125 gr SST in 308

I'm planning on loading some light loads for Rem 700 in 308 24" using Hornady 125 gr SST and IMR 3031. I want to stay below 2,800 fps so the SST will perform well on deer and hogs. (Heart & lung shots on deer and neck shots on hogs). I'm hoping to get something with reasonable accuracy and light recoil so that my wife can shot.

Starting load from Hornady site is 39 gr and shows 2741 fps. Not much wiggle room in there.

Has anyone here tried this bullet and powder combination and what were the results?

Other powder recommendations are welcomed.

I would try some H4895. You can start with 60% of any listed max charge where that powder is listed for that application.

I use H4895 and 110 grain sierra prohunters to make some awesome loads for my 270 Win that my wife shoots. They are about 2600 fps and do a number on deer and hogs in moderate distances.

This is only for where H-4895 is used

Hodgdon's website lists for a 125 sie SP

Min 45 grain @ 2891 FPS Max 49 grains compressed at 3127 fps

49(.6)= 29.4 grains for a starting point, will probably be pretty slow but you can start there and work up to max charge of 49 for that weight range of bullet.

Yes, it would do well on deer and pigs. 3031 is a decent powder for that combo. Somewhere around 38-40 grains will do it. I'd test it out first and start high and work down, if you want to go lower.

I use Varget with 125 gr. Sierra Match Kings for kids and new shooters to practice. Good accuracy and a cream puff to shoot out of a heavy rifle. Should work equally well with the SST's.

Chad I choose I3031 because that's what I have on hand and it seemed to have the lowest velocity when i !ooked it up in my manuals. I have I4895, I4320 too. I like IMR powders for bolt guns. I throw low and tricle up.

I'd go with this.

I have some Varget on hand as well. I just might have to give it a try.

I know the factorys are fun to shoot.
I have some varget so I'll load some when I get some 125s.

The only concern I have is the velocity. SST pushed to fast (^2,800 fps^) can be explosive on impact. At least thats what I'm told.

If you are concerned about the bullet breaking up and not penetrating consistently and adequately, an alternative light bullet for a 308 is the Barnes 130 TTSX. It will hold together very well even on hogs. Barnes also makes a 110 grain TTSX, but I have not tried it, so will not comment other than it needs to be on my list to try in the future. Hard to imagine it not working well also.

I have the SST on hand

I loaded My youngest son some ammo with the 125tnt and blc2 at 2900fps. He has killed a large hog and a dandy antelope witht hat load now with really good performance. The antelope was at 350yds and it broke both shoulders but no exit. DRT. SST should be a little heavier constructed than the TNT so i bet you will be just fine.

I'm glad to hear this thank you for your response.

I wouldn't worry about the sst's. I find the undoing of cup and core bullets is modern velocity. At a modest 2400-2500 or so FPS they perform much more to my liking.

My Hornady 9th edition came in the mail today. Says they'er good to 3,200 fps.

Not in my opinion Balistic tips are advertised to 3200 fps too. If you want a time bomb that's what you will get.

I think I'll just leave these SST on the shelf and get some 130 gr SP with a flat base.

I think you should use the SST and stop listening the naysayers. Explosive? It's a Super Shock Tip, you probably won't get an exit but softer bullets kill fast.

JMO.