.308 @ 1K Observation

[Zen Archery]

I have 2 bullets/loads that I shoot out of my custom .308
The bullets I use are 168 Berger VLD and 190 Berger VLD
Target loads are lands/free bore seating depth.
Hunting loads are AICS mag length (2.890)
According to Berger and my ballistic tables I can "hunt" out to 500 yards with the 168 VLD and about another 90 yards using the 190 VLD.
The 168 VLD loaded to lands/free bore is accurate out to 800 yards. The 190 VLD loaded to lands/free bore is accurate out to 1000 yards (at least that is as far as I have been able test it).

I can use the same MOA for the 168 VLD out to 700 yards. Likewise with the 190 VLD I can use the same MOA out to 800 yards.

My observation. I spent a lot of time working on my lands/free bore for an extra 100 yards for the 168 VLD. Likewise spent a lot of time working on my lands/free bore for an extra 200 yards for the 190 VLD. Extra yardage is great for target shooting. Loading to lands/free bore was not necessary out to hunting range at 500 and 600 yards.

[Slick8]

Interesting, what are you thresholds for maximum hunting ranges?

[Zen Archery]

Interesting, what are you thresholds for maximum hunting ranges?

minimal 1800 fps velocity for proper expansion.

[Slick8]

That's what I thought. I used the 1800 fps but bumped it to 2000 for a little extra security and added to that the long held standard of 1000 pounds on energy.

That gets me out to 600 yards with a 105 berger vld in my 240 WBY. That's on paper, don't know that I'd ever shoot a deer at that range but that's on paper anyway. It is capable of making the shot, I had it shooting 3 shot .5 moa groups to 600 last year including cold bore first shot hits on the 6 inch gong.

[bboswell]

About what I had in my head for my 168 VLD's. Mine groups well out to 800 but that is as far as I have tested