30 cal mono guidelines for weight.

[AJC1]

I'm learning all the time about different bullets an I think I have a good idea but feel free to explain how I could make a better choice.
300bo 110 Barnes
308 150 ttsx
30-06 165 ttsx
300 wm/wsm 165/180 ttsx.

Because speed is such a large factor to good operation a small reduction on your normal cup and core weights is appropriate. I imagine these weights correlate to normal ethical hunting ranges not 600+. That may work for the 300 but I just added that line for weight, I have zero interest in loading using or making it the core of any debate.

 

[jmr40]

The general consensus is that you need around 2000 fps at impact to get expansion. You might be able to get good results at ranges farther than 300 yards. You'd just need to run the numbers through a ballistics program to see where velocity drops under 2000 fps. But for me around 300 is as far as I'm comfortable shooting anyway.

Most all of the copper bullets give good penetration so lighter than normal bullets work. With that in mind, the 150's might be just fine even at 300 mag speeds on bigger game than deer. In the past I've felt 165's and 180's were too heavy for 308.

BUT....

Recently I've seen some discussion that indicates the 150 and lighter bullets do need 2000 fps to expand, but the heavier 165 and 180 gr bullets are designed to work at slower impact speeds. I'm not sure if this is due to a redesign or if it has always been that way. In the past I've always had basically the same thoughts as you as to which bullet weight worked best in each cartridge. But I may have to rethink that. If a 165 will still expand at 1800 fps and a 150 needs 2000 fps, then the 165 gr bullet might in fact be a better choice for 308.

 

[AJC1]

The general consensus is that you need around 2000 fps at impact to get expansion. You might be able to get good results at ranges farther than 300 yards. You'd just need to run the numbers through a ballistics program to see where velocity drops under 2000 fps. But for me around 300 is as far as I'm comfortable shooting anyway.

Most all of the copper bullets give good penetration so lighter than normal bullets work. With that in mind, the 150's might be just fine even at 300 mag speeds on bigger game than deer. In the past I've felt 165's and 180's were too heavy for 308.

BUT....

Recently I've seen some discussion that indicates the 150 and lighter bullets do need 2000 fps to expand, but the heavier 165 and 180 gr bullets are designed to work at slower impact speeds. I'm not sure if this is due to a redesign or if it has always been that way. In the past I've always had basically the same thoughts as you as to which bullet weight worked best in each cartridge. But I may have to rethink that. If a 165 will still expand at 1800 fps and a 150 needs 2000 fps, then the 165 gr bullet might in fact be a better choice for 308.

My favorite weight in 308 is 160 class so if the slower expansion would be gooder. Based on more bearing surface if I could get them to speed below pressure I'd keep on keeping on.

 

[MWC1974]

I’m shooting TTSX 165s in both my .308 and 30-06. Absolutely devastating performance. The picture is an exit wound. 115 yards with my .308. She never took a step. Similar performance with the 30-06.

and… the picture didn’t load, second time is the charm…

 

[illinoisburt]

That exit looks like a tumble/sideways tear rather than the star shaped cut the expanded petals make. Tumbling creates plenty of damage but it can be inconsistent.

 

[AJC1]

I’m shooting TTSX 165s in both my .308 and 30-06. Absolutely devastating performance. The picture is an exit wound. 115 yards with my .308. She never took a step. Similar performance with the 30-06.

and… the picture didn’t load, second time is the charm…

I would be concerned on range limitations of the 165 ttsx. Do you have any further shots like 250 ish. I would desire a loading that would perform at 1,2,3 and 400. Some people have crazy expectations that a bullet will function a 1 and 8 hundred equally well and they are trying that with the eldx. I could probably cap at 300 just as well. The 110 cx came apart at all ranges in 308 out to 500 yards.

 

[MWC1974]

That exit looks like a tumble/sideways tear rather than the star shaped cut the expanded petals make. Tumbling creates plenty of damage but it can be inconsistent.

nope, didn’t tumble. I can see how you might think that based on the angle of the pic.

 

[MWC1974]

I would be concerned on range limitations of the 165 ttsx. Do you have any further shots like 250 ish. I would desire a loading that would perform at 1,2,3 and 400. Some people have crazy expectations that a bullet will function a 1 and 8 hundred equally well and they are trying that with the eldx. I could probably cap at 300 just as well. The 110 cx came apart at all ranges in 308 out to 500 yards.

185 yards this last Tuesday. Again, with the .308. Didn’t take any pics, but the entrance and exist were as expected. Like the 115 yard shot, it dropped in its tracks and never flinched. The heart and lungs were nearly non-exsistant when I cleaned it.

that’s my longest shot with the TTSX to date. I do not intend to shoot this load beyond 300 yards. That is where the velocity would be at or near 2000fps.

for what it’s worth, I have it chronographed at 2700fps.

 

[AJC1]

The 130 ttsx seems almost optimal. They didn't do the same test with the 150

 

[MWC1974]

I thought about using 150s but I also intend to use this load and rifle combo for moose next fall. So, I settled on 165s. Sure, probably a bit much for deer, but at least I have a load that will take both game. That was my personal logic, anyhow.