I have been struggling with a question, and I would appreciate the assistance of the experts here in the forum. On a Savage 308 (20 inch barrel), I tried a round I have used with other rifles, the easy-to-find Remington with Corelokt. I only purchase shelf ammo—reloading is something I don’t have time to do, today, maybe when the kids grow up and I have more time. My rifle did not seem to be as accurate as I expected, so I purchased a box of Federal Premium 165g Sierra GameKing BTSP, and the accuracy was great. I recently read up on that round, and I wonder if there is a better alternative for me that would shoot just as accurately. My expected shots are 100 yards to 150 yards on whitetail. I prefer a round that should be accurate and consistently expands and exists, and I generally aim at the intersection of the heart/lung area. Thanks!

Nothing wrong with the Sierra Gameking load you mentioned. Federal Premium line has performed very well in rifles I do not reload for

Thanks. On a side point, I found it interesting that on a Savage 270, 22 in barrel, the 130g Remington Corelokt seems to be quite accurate, easy to put shots within one inch of the X at 100 yards. Rifles are strange that way.

What weight of bullet was you shooting in the core-lok? That could have everything to do with it. My gun hates the lighter bullets.

I used the lighter Corelokt available for the 308, which is 150g. It shot true in that after I sighted in the scope for the Remington Corelokt, the Federal GameKing had the identical aiming point, but the groups were much wider with the Corelokt. With each rifle it's a lifetime of learning--for this rifle, no more 150g Remington Corelokt.

I would stay in the 150-165gr no need to go higher in Texas, might look into the Federal Premium in Nosler Accubond or Partition as well they are proven performers.They also offer Barnes I believe too.

I have always owned at least one or more Savages and any that eat
in my trough, shoot moa or better just like all the others..I can
tell you that my old Premier Grade 7mm Rem Mag L/H that I wore out really liked hot loads...but most shoot good ammo as well as
any factory rifle..now if you get their kit gun w/the short, thin
bbls..you may have some problems..but I've not had any w/their reg line of firecrackers..and our gun club has sold a bunch of them..so I get to see or work on them quite often over the yrs.
They are usually the better buy for the money along w/the Rem SPS
which I assume they started to compete w/Savage..DD

using shelf ammo, you may have to try several brands,loads ect to find the sweet one.my .02

Before I swapped barrels I shot a 308. Even handloading 150 grain did not shoot as well as 165 Nosler BT or Berger 168 VLD. If you do not reload boss77's advice is right on the money.