308 load for blackies?
- Thread starter rishu_pepper
- Start date
- Location
- Somewhere on the Hudson Bay Coast
That's the interesting thing about the X bullets. The hollow cavity is approximately the same depth on all bullet weights within caliber, and the weight of the bullet is determined by the length of the shank. This means that the 130 gr TSX will potentially have the same terminal performance as the 180 TSX because the frontal area after upset will be the same size regardless of weight, and the higher velocity of the light bullet balances out the greater mass of the heavier bullet. I use TSX's from time to time in my .375 and in my wife's '06, and although I consider the design a little bit backwards, they work.
The comment often heard and repeated here about using your deer bullet on black bear is a curious one. While your bear may in fact weigh the same as a deer, it could also end up being well over 400 pounds. Bears are also compact compared to an ungulate, and this means that the tissue tends to be denser and the bones heavier. Another consideration is that bears are almost always shot at close range. If you choose a traditional bullet, the combination of close range, high velocity, and a dense target may lead to a problem.
I suppose it could be argued that if you can't do it with a 165 then you probably can't do it with a 180 either. While this may have a ring of truth to it, I would say that if you intend to go after a bear with a light bullet, the TSX is the way to go. If you plan on using a traditional bullet, these will work fine provided that the impact velocity is within 2500 fps. That means that the proper traditional bullet for a full powered .308 load weighs 180 grs or more.
Another consideration is bullet shape. Pointed bullets tend to create a small entry wound that can close up rapidly, particularly if the bear is in good shape. Because bear hunting tends to be a close range gig, you could benefit by choosing a flat nose or round nosed bullet that cuts a full caliber entry wound. Exit wounds are desirable, but on a head on or quartering shot they can't be counted on, so in this case a full caliber entry wound helps. When I was a youngster I used to shoot bears with Remington 180 gr Corelokts out of my .303. The Corelokt bullet had a scalloped jacket at the nose and lots of exposed lead. The combination of the .303's moderate velocity and this round nosed bullet was a great bear killer.
The comment often heard and repeated here about using your deer bullet on black bear is a curious one. While your bear may in fact weigh the same as a deer, it could also end up being well over 400 pounds. Bears are also compact compared to an ungulate, and this means that the tissue tends to be denser and the bones heavier. Another consideration is that bears are almost always shot at close range. If you choose a traditional bullet, the combination of close range, high velocity, and a dense target may lead to a problem.
I suppose it could be argued that if you can't do it with a 165 then you probably can't do it with a 180 either. While this may have a ring of truth to it, I would say that if you intend to go after a bear with a light bullet, the TSX is the way to go. If you plan on using a traditional bullet, these will work fine provided that the impact velocity is within 2500 fps. That means that the proper traditional bullet for a full powered .308 load weighs 180 grs or more.
Another consideration is bullet shape. Pointed bullets tend to create a small entry wound that can close up rapidly, particularly if the bear is in good shape. Because bear hunting tends to be a close range gig, you could benefit by choosing a flat nose or round nosed bullet that cuts a full caliber entry wound. Exit wounds are desirable, but on a head on or quartering shot they can't be counted on, so in this case a full caliber entry wound helps. When I was a youngster I used to shoot bears with Remington 180 gr Corelokts out of my .303. The Corelokt bullet had a scalloped jacket at the nose and lots of exposed lead. The combination of the .303's moderate velocity and this round nosed bullet was a great bear killer.
Black bears aren't particularly tough to kill quickly. Almost any modern .30 load works. I like GameKings for deer/bear - they're fast, expand well and in a .270 the 130's will flatten them, any 150-200 gr in a .308 will do the same. For known short range shooting, my .45-70 will be the tool from now on - devastating.
X2, If I was working up a load for strictly black bear, I would probably go with a Hornady 180 RN bullet, knowing that the shots will be close, and the expansion great.
But as we have no spring season here, the only bear hunting I usually do is while I'm out in the fall for moose or deer as well. So as a dual purpose load, I usually go with a spitzer or tipped bullet, like the Interbond or SST, or Partition.
You live in B.C you'll be hitting them close. I've been taking blacks for years. Out of a 308 win, best be using a heavier 180 gr. Oh, if you mess up your shot you'll never forget it...they cry and moan very loud. best advice is to practice shooting standing and kneeling...ya, don't shoot from a bench in the bush. good luck.
- Location
- Coquitlam, BC
Well, I settled for the 165gr SST (couldn't get a hold of 180gr). Loaded 3 each in 1gr increments from 37gr-45gr of RL-15. If this works well I won't have to open the Varget. Wish me luck!
