308 Self Imposed Max Range

[mxgsfmdpx]

The 178 ELDX is interesting cause its still got well over 1K lbs KE as it dips below 1800 FPS in my 308. I know velocity is the determining factor in a bullets expansion, but I can't help but wonder if Hornady's ELDX claim "opens down to 1600 fps" is applicable to the 178 ELDX cause its still hitting really hard below 1800 FPS. Dunno.

I'm sure it will kill just fine down at 1,600 but I've never tried it. And yes, thanks for the typo correction from 175 to 178.

 

[Lawnboi]

Forgetting impact velocity needed.

What about wind number? And low velocity causing being very unforgiving to ranging error.

Nothing wrong with a 308 but there’s a lot more to the puzzle than just saying it expands at 1600 per Hornady so that’s fine.

Personally I find making reasonable hits becomes much more difficult as you get to the point where 1mph wind equals .1mil.

 

[Stinky Coyote]

Have a similar version with 6.5 Grendel 123gr basically same sd and bc as 168 gr 308 and ~1785 fps impact on a quartering deer that drt’d and no bullet recovered about 15” through and through.

Would agree after 500 wind will be a factor for lobbing 308 footballs. I think I figured out my 308 168gr is 5 mph.

Upper end of ‘fun’ cartridge in light gun for recoil. 168’s feel similar to .270 win running 130-140’s in recoil to my shoulder dyno.

Haven’t done a wez compare but guess is gives up a couple hundred yards to creed. But beyond where most kill anyway. Maybe someone can run 168 eldm 308 at 2600 vs a 140 eldm creed at say whatever speed is common for white box (maybe same 2600?) and see where the hit probabilities land between them for apples compare?

I don’t rely on energy as a factor but where most my stuff gets shot it’s plenty. It’s been plenty with a Grendel.

It shouldn’t be a comfort but after having big boar g-bear stroll through my camp while I was glassing a cutblock and thought about the Grendel sitting beside me, somehow I think the 168 with a couple hundred more fps will reduce my butt clench slightly for shtf thoughts. Completely subjective emotional thought but it’s here I’m thinking about smacky factor and hope it’s a thing.