Anyone reloading 130 gr TSX in their .308 for hunting?

[sure as shootin']

I'm new to reloading and I want to develop a handload during the off season for my .308 (1:11 twist) rifle for hunting purposes, mostly for deer. I want to use a mono bullet, preferably a Barnes TSX or TTSX likely in 130 gr. I have both Varget and RL 15 as powders. I noticed the Barnes manual suggests to crimp that bullet because of its length but I was wondering if most reloaders do?

And the other thing I'm looking for an answer to to is whether or not that grain is a good choice,,,,maybe I'd be better off using a heavier bullet like a 150 or a 168 grain?? Although I'll be losing FPS with the heavier grained bullets and I hear Barnes bullets produce better results at higher speeds. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[Deer Hunter]

Try to use the 130 ttsx rather than the tsx. The ttsx are longer. I had problems using the tsx because of poor neck tension due to a real small bullet length in the case. Even when crimped the neck tension caused inconsistent accuracy issues. I scrapped this load and now load 150 gr accubonds which is probably bullet construction/price over kill for a 308 win
If I were you, i would load a 150gr Sierra Prohunter or hornady interlock, or if your set on a mono metal, try the 130 gr ttsx seated excessively deep or 150 gr ttsx/tsx

Mine was a load for a sako 75. Varget or rl15 will work well. Good luck

[Pudelpointer]

Haven't loaded that particular load, but I would suggest that, if you can achieve the accuracy you want, the 130TTSX or GMX would be a perfect bullet for the 308 Win.

My nickel....

[fatboyz]

Was trying to come up with a load for my daughters custom 308. I wasn't getting good accuracy with the lighter bullets,both TTSX and GMX but have a good load worked up with the 168 TTSX and Varget. It's a tight fit with that long bullet and a reasonable amount of powder.

[ForwardBias]

I have thought about it but never seem to come across these bullets. Would like to try it on a deer.

[Deer Hunter]

It's hard to appreciate how little bullet to case contact there is with a 130 tsx boat tail. Unless you seat them much deeper than you would normally like, you will not have adequate neck tension.

[Dark Wing]

My experience with Barnes bullets are if you don't match the bullet with the proper velocities they perform poorly . I shot a big bull moose in the shoulder using 30 06 and 180 gr Barnes X an bullets and it deflected down the animal and took out the tenderloins. I used 168 gr. TTSX out of my 300WM on several deer and when I did hit bone I got good penetration . I'm still not a fan of Barnes with elk and moose.

[J0HN_R1]

Hodgdons only has load data for the 168gr TTSX, using Varget... They don't even list any Alliant powders for ANY loads.

http://www.hodgdonreloading.com/data/rifle



But ReloadersNest.com lists a verified load for the 165gr TSX, using RL-15...

http://www.reloadersnest.com/frontpage.asp?CaliberID=57



One thing I like about Berger Bullets website is the chart listing for their bullets is very comprehensive, even listing "optimal barrel twist rate".

http://www.bergerbullets.com/products/all-bullets/

[Bushrat]

I use the load from the Barnes manual. 130 TTSX and 1 grain under the max load of Varget, it is a compressed load. Need good neck tension or crimp it or the powder will push the bullet back out. Very accurate in my Kimber Montana and average 3125 - 3150 fps muzzle velocity.

[4570]

Hey Dick, not need to be condescending
If that is what you intended by the rolling eyes...

A guy could use the lee factory crimp die.
https://leeprecision.com/factory-crimp-die-308.html

[Dick284]

Originally Posted by 4570

Hey Dick, not need to be condescending
If that is what you intended by the rolling eyes...

A guy could use the lee factory crimp die.
https://leeprecision.com/factory-crimp-die-308.html

It was sarcasm.

There’s only one cartridge where I use a separate crimp die(when I do crimp) and that my 45 colt, the cylinders are tight and I had to buy a taper crimp die.

9mm
30/30
M1 Garand 30/06
.358Win
All use the crimp on the seating die.

[old dog]

I use a 168 gr. TTSX and it kills everything out to 650 yards. Won’t be changing any time soon