I found that my Ruger Compact .308 really likes Nosler Ballistic Tip bullets in the 125 gr. weight. With 48.5 gr. of Varget and a COL of 2.835", I'm getting .80" groups at 100 yards. Not bad for a 16.5" barreled rifle. From this short 16.5" barrel, these bullets will achieve 2900 FPS. Is this enough bullet for deer? Should I be concerned about the bullet break up at close range at this velocity?
Don

I've never shot any bullet weight under 140Grn for deer, but a heck of a lot of deer are taken every year with bullet weights between 100 & 140Grn shot in 243, 25-06, 260, 270, 6.5x55, 7mm-08 and others. I have heard that the 120Grn Ballistic Tip is one of the best deer bullets out there.

Ballistic Tips at your 2,900 FPS will be just fine. Ballistic Tips are designed for impact velocities under 3,000 fPS

firstshot
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Make your first shot count!

Unlike some of the lightweight-for-caliber Ballistic Tips, the 125/.308 is designed as a game bullet not as a varmint bullet. For deer it should work fine, although I'd try not to hit heavy bone. I would not be afraid to use it on deer, especially with heart/lung shots. Based upon my experiences with the 150/.308 BTip, it will penetrate deeper at longer range.


Firstshot - Maek your first shot count?

Oops...fat fingered that one ...I fixed it.

firstshot

That is the bullet I load in a Ruger Mann. stocked rifle. All deer hit with it have gone to the skinning rack.Rick.

Thanks guys! I have always favored heavy for caliber bullets, so I had second thoughts about using the 125 gr. for deer. When I look at the all the deer shot with the .243, this load makes more sense. Your replies have restored my confidence in it. The rifle really seems to like this load, so I wanted to be able to use it.
Don

Rick,
What powder are you using behind the 125 gr?
Don

BigBlue, 51.0 grs. of WW 748, WLR primer with Win brass or Fed 210M with Lapua brass.Rick.

The 125 gr bullet should do fine .

I use them for deer out of my SKS in the 7.62x39

I get 2 -3 " groups at 100 yds , but where I hunt a 50 yd shot is long
It has acounted for 3 deer with 3 shots.

Johnch

What effect does velocity have on the ability of the ballistic tip bullets to penetrate? I have heard that they will penetrate deeper if held to lower velocities. Is that the norm for these bullets, or an isolated incident?
Don

All depends on the size deer you’re going after. We know the guys out in West Texas love the 30-125BT's for their whitetails. However for bigger bodied deer I'd probably go with a 30-150 AB in your .308 Winchester. Close range shots I'd definitely stay away from shoulder shots. So I'd say cover your bases and go with a 150grain bullet.