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.

 

[Formidilosus]

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

There are multiple loads that keep required velocity for terminal performance to beyond 700 yards in most conditions. There are a few that have consistent and reliable bullet upset beyond 900 yards. The ammo I am experimenting with now, keeps required impact velocity way beyond 900 yards.

 

[TxLite]

The ammo I am experimenting with now, keeps required impact velocity way beyond 900 yards.

 

[Formidilosus]

View attachment 820224

That’s from a 20” barrel…

 

[TxLite]

That’s from a 20” barrel…

Something currently on the market?

I’m assuming it just has a lower velocity requirement and decent BC?

 

[mthayr]

900 yards, 308 from a 20" barrel, I call bulls#!t @Formidilosus (but I'll snort whatever fairy dust you're dealin if you can prove it).

 

[Formidilosus]

900 yards, 308 from a 20" barrel, I call bulls#!t @Formidilosus (but I'll snort whatever fairy dust you're dealin if you can prove it).

Shrug…

 

[rbutcher1234]

You have my attention.

Form you and I have talked before about stacking animals with 308T. My AIAT with the 16” 308 barrel in (thermal for pigs) has been an absolute problem for game animals around me. 308T and TTMK2.

 

[Formidilosus]

You have my attention.

Form you and I have talked before about stacking animals with 308T. My AIAT with the 16” 308 barrel in (thermal for pigs) has been an absolute problem for game animals around me. 308T and TTMK2.

That’s a good combo for sure.

 

[General RE LEE]

I've got 50 older 175 grain Federal Edge TLR bullets that were the precursor to the Terminal Ascent. I've got a good load with Ramshot TAC that gets close to 2600 FPS out of my 20" barrel.

Federal marketed these as expanding down to 1300 FPS. Its a long, sleek bullet with a VLD like ogive. That's the only bullet I think that would come close to Form's description.

 

[Formidilosus]

I've got 50 older 175 grain Federal Edge TLR bullets that were the precursor to the Terminal Ascent. I've got a good load with Ramshot TAC that gets close to 2600 FPS out of my 20" barrel.

Federal marketed these as expanding down to 1300 FPS. Its a long, sleek bullet with a VLD like ogive. That's the only bullet I think that would come close to Form's description.

The TA’s create very narrow wounds below 1,900fps or so. Federals version of “expansion”, isn’t.

 

[Stinky Coyote]

It is good to see some life and interested cycle back into the 308.

A worthy and versatile cartridge. Modern bullets sure helped. And I’ve never liked a .30 cal, still warming up to it although I’ve had a handful of em (308/06/wm). Every number or attribute/quality on a given checklist except the diam. brought me back around and I had to mentally block out the diameter lol, still do.

The vanilla status included, it finally started to appeal as I aged enough to appreciate vanilla again. It’s so facking boring, comically boring, but now I’m finally digging it and it’s earning its keep over two seasons back in the saddle so I’m coming around more as time and shooting adds up.

I doubt I’ll ever get all about the caliber but as always the right bullet at the right speeds is what turns me on and I love .25 sd eld murders at moderate velocities with acceptable kicky factor and easy to find affordable-ish factory ammo.

Hornady you just keep churning out that whitebox match and market whatever else you need to sell other lines to those that need the marketing...I’ll keep many cases on hand of a lot and don’t worry about what I do with it lol.

 

[Stinky Coyote]

Form, ya big tease lol. Good fun, look forward to more info when available.

What elevation these good to 900 at?

 

[saltfork]

There are multiple loads that keep required velocity for terminal performance to beyond 700 yards in most conditions. There are a few that have consistent and reliable bullet upset beyond 900 yards. The ammo I am experimenting with now, keeps required impact velocity way beyond 900 yards.

Now we're talking!

 

[EdP]

I limit myself to 500 yds with my .30-06 for a variety of reasons. With a .308 I am guessing the same reasons would yield a 450 yd limit. The primary limitations are based on impact velocity and energy, and the increased effect of drop rate and wind on a rapidly slowing bullet. Another consideration is the ability to quickly deliver a follow up shot, if desired, on an animal that may run off another 100 yds. I am a competent marksman but not a skilled long range shooter like others on the forum. Dealing with wind effects in particular is a skill they develop which many of who primarily shoot to hunt do not. A man's got to know his limitations.

 

[RWT]

This is motivating me to rebuild my old savage. The new barrel has been sitting in the safe for 2 years.

 

[Formidilosus]

I keep getting asked about long range loads for the 308.

174gr ELD-VT
178gr ELD-M and ELD-X
168gr TMK
175gr TMK



In 20” barrels, using a couple of different powders (that give high MV), all maintain 1,800fps at 5k ft DA past 700 yards. All have a 5 or 6mph wind brackets. At 0ft DA, they maintain 1,800fps at 600 to 650 yards. The VT and TMK’s extend the usable range a bit.

 

[BLJ]

I keep getting asked about long range loads for the 308.

174gr ELD-VT
178gr ELD-M and ELD-X
168gr TMK
175gr TMK



In 20” barrels, using a couple of different powders (that give high MV), all maintain 1,800fps at 5k ft DA past 700 yards. All have a 5 or 6mph wind brackets. At 0ft DA, they maintain 1,800fps at 600 to 650 yards. The VT and TMK’s extend the usable range a bit.

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?