FAL: more .308 handloads

[AR Thumper]

Howdy Fallers: I ran across a load that works well in my Fal For Hunting. It is an accuracy load from my Lyman Reloading book . I will be using it to deer hunt this year. I like a Heavy bullet and I found these 180Gr SST Bullets feed well in my rifle and groop as well as any I have ever shot . The SST bullets are tipped with a red tip and look like ballistic tips but are cheaper. Made by Hornady ;) . 180 gr. SST with 41.0 gr IMR 4895 powder. =2481 fps 44,200 C.U.P. Just thought I would throw this out If anyone is intrested. Thumper. :D

[ August 10, 2001: Message edited by: EMDII ]

[Andy the Aussie]

back in the "good 'ol days" I recall busting many many hogs with handloads. they were a 130gn Speer Hollow Point sitting on a mess of AR2206. Worked very well too as I recall.

Andy

[TideWater 41009]

Like Thumper, I have also developed a liking for the Hornady SST bullets in FAL's (or any autoloader) because the tips do not get deformed during loading.

I prefer the 150 grain bullet in a .308 or .30-'06 on deer sized game because they really get the job done on animals of this size, in my fairly extensive experience. 180's are constructed more stoutly and might not open reliably at longer ranges on deer, and bullets lighter than 150 grains are generally constructed to be varmint bullets by most manufacturers (as far as I'm aware).

Also, I like to use 150 grain bullets in FAL's since the sights are calibrated for bullets of this weight.

Additionally, to whom it matters, 150 grain bullets behind a charge of IMR 3031 produces the lowest muzzle flash at night of anything I have tried (unsientific casual observation, and very limited experience).

[W.E.G.]

Remember guys, a little deformation of the nose of a bullet will have <u>ZERO</u> effect on accuracy.

[TideWater 41009]

Originally posted by gary.jeter:
<STRONG>Remember guys, a little deformation of the nose of a bullet will have <u>ZERO</u> effect on accuracy.</STRONG>

True, but enough deformation (from several loadings and unloadings, as is likely in some types of hunting situations)can effect accuracy and functioning.

[AR Thumper]

Refinish Guy; You Are right about using 150 gr. at longer ranges. The area I hunt is hilly with thick cover. I once Killed a nice 8 pt. on the next hill from my stand (about 200 yards) ,but that was the longest range shot I can remember making. Thumper ;)