My 308 win loves 175 gr SMKs. The load is 43.8 gr of Varget at 2650 fps. Any opinions on using this bullet on deer?

They probably won't complain much

do it

oh boy..

a much debated topic
try the same load with a 178 AMAX or ELDX

100% agree.

The one deer I shot with the 175 SMK, I had to track 50 yards down a creek bank, in the dark. Great shot placement, that's just what happened. A-maxes have always done a great job for me on animals.

I'll never understand the infatuation with frangible, target style bullets for big game hunting.

Did it just pencil through or not penetrate enough?

It expanded a bit, and passed all the way through. It was a 75 yard shot on vitals. He didn't make it far, but adding darkness makes a 50 yard tracking job seem like much more of a task.

I tried 178 ELD-X with several powders. I can get it to shoot ok, plenty good for deer but not as good as the SMK. I like setting my scope for one load, sometimes I forget which load its sighted in for, getting old

Have not tried the A-Max.

H-Varget 43.0 gr is where I would start, and work up from there. Stop at 45.0 gr.

178 AMAX is an awesome bullet, long range, deer, pigs, etc..
Only shot a few deer/hogs with the 178 ELDX out of my 18" 308 AR but it worked very well in putting them down hard and fast.

Yes, I tried Varget and 178 ELDX, did a 400 yd ladder test 42.0 to 45.0 grns. Got ok accuracy (1.25 moa) but the SMK performed much better. Was hoping to stick with the SMK but I want constant killing performance on deer. The most accurate hunting bullet so far for this rifle is Nosler 165 BT and Varget at 2750 fps. Guess I'll stick with that load.

^^ You will not get this with the SMK. It will work, yes, but expansion and penetration will be unknown each time.

Looks like you have your answer.

edit: If want to further tweak the 178 ELD-X load, go back to the best powder charge, and experiment with jumping the bullet farther.

.005"
.010"
.015"
.020"
ect.

I have a .30-06 that load at 44.4 Reloader 15 with 165gr Sierra HPBT Game Kings (I get the best accuracy at this level).

I have almost identical accuracy results with the same load with Varget or IMR4064.

Those HPBTs are deadly, they even look wicked. I have killed quite a few deer w/ that bullet, and my son uses a 140gr in his 7mm-08 and has taken a few deer as well.

Good luck.

165 gamekings and Accubonds worked great for me as well in a 308

how far do you want to be able to shoot deer ?
I know at 500 yards the heavies are MUCH better in the wind than 165s

Its for my son 325 yds is about his max, he's comfortable at that range. If I need to reach out further I'll go with my 300 WM and 212 ELD-X.

Can't go wrong with the .308 cal and 165 BT. Is is accurate and plenty tough enough, even at close ranges. Good luck!