Just out of curiosity, what are the minimum bullet weights that some of you are using for whitetail's in the .257 and .308 calibers.

I am reloading for a 25 WSSM and 30-06 and I would like to know where my lowest bullet weight limit would be.

I have reloading data for the 25 WSSM from the Hodgdon web site, but I was wondering if anyone has reloaded this caliber with the Barnes XTC bullet, if so, how much of what powder and what are the reported muzzle velocities.

Thanks in advance

If you are talking whitetails, Most everyone I've heard of uses at least a 150 in the 06' and a 100 in the .257". Shouldn't have any problem w/ those weights and above.

Good Luck!

Reloader

I like heavy for caliber bullets, so 115-120 in the 25wsm & 165 in the .308.

Right now I using 115gr in the 25cal and 150 to 220 in my 30 cals. I would say the 150s are the most common 30 cal bullet used for deer.

For the .308 Winchester under 200 yards, the 165 grain Nosler BT, over 200 the 150 Nosler Partition, though next season the Accubond will most likely be my choice. The .257 Ackley gets 115 Trophy Bonded's that Jack Carter provided so many years ago. 100's seemed a little light, and 120's in the partition have gone through Impala lengthwise.

308 Sako,

Do you have your 308 bullets turned around?

I use a 150gr Partition for up to 200yds and the 165 Ballistic Tip beyond 200yds. I bet you do too!?!

$bob$

I use 100 gr. Nosler Partitions in my .257 Ackley Imp. and 115 gr. Nosler Partitions in my .257 Weatherby Mag.
My .30-'06 likes 150 Nosler Partitions and my wife's .30-'06 takes 165 gr. Hornady Interbonds. All work very well!

My experience with 25's have indicated a need for heavy for caliber at distance on deer.

I believe heavy Partitions and X's make the 25 viable at distance.

I shoot 180s in the 06 for everything..

Nosler now makes a .257 Accubond that Ill be trying soon, (think its a 110 grainer).

I also like 150's for deer from an 06, but there is also wisdom in sticking with 180's for all your 06 needs.

I know im going to get some grief for this but I use 130 gr Speer HP's for my 30-06 for deer.

What kind of performance do you get out of the 130 grain Speer HP's? I have a couple of boxes of them I have been thinking of using in my 308 on deer. Very accurate bullet.

Rick- I can honestly say that ive not lost a deer or even tracked any very far to tell you the truth and ive used them for over 15 years now and shoot about 30-50 Axis deer a year. Good luck!!!

I have used the 100gr. Nosler BT in my .257 Roberts with good results shooting the heart/lung. I have also tried the 100gr. Barnes X on one with pass through and quick death. The "Bob" when handloaded is about equal to the .25 WSSM so I'd stick with bullets that have worked well in it.

I've also been loading for a new .25-06 but so far it seems picky. Best groups were with 115 gr. XLC's seated deep, and 117 gr. Hornady's seated close to the lands. No deer have been taken with either of these.

In the '06 use what shoot's the best between 150 to 180's and you'll not have any problems. Nate

This is just my opinion but it's worked for me for years. I've always used a bullet with a S.D. of .24 - .25. Those bullets have always been of medium weight for a specific caliber except for the 6mm.,(.24/100gr., .25/115gr.,.26/120-125gr., .27/130gr., .28/140gr. & .30/165gr.). These bullet weights in these calibers are really the most common that you will run across and they do work extemely well for most any deer hunting.JMO

For the 257 - 100, but prefer the 115 or better. The .308 as pushed by the .308 Win, 150 with preference to the 165's.

I shot 6.5 mm instead of 25 Caliber ( .264, vs .257) so not much difference. However, I have found that a 100 grain bullet is more than sufficient. The only one I advise against is the 100 grain Ballistic Tip, in 6.5, I do not know right off if Nosler has a 100 grain BT in 257 caliber. I only advise against it if MV is over 2700 fps at the Muzzle, too much bloodshot meat.

In a 30 caliber, 125 grain and up will do the job. I have been surprised at what even a 110 grain SP will do to a deer that is antelope sized.

I personally would carry the 257 and skip the 308. Just my personal preference is all.

Cheers and good shooting
seafire

I wouldnt hesitate to use something like a Hornady 130 gn .30 cal bullet for deer. Any good soft point should be sufficent, no HP's or BT's with that low of a SD for me though.

You know reading through this really stirred some cobwebs loose. I have in the past used some of the HP Gamekings in a couple differrent calibers and had some pretty impressive results with them. I may have to buy some more.

For those who say that there's no place in the hunt for a hollowpoint......think about the Barnes X.

I load for the 25-06 and 308 both. I use both 100 and 115 grain Nosler BT's in the 25. The 100 grainers seem to perform a bit better for me. In the 308 I load the 150 grain Sierra Pro-Hunter. I may try the 130 Barnes X bullet this fall for the 308. The Barrnes is the only light bullet I would try in the 308 caliber for deer. Just my opinion.