1 in 12 twist 308

Mark2

Mark2

New member
I was wondering what would be a maximum gr bullet for my mod 70 308 with a 1 in 12 twist with a 26 inch barrel. Looking for a good black bear load.


Mark2
 
It is dependant on the length of the bullit not the weight, and the only real way to know is to try it.

Having said that, you should be good into the 170s and maybe even 180gr range depending on the velocity you can get.
 
I shoot 175gr Matchkings 1/4 moa out of my 1-12" 308.

That said, as far as hunting bullets go, you should be able to sling most all of the regular 180gr offerings just fine.

Heavy bullets are not needed for black bear, anyway. I would run 165-168s and not sweat it a bit. Lighter bullets than that would work, but that is just what I prefer....
 
Black bear do not need a super heavy bullet. I'd say 180 max. A good 150-165 gr is all that is needed. Don't go with a super tuff bullet either. Deer bullets make good bear killers too.
 
As 2MG stated a 165-168gr bullet would serve you well. My buddy dropped a 580+/- lb black bear last winter with 165gr Sierra Gamekings. Plenty of good sized bear have been killed locally with smaller calibers including a 660 pounder killed with a .260 Remington a couple years back.
 
A guy in the U.P. killed one in the 600lb. range with a 140gr Nosler partition out of a 7mm-08. I have taken many deer with this same bullet......
 
I have some 150 gr Hornady sst that fly really well, I guess with proper shot placement those should be fine. I dont run that fast anymore, I want to make sure the bear is drt. LOL


Mark2
 
I'd run my .243 win,cause I know it would kill. However, small entrance and proly no exit would be the case. Bears can be hard to blood trail,so 2 holes is always nice.
 
I shoot 180's in my .300wsm ,only cause it likes them better.

On that note ...
I need to check the zero on my rifle.My hunt in not far off .
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You can shoot almost all 180 and some heavier hunting bullets with 1:12 twist even the Berger 190 grain VLD hunting bullet is rated at 1:12. The full copper bullets, which tend to be longer, like the Barnes TSX, are the ones you would need to look out for. The Barnes TSX in 180 grain is at its limit with 1:11 twist so 168 grain would be the heaviest with that bullet.
 
When I shot a 308 M1A in competition everybody shot a 10" twist. And that was shooting usually the 168 Sierras. The 10" was what won almost all matches.

Jack
 
most folks i talk to shoot up to a 180gr bullet out of a 1:12 twist, as stated earlier i have heard of 190's but it is sketchy...as for myself my gun likes the 155's driven at around 2750-2800
 
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