[IthacaDS]

What is the smallest bullet that is made for .30 caliber rifles. In my search i came across a 100 grain, but it was for targets. I looking for a nice varmint load for my 308 1:12 twist Savage 110. Thank you

 

[unclenick]

.308 Handgun bullets go down to 73 grains, but they are not meant for rifle velocities and may not hold together spinning that fast? For varmint bullets, 110 grains seems to be the .30 cal rifle bottom. This Sierra bullet, for example. Reloader 10X is a good powder for this light weight bullet. The usual .308 powders for heavier bullets will be too slow, and won't generate gas fast enough to keep up with the bullet going down the tube very well. Therefore they won't produce the highest velocities and won't burn as consistently. There are the Remington Accelerator type sabots for shooting .224 bullets, but accuracy of the load-it-yourself versions have been reported as ranging from poor to just awful.

 

[MikeG]

125gr. Ballistic Tips may serve you well. Not the lightest but should be pretty destructive on small varmits. Have used them in the .30-06 and they do dis-assemble small creatures ....

 

[dmsbandit]

The Speer 130grain HP is very accurate, and deadly. More than once, my 308 made them turn into a red mist when hit by the Speer HP at 3000+fps.

 

[Davers]

What is the smallest bullet that is made for .30 caliber rifles. In my search i came across a 100 grain, but it was for targets. I looking for a nice varmint load for my 308 1:12 twist Savage 110. Thank you

I believe Hornady sells a 90 grain XTP bullet, but that is for pistol cartridges. A Good Varmint load that I use in my .308's is 48.0 grs / IMR-4320 / 125 grain Sierra SPT. (#2120). Accurate in 1-in-12" twists.

 

[Old Grump]

Hornady V-Max Bullets 30 Caliber (308 Diameter) 110 Grain Flat Base Box of 100. Used by some for varmints and benchrest shooting but usually in a faster twist barrel. I would give them a try, if your rifle likes them your search is over. Never tried them myself because my gun likes heavier bullets, its just something I read on another forum by a man who does both benchrest and prairie dog shooting.

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=601277

 

[Cavitation]

I have a 110 V-Max load in my 308 clocking a hair over 3000 fps with TAC powder out of my 16 inch barrel semi auto. Amazingly accurate for a 1/10 twist barrel. Your 1/12 twist should be a perfect match for this load.

AL

 

[Charshooter]

125gr. Ballistic Tips may serve you well. Not the lightest but should be pretty destructive on small varmits. Have used them in the .30-06 and they do dis-assemble small creatures ....

That was the one I was going to suggest

 

[MikeG]

I think Nosler needs to come up with a new slogan... "When you don't plan on eating it, reach for the Ballistic Tips!!!!"



Just my opinion.