308 Self Imposed Max Range

[Formidilosus]

Ever use the 155 TMK? To light for consideration?
BC on Sierra’s site for a given velocity is close to the 168.
Would the 13 grain difference help MV and then translate to an improvement at distance?

I’ve used it a bit. Can’t say if the BC is correct- though Sierra is generally good about that now. Terminally they’re good from the little I’ve seen.

As for range, it doesn’t really give you any more. At 2,850fpsMV you get about 650 yards at 0ft DA, and 750 yards at 5K ft DA.


A trend you will see is that in the same cartridge and gun, bullets of like design but different weights, will hit 1,800fps at about the same range- MV will be higher on lighter weight, but BC is lower and they cross with lower MV but higher MV at about the same point +/-


The only real way to extend terminal range without higher MV or BC is lower upset threshold…

 

[BLJ]

Agree on the BC.
I’m shooting them form an 18” barrel. Needing all the MV I can get.

Terminally the 155’s have been good for you?

 

[mxgsfmdpx]

I’ve used it a bit. Can’t say if the BC is correct- though Sierra is generally good about that now. Terminally they’re good from the little I’ve seen.

As for range, it doesn’t really give you any more. At 2,850fpsMV you get about 650 yards at 0ft DA, and 750 yards at 5K ft DA.


A trend you will see is that in the same cartridge and gun, bullets of like design but different weights, will hit 1,800fps at about the same range- MV will be higher on lighter weight, but BC is lower and they cross with lower MV but higher MV at about the same point +/-


The only real way to extend terminal range without higher MV or BC is lower upset threshold…

I've seen some shockingly low impact velocities with confirmed kills out of various diameter SST's and ELDXs, mainly in 6.5, 7, and .30 cals.

I assume you've seen similar in 6mm and .224, but maybe from other/different bullets?

My question is, and I hate to go here but it's a .308 thread haha, but with the increased "energy" of the larger diameters, would they be more "reliable" at sub 1,800 FPS impacts? Obviously all things being equal with bullet construction. I suppose calling anything "reliable" below that threshold may be a stretch?

 

[Formidilosus]

I've seen some shockingly low impact velocities with confirmed kills out of various diameter SST's and ELDXs, mainly in 6.5, 7, and .30 cals. I assume you've seen similar in 6mm and .224, but maybe from other/different bullets?

I have too, but enough of them have had extremely minimal to no upset that I don’t consider it functional below 1,800 or so, and with ELD-M’s I personally prefer 1,900fps. The SST’s are better at lower impact than either the M’s or X’s (tip material).

My question is, and I hate to go here but it's a .308 thread haha, but with the increased "energy" of the larger diameters,

would they be more "reliable" at sub 1,800 FPS impacts? Obviously all things being equal with bullet construction. I suppose calling anything "reliable" below that threshold may be a stretch?

No. The 308 doesn’t make upset more reliable. Yawing at very low impact velocities is a very good thing, and the larger diameter (without being very long), may if anything help it stay point forward.

The only common bullets that I have seen reliably and consistently upset/yaw below 1,800fps are TMK’s and Nose Ring DTAC’s. ELD-VT’s are in there as well, but I need to see more to have a high confidence factor.

 

[Formidilosus]

Agree on the BC.
I’m shooting them form an 18” barrel. Needing all the MV I can get.

Terminally the 155’s have been good for you?

Yes. I have not seen a large sample size, but what I have has been very effective.

 

[doc holiday13]

@Formidilosus have you experimented with the tgk bullets? I haven't shot an animal with them yet but they are super close in BC with the tmk

 

[Hondo64d]

My Tikka CTR 308 is probably the most accurate rifle I own. 178 ELDX handloads is consistently 0.5 MOA. I go through the know your limits rack at 600 yards frequently and don’t miss until I get to the last 4” plate.

What is the max distance you would be comfortable shooting at game with an accurate 308?


View attachment 818944


View attachment 818945

The distance at which that bullet reaches 1800fps.

John

 

[Formidilosus]

@Formidilosus have you experimented with the tgk bullets? I haven't shot an animal with them yet but they are super close in BC with the tmk

Yes. Almost exactly opposite of the TMK.
The TGK is a thick jacketed, deep penetrating, relatively narrow wounding bullet. At high impact velocity they do well.

 

[Veloci_Wrench]

Does anyone have experience with the Superformance loads from Hornady? They offer the 150 & 165 SST, and the 168 ELDM in that flavor. My 308 is 20" bbl, so I'd like to maximize velocity for 600+ yard whitetail kills.

 

[BLJ]

Yes. Almost exactly opposite of the TMK.
The TGK is a thick jacketed, deep penetrating, relatively narrow wounding bullet. At high impact velocity they do well.

So I’ve seen some discussion about consistent exits on game.
If exits were a high priority, would the TGK be a better option than the TMK?
In reference to reliable exits only. Thanks.

 

[BLJ]

Also apologies to the OP if we’ve skewed to much.

 

[Formidilosus]

So I’ve seen some discussion about consistent exits on game.
If exits were a high priority, would the TGK be a better option than the TMK?
In reference to reliable exits only. Thanks.

I’m not sure. I’ve seen better than 50% exits on elk with 6mm and 130gr TMK’s already- which is as high or higher than almost any bullet in my experience. Often bullets that expand into a decent mushroom and hold into their weight get caught in the offside due to that large frontal diameter.

 

[General RE LEE]

Also apologies to the OP if we’ve skewed to much.

All good. It’s a good discussion

 

[BLJ]

I’m not sure. I’ve seen better than 50% exits on elk with 6mm and 130gr TMK’s already- which is as high or higher than almost any bullet in my experience. Often bullets that expand into a decent mushroom and hold into their weight get caught in the offside due to that large frontal diameter.

Thanks. It would seem that a thicker jacket and less expansion would indicate a greater possibility of an exit.
But I guess at the same point less fragmentation and more expansion resulting in a large frontal diameter would limit it.

Based on that “I’m not sure” seems completely appropriate. . Thanks.