Barnes TTSX 168 30-06

[slowelk]

Flinging factory loads out of a Tikka action with a 1:10 Proof Barrel borderline MOA. I'd like to tighten up the groups, and get somewhere around 2900. Do any of you guys have a recipe you'd be willing to share?

 

[HiMtnHntr]

4064 is a dang good powder for the 06 and does well with the barnes. Getting 2900 would be a stretch, but you'd be close to 2800.

 

[bdan68]

Try Reloder 16. Similar in burning rate to 4350. Should get you close to 2900 fps. I have data from Alliant that shows 54.5 grains with a 165 grain Hornady GMX gets 2,843 from a 24 inch barrel. It also has 56.0 grains of RL16 with a 165 grain Sierra Match King for 2,905 fps. Another good choice would be Ramshot Big Game. Ramshot data shows a max of 56.2 with a 168 grain Barnes TTSX for a velocity of 2,870 fps with a 24 inch barrel. Ramshot data is usually spot on in my experience.

 

[slowelk]

Thanks, that's helpful. I have my barrel cut to 22", so 2900 may be a pipe dream. I see HSM loads Barnes TSX 165s and their stated muzzle velocity is 2940, and obviously I'm not sure what they are shooting that out of, or what their charge is, but it makes me think I should be able to get somewhere in the realm of 2900.

 

[Laelkhunter]

Thanks, that's helpful. I have my barrel cut to 22", so 2900 may be a pipe dream. I see HSM loads Barnes TSX 165s and their stated muzzle velocity is 2940, and obviously I'm not sure what they are shooting that out of, or what their charge is, but it makes me think I should be able to get somewhere in the realm of 2900.

They probably use a 26 inch barrel to get velocity like that. My most accurate load in my 30/06 is 55.0 grains of IMR-4350 pushing a Barnes 168 TTSX. I get 1/2 inch groups out of my T/C Venture. Velocity is in the 2750 fps range.

 

[slowelk]

They probably use a 26 inch barrel to get velocity like that. My most accurate load in my 30/06 is 55.0 grains of IMR-4350 pushing a Barnes 168 TTSX. I get 1/2 inch groups out of my T/C Venture. Velocity is in the 2750 fps range.

How long is your barrel - 24"? Have you ever chronoed the factory 168s?

 

[bdan68]

I get 2800 fps with my 30/06 using RL16 and 180 grain bullets. It is a 24 inch barrel, but I'm pretty sure you can get 2900 with the 168 Barnes in a 22 inch barrel. You can usually safely exceed published data for the 30/06 as the maximum pressure they'll go to is lower than what they use for other similar cartridges like the 270 Win., due to all the older 30/06 rifles that are out there. So if you're using a modern bolt action 30/06 you can most likely exceed the max charges by a couple of grains. Just keep in mind an extra 50 fps won't give you any real advantage, but if the faster load all happens to be what your rifle shoots the best, then you have good reason to go with it.

 

[PNWGATOR]

JJHack is a 30.06 168 TTSX Barnes believer. Dig around a bit online and I bet you can find his recipe and a lot that he’s written about his experiences with this combination.

 

[slowelk]

I get 2800 fps with my 30/06 using RL16 and 180 grain bullets. It is a 24 inch barrel, but I'm pretty sure you can get 2900 with the 168 Barnes in a 22 inch barrel. You can usually safely exceed published data for the 30/06 as the maximum pressure they'll go to is lower than what they use for other similar cartridges like the 270 Win., due to all the older 30/06 rifles that are out there. So if you're using a modern bolt action 30/06 you can most likely exceed the max charges by a couple of grains. Just keep in mind an extra 50 fps won't give you any real advantage, but if the faster load all happens to be what your rifle shoots the best, then you have good reason to go with it.

All I know is speed is king with monos, and I'd like to have 1800fps to 600 yards, so more speed is good.

 

[Laelkhunter]

How long is your barrel - 24"? Have you ever chronoed the factory 168s?

My barrel is 24", and I have not shot any factory 168's to check their velocity. I started with the 168 TTSX at about 52 grains of IMR-4350, and got the best accuracy with the 55.0 load. I was looking for the best accuracy, and not max velocity.

 

[trad_bowhunter1965]

Here's my 2 cent if you go over to the Barnes reloading data page they have some great loads worked up for what you are asking for remember those girls and boys reloaded for a living.
https://www.barnesbullets.com/load-data/

 

[TauPhi111]

I shoot the 168 in my 30-06 over 4064. I get around 2900 FPS from a 24" barrel. For accuracy I used to play around with seating depth, but I started just seating them to the first ring like all the factory ammo and that has produced great accuracy for me with all my rifles I load Barnes in, which is most of them.

 

[Dlgies]

I see this is an old post but I will add a quick data point. I get 2800 FPS with 50.3 grains of IMR4064 loaded at 3.245. Older Remington 700 with 22" barrel. Shoots just under MOA. ES for 3 rounds was 18 FPS last I checked.