Which TTSX bullet for .300WM

[wombat13]

I've tested a number of loads (both factory and handloads) in my .300WM over the years and have found that 165 gr bullets are more accurate than 180 (the only two weights I've tried). The most accurate was a handload with 165 gr TSX. I hunted for years with that load and abandoned it because I had instances of deer hit in the vitals with no blood trail. I don't think it opens consistently.

Now I'm considering the TTSX. My BIL shot two deer with a 180 gr TTSX @ published 2750 fps MV, or 300 fps slower than I was launching the 165 gr TSX. Both were hit in the vitals with excellent exit wound and blood trails. I've looked at cross sections of the two bullets and can see that the TTSX has a much wider nose cavity than the TSX.

So this brings me to my question. Which TTSX bullet should I try, the 150, 165, or 168 gr? My ultimate goal is to find one accurate dependable load for this rifle for all game. 98% of shots will be on Whitetail deer, but we have black bear on my land and I have the typical dreams of a western hunt but no specific trip planned.

My concern is the bullet length. The most accurate bullet ever in my rifle is the 165 TSX which is 1.301 in long. The lengths of the TTSX bullets (150, 165, 168) are 1.300, 1.388, and 1.406. All in theory should be stable in my rifle, but there is some reason that the lighter bullets have been more accurate. Also, I believe there is an issue with .300WM that makes loading longer bullets an issue. I can't remember if it is the short case neck or the short COAL.

 

[troy fairweather]

Id go lighter get the speed up to expand better.

 

[jmr40]

The TTSX is supposed to be better at expanding. I've played around a bit with 130's and 150's in my 308 and 30-06 but never shot any game with either. Both are accurate enough, but I just found conventional bullets a little more accurate, and adequate for my needs. I like the copper bullets well enough in theory. Had I experimented a bit more I could have probably found a more accurate load and would not hesitate to hunt with them.

They do need more speed to expand and with that in mind I like 130's in 308 with nothing heavier than 150's. In 30-06 150's are as heavy as I think I'd go. Once you get to 300 WM you can shoot 165/168 fast enough to get good expansion, but for what you want to do I think 150's would be enough bullet. Even for elk. But if 165/168's shoot better use them.

 

[VoodooMountain]

See if the 150gr will shoot for you. The ttsx in that weight should be great at mag speed i would think.

 

[charliehorse27]

I’m planning on trying the 180 gr in my 300 WM behind RL-26 when I get a chance to.

 

[wombat13]

I’m planning on trying the 180 gr in my 300 WM behind RL-26 when I get a chance to.

I’d like to try the 180, but lighter bullets tend to be more accurate in my rifle. Let me know how it works if you do it.

 

[horsey300]

I’d like to try the 180, but lighter bullets tend to be more accurate in my rifle. Let me know how it works if you do it.

Back when I was still entertaining my .300wm, I was looking at the 168 etip, I'd still like to try it in my buddy's 06, but I think the 168s are a really good place to be with the 300