I found a slew of 30 cal 220gr Speer SP's in my reloading stash and was thinking about loading some up in my 308 for hunting elk/mulies.  Comparing velocities that can be achieved in the 308, I think i can get around 2150 FPS out of a short barreled gun with handloads.  Compared to the 35 Remington pushing a 220gr BB around 1700 fps, I would suppose quite a lot of deer/elk have been taken with that cartridge?  My hunting areas in MT needing a shot over 100 yards is pretty nil, with 50 yards being average.  

Obviously a 165-180gr 308 bullet is pretty much the standard, but was wondering if a slower moving 220 RNSP would be ok?  


308 Remmy.  Twist is 1x8, 16 inch barrel

I would shoot that load at most bout anything your going to see in the woods inside of 200-250 yards. Do your range work though so you know your drops, and can adjust as needed for it. This is of course predicated on whether or not the load meets your accuracy specs. Energy wise, it should be fine. A very cursory glance at a ballistics chart shows about 6-7 inch drop at 200 yds. Using a 2-3 inch high 100 yds zero, you will be well suited with that combo IMHO. Good hunting!

Probably take work to get those 220's much over 2000fps out of a 16" tube. But, a 220 grain bullet at 2000fps matches the old .30-40 Krag load and that round had a reputation as a big game hammer with the old timers.

That looks a LOT like the .308 I've got, but mine's a 1 - 10 Twist.

I'm an old timer, and that's what I was thinking.  I'll load some up and see what i can push them to over the holidays.  

Please report back with what ya find!