Barbes TSX 180gr w /irm4064 in 308
- Thread starter jonnyrc
- Start date
Start at 40 gr...
How compressed is it? Lightly should be fine, but if you have to stand up to seat the bullet, it might not be a good idea...
My advice is get another powder, or use another bullet.
http://www.barnesbullets.com/Copper_Manual4/308 Win.pdf
punkrockboy
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Eastern Bantario!
Watch for pressure signs, but as long as you are not over your max load, I wouldnt worry about it. I have used 180gr Sierra matchkings with compressed loads of IMR 4064, I havent had a problem!
rommelrommel
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
I had slight compression with TTSX 168's and RL15.
After seeing what a TTSX 168 at moderate velocity does to a whitetail (was hunting elk and an opportunity presented itself) I have no qualms about shooting anything in BC other than Bison and Griz with a 168.
After seeing what a TTSX 168 at moderate velocity does to a whitetail (was hunting elk and an opportunity presented itself) I have no qualms about shooting anything in BC other than Bison and Griz with a 168.
- Location
- Somewhere on the Hudson Bay Coast
The older Barnes #3 manual lists IMR 4064 is the recommended powder for the 180 gr X bullet in the .308, but the maximum charge listed is 41.0 grs. The TSX will produce less pressure due to the reduced bearing surface, but you still need to approach the load by carefully working up to it. I know the TSX bullets aren't cheap, but that's the cost of doing business, and slowly working up to the maximum for your rifle is the only safe way to proceed.
As for the 150 gr bullet being better than the 180, I doubt it, although I understand the logic of the statement. But you need to be sure that the longish 180 gr bullet will stabilize if you have a slow twist barrel, or the bullet is a no-starter anyway. On a long shot, the 180 gr bullet will retain velocity better than the 150, and given the same impact velocity as the 150, it will penetrate deeper on a big animal. Due to the fact that there is little or no difference in the depth of the bullet's hollow point within caliber, regardless of weight, expansion and the maximum width of the wound cavity would be similar regardless of bullet weight; but, as a result of the deeper penetration, the actual wound volume could be greater with the 180 if the shot is quartering or on the length.
As for the 150 gr bullet being better than the 180, I doubt it, although I understand the logic of the statement. But you need to be sure that the longish 180 gr bullet will stabilize if you have a slow twist barrel, or the bullet is a no-starter anyway. On a long shot, the 180 gr bullet will retain velocity better than the 150, and given the same impact velocity as the 150, it will penetrate deeper on a big animal. Due to the fact that there is little or no difference in the depth of the bullet's hollow point within caliber, regardless of weight, expansion and the maximum width of the wound cavity would be similar regardless of bullet weight; but, as a result of the deeper penetration, the actual wound volume could be greater with the 180 if the shot is quartering or on the length.
For higher velocities with 180s, WW760 or Ramshot Big Game are a better choice than IMR4064. So is IMR4895.
I don't like 180 gr. bullets in 308 Win. They seem to be at a transition point between powders where stuff in the RL-15/Varget range pressures out too early and you can't get enough stuff in the N550/WW760 range into the case to get the velocity up. 190s offer a better combination of velocity and BC. Wish they offered more hunting bullets in that weight. I've been able to push them to nearly the same velocity as 180s with the slower burning powders.
I don't like 180 gr. bullets in 308 Win. They seem to be at a transition point between powders where stuff in the RL-15/Varget range pressures out too early and you can't get enough stuff in the N550/WW760 range into the case to get the velocity up. 190s offer a better combination of velocity and BC. Wish they offered more hunting bullets in that weight. I've been able to push them to nearly the same velocity as 180s with the slower burning powders.
