Will a 220 grs Sierra or Hornady RN bullet stabilize in a 308 WCF Model 88 Winchester?

Pete

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...don't count out lever guns such as the Winchester Model 88. This rig, chambered to .308 Win, will handle nearly any deer situation.

Does that have a 19 inch barrel ? I would think if it does it would depend on what kind of velocity it would produce with the 220gr and therefore longer bullets. IIRC the Winchester 88 in 308 has a 1:12 twist rate. I'm sure some of the hand loader guys on here can provide more help for your once they post their comments.

My Remington .308 has been my "labratory" for reloading. Twist is 1-10".

Group size at 100 yards is 3.5 inches with 220 grain Remington bullet.

A better bullet is Speer bonded 200 grain which delivers 2 inch group at 100 yards. I loaded this bullet for my Dad's 300 Savage and he took 2 fine elk with this ammo.

Good shooting to you.

TR

I don't have a M88 but my other Winchesters in .308 have 1/12 barrels. Never tried any 220 grain bullets in mine so can't offer any advice there.

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Still Learnin' as I go!

NRA Life Member

I don't think a 220 grain bullet will perform well in the smaller .308 case. The heavest bullet, for the .308 Win. in my opinion, is a 180 grainer.

Ditto ! All my 220Gr. bullets are .358 , if ya want a thumper , get a thumper .

After thinking about it I'd imagine the 1/12 might be a little slow for a 220 pill. Most 30-06s have a 1/10 so they can handle longer bullets.

Always found 150-165 grain is the better choice for my .308s.

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Still Learnin' as I go!

NRA Life Member

I have a pre-64 M88 and use 180/150 gr. bullets. Not saying a 220 gr. bullet is no good, just I have other cartridges more tailored to 220 gr. plus bullets to choose from.

If your M88 is your only choice then give it a try, but I would load light for starters. A 220 gr. RN bullet, travelling at a moderate velocity, could be quite effective in heavily treed and brush country.

Rod

I think the 220 grin hornady was designed to duplicate factory 30/40 krag loads.
as to stabelazation , i would not know. But game performacc should be good, if you can reach the 2100 fps krag velocity...tj3006

If the '88's barrel is indeed a 1/12 it's going to be tough to get any accuracy out of the 220.

Years ago I owned a model 100, and that would not even shoot 180's to an acceptable hunting accuracy. Tried many, many factory and hand load combo's, to no avail. It was a tack drive up to 170grain, then went hay wire.

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Chris in NH.

"some days, I wish my dogs could talk"

That is what I'd be afraid of with the 1/12. I'd consider it difficult to get good performance with that load since the bullet would soak up lots of powder area.

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Still Learnin' as I go!

NRA Life Member

A 180 grain round nose would just about be the heavest and longest bullet that would stabolize in a 1- 12" inch .308 rifle. Velocity would need to be 2,400 FPS minimum.

According to the calculator at jbmballistics.com, the Hornady 220 grain will stabilize in a 1/12 308.

The Model 88 and Model 100 were so similar they were scary. They used the same base stock, same base receiver, and even the same mags. One could conclude that the same barrels were used also. The action itself is what set them apart.

I'd venture to say that while a 'calculator' might say that they will stabilize, it's been my experience that they in fact will not in this particular rifle.
I'd be pleased as punch to hear the opposite from the OP, but I'm kinda doubting they will.

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Chris in NH.

"some days, I wish my dogs could talk"