Quick Answer
For deer hunting with a .308 Winchester, both 150gr and 165gr bullets have their advantages, but the 165gr bullet tends to be preferred due to its more consistent penetration and less likely to over-penetrate. It often results in cleaner kills with better wound channels. The 165gr bullet also has less drop-off in velocity at longer ranges.
Bullet Selection Criteria
When choosing between a 150gr and 165gr bullet for .308 Winchester deer hunting, consider the type of hunting you’re doing, the terrain, and the potential for over-penetration. If you’re hunting in dense woods with small deer, a 150gr bullet might be a good choice due to its faster expansion and more limited penetration. However, if you’re hunting in open fields with larger deer, the 165gr bullet’s consistent penetration and better wound channels make it a better option.
Ballistic Performance
The 165gr bullet has a slightly slower muzzle velocity than the 150gr bullet, but its consistent expansion and penetration make it more effective at longer ranges. For example, the Hornady 165gr SST bullet has a muzzle velocity of 2,700 ft/s and a ballistic coefficient of .480, making it well-suited for deer hunting at ranges up to 300 yards. In contrast, the 150gr bullet may experience more drop-off in velocity and penetration at these ranges.
Real-World Testing
In real-world testing, the 165gr bullet has consistently performed well in deer hunting applications. For example, a study by the National Rifle Association found that the 165gr Remington Core-Lokt bullet achieved a 100% success rate in deer hunting at ranges up to 250 yards, with an average penetration of 12 inches. In contrast, the 150gr bullet experienced more inconsistent results, with a lower success rate and less penetration.
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