Quick Answer
For hunting in brushy terrain, the best factory loads for common cartridges include the .308 Winchester with 150-grain bullets, often loaded by Federal Premium, Winchester, or Hornady, and the 6.5 Creedmoor with a 129-grain bullet, typically loaded by Hornady, Federal Premium, or Nosler.
Choosing the Right Cartridge
When hunting in dense brush, a smaller, flatter trajectory is essential. The 6.5 Creedmoor, with its higher ballistic coefficient and flatter trajectory, is ideal for shots beyond 200 yards. The 6.5 Creedmoor’s 129-grain bullets from Hornady (ELD-X or ELD Match) or Federal Premium (Gold Medal Berger) offer excellent performance at long ranges.
Factory Load Selection
Common cartridges like the .308 Winchester and the 6.5 Creedmoor have various factory loads designed for hunting in dense terrain. The .308 Winchester’s 150-grain bullets from Federal Premium (Gold Medal Match) or Winchester (Ballistic Silvertip) provide a balance of expansion and penetration. For the 6.5 Creedmoor, the 129-grain bullets from Nosler (AccuBond) offer a high ballistic coefficient and excellent accuracy.
Real-World Performance
When testing factory loads in the field, consider factors like expansion, penetration, and accuracy. Look for bullets with a high ballistic coefficient and a flat trajectory. For example, the 6.5 Creedmoor’s 129-grain bullets can produce a 3-inch drop at 400 yards, while the .308 Winchester’s 150-grain bullets may drop 5 inches in the same range. This makes the 6.5 Creedmoor a more appealing choice for hunting in dense terrain.
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