Englander...
My "black-tical tactical" .308 has discovered a new calling in life as a varmint rifle since I started playing with the light hollowpoints. Specifically, the Speer 130g HP and the 125g Nosler Ballistic Tip have given me consistent results. The powders I have used are H380 and Benchmark. A small advantage in accuracy appears to be held by H380, at least from the initial tests, but where I live we have wide temperature variations to which the ball powders appear to be sensitive. I am now loading both with Benchmark, with the bullets seated as far out as I reasonably can (they are short bullets).
Data my friend gathered during a call to Hodgdon is as follows:
.308 Win
Case: Winchester
Primer: Federal 210
Bullet: Sierra 125
Powder: Benchmark
Start: 43g
Velocity: 2821 fps
Pressure: 40,600 cup
Max: 47.5g
Velocity: 3070 fps
Pressure: 50,700 cup
My load:
44g Benchmark
Case: Federal GM
Primer: WLR
Both bullets shoot better than I can, but 95% of the groups I have fired have fallen between 1/4" and 3/4" from the bipod at 100 Yards.
Regarding terminal performance on small game: Bring a sponge.
Cordially,
Smith