I hunt exclusively with copper bullets, Barnes being a favorite. Penetration is hardly ever a problem, but good bullet placement on a broadside shot, taking arteries above or the heart itself and both lungs, is a deadly shot. Avoid headshots, although a neck shot just below the head works well. On the shoulder is prescribed.

Usually there is less meat damage and snotty blood is absent.

I have had 1 MOA groups or less - ample precision for hunting out to 400m. The 130gr bullet is prescribed for 308 to get enough speed to ensure good expansion. I have shot an eland with 150gr TSX in my 30-06. Nearly full length penetration at 100m.

Posted because I have in the past had great success with Barnes 110 and 120gr in 7mm, and found that the light bullets going fast worked well. I have an opportunity in bring in some Barnes, and am deciding on the 130s or 150s. My rifle seems to handle 150s well in cup and core and monos, and I have run a few 130gr Vipers through and it suggests I may get away with a lighter bullet.

What would you go for if most of your hunting is longer distance shots (average 200m).

What would you go for if most of your hunting is longer distance shots (average 200m).

********************************
A good cup/core bullet, 160+ gr in a 308 just works so well at those ranges, gets there, does the job and does not make to much of a mess. If I was to know I was hunting Eland or W/buck bulls, I may consider needing something else, but generally my world is kudu and smaller game.

I used Impala 130gr LWHV in my 308 for a while, and they did well if shot placement was good. Accuracy was good enough that I took head shots out to slightly over 100m.

These were not expanding bullets though.

https://youtu.be/uW1x6CCxilU

Have a look at the video to see how the copper bullets expand at long range. Remember that the speed is low as these were fired from a Grendel. I would go with 130gr TTSX as you have good speed and penetration will be ample.