kill a deer with a 147 grain FMJ loaded over 14 grains of AP70, going about 1500fps....just not at 300 yards.

You have two choices:
Go light and fast bullet, or heavier slow,

So a light 125 grain bullet at 2800 fps (with your short barrel) or

Load round nose Hornady 170 grain bullets to 2200 - 2400 fps.


I would choose 125 grain ballistic tips and run them fast as I could in that short barrel.