Do any of the major ammo mfg's load 200gr bullets to reasonable velocities in the 308? I remember seeing some custom loads at a gunshow, and I think Hornady offers a subsonic load, but I just can't find any other factory loads! Were bullets of this weight ever loaded by the factories?

Not sure, TC -

That long bullet would certainly be seated really deep into the case capacity - no wonder the loads were sub-sonic! :eek:

Couldn't you just load them directly into the chamber if you're using a repeater? I'm using an Encore single-shot, so the OAL doesn't really matter to me. I'm really suprised none of the big companies offer it as a specialty load. Heck, you'd think at least Buffalo Bore or one of the specialty companies would offer this load. The old Speer No.10 manual lists a load for a 200gr spitzer @ 2518fps, generating 2816fpe. That's pretty close to 240gr factory loads for the 444 Marlin...

Beware of some of the data in the older Speer manuals, some of it is a bit warm.

Thanks for the warning! The load I mentioned above was the hottest one listed, but most of the loads for that bullet were about 2200-2400fps.

In case you're wondering why I'm so interested in these type of loads, I've been considering buying a 24" 308 barrel for my Encore and cutting it down to 20" to use as a deepwoods bear gun. I have an '06 barrel on it right now, but I don't want to alter that one, as that's what came with it when my dad gave me the gun last year (I get really attached to gifts). And heavy loads in a 308 should be somewhat easier on the shoulder than equivalent loads in the 30-06. But I don't handload, at least not yet, so it'll be hard to get the heavy bullet loads I like for bears. Ok...enough ranting...

Winchester offered a 200 gr. Silvertip in the .308 up until the late '80s-early '90s. Velocity was around 2400. Norma also had a 200 gr. load but it's not imported any more. Once in awhile I still see a few boxes of the Winchester loads floating around gun shows.

My 2 Cents:
If you have a .308 with a 1 in 10 twist barrel it should shoot well.

However, A .308 with a 1 in 12 twist barrel will probably have a hard time stabilizing a 200 grain, or heavier, bullet. But remember its bullet length not really weight that counts! A 200 or 220 grain round nose flat base bullet will be your best bet (i.e. shortest length for the heavier weight). This round nose soft point should also expand better at the lower velocities you'll encounter.

Shoot targets at 100, 150 and 200 yards to check for stability. If you get round bullet holes that'll be great! But if you get oblong or key holes the bullet's not stabilized correctly.

Get the 180 grain Fail-safe load. If you can't kill a bear with that.... should probably move up several calibers, and double case capacity!

Differences in performance between bullet types / brands will mean much more than a few grains of bullet weight, amongs the same types.

Why not take the stocks off that Encore and put a 15" barrel and a pistol grip on it? With any kind of rest you easily have the accuracy and power to take black bear at "deepwoods" ranges. You'd be suprised how little power the .308 gives up in a 15" barrel. According to lots of folks, haven't tried it myself, the 30-30 will easily take black bear at close range (less than 100 yards). A .308 in a 15" single shot pistol easily matches a 30-30. In truth it exceeds it with little trouble....factory rounds or otherwise.

I would suggest a premium bullet 180 grain load, like the aforementioned Fail Safe, or a Nosler Partition, etc.
Back when premium bullets were unavailable in factory loads, the 200 grain 308 load made some sense. Today, the 180 Partition, Fail Safe, Barnes, or Gramd Slam should penetrate at least as deeply as a conventional 200 grain factory load- and the 180's will recoil a hair less.
BTW, I agree about some of the data in old manuals being a bit 'warm'

Just my two cents, but on bear my favorite bullet is the Barnes X.

kcih, I can't legally turn the rifle into a pistol, because of NFA and that "short barreled rifle" business. That's not to say I haven't been tempted; who would know that it had been a rifle unless they bothered to check the serial number ;) ? But I'm going to play it safe for now and keep it a rifle. Besides, I'm already planning to buy a Ruger Super Blackhawk, so that will take care of my handgun needs. Funny that you mention handgun hunting for bear; I know several people who are crazy about the Contender/Encore pistols, and have taken just about all their big game with 'em, including elk and moose.

After reading the above posts, I'm starting to think that 180gr premium bullets would be fine. The reccomendation for the Barnes-X sounds good; I know a lot of good hunters who love that bullet. I think I'll have to try a couple of the premium 180gr loads after I get my barrel, and see what kind of preformance I get. Thanks to everyone who responded.