Barnes TTSX .308 110gr seating depth

[downunderhunter]

Greetings,

Im currently working on load development for the above projectile in my Tikka T3 Hunter Stainless. The Barnes website recommends a COAL of 2.700, albeit for the 110gr TSX FB. I usually like using the maximum COAL with this gun (2.810) - I have loaded Nosler Accubonds (125 and 150gr) to 2.810 and got great results. I've also tried 150gr Partitions. The 110gr TTSX is shorter than the partition, which had to be seated under the max COAL to be at least .308 into the case. At 2.810 I am still a country mile away from the lands, but somewhere around 2.820 is the magazine limit.

I'm just wondering for anyone else who has used these, and especially moving on up in weight to the 150gr where the projectile will be longer and I can try to get closer to 2.810, can you seat it and have one of the grooves they put on the bullet actually out of the case? Or do you at least have to seat it far enough in so that all of those grooves are inside the case? At 2.700 they are all inside the case with the 110gr projectile and a case trimmed to 2.005.

I did a google search for some images of reloaded cartridges and saw at least one TTSX that had 1 out of 3 out of the case, but others I saw were seated all the way in so that none of those rings are visible.

I looked over the barnes website and the FAQ but couldn't see anything regarding this.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

 

[jmr40]

I've not loaded the 110, but have used 130's in my 308 and 150's in my 30-06. You'll just have to experiment, but most shooters report better accuracy with the barnes bullets seated deeper than other bullets. I got better accuracy at 2.75" even though they recommend 2.8"

I don't like 150's at 308 speeds. Everything I read says you need 2000-2200 fps at impact for expansion and bullet weight just isn't that much of a factor in penetration with these bullets. I'm starting my 130's at 3050 fps. Accuracy is excellent.

 

[scottishkat]

I put a light crimp in the last channel on all the Barnes bullets shot in my rifles (shortest possible). If it does'nt shoot well I will try something else. For the most part my firearms shoot well that way.

Good luck and shoot straight

Bob

 

[downunderhunter]

Thanks for the info. I went to the range and tested them out, the results weren't very good. I have picked the two best powder loads and will try a different seating depth.

I did get the best groups with the hotter loads.