Heavy Timber Rifle

[Wolfshead]

I’m in agreement with Diamondback

From off the Barnes website on what they recommend.

All copper bullets want a BIG JUMP! This is the point where your load development should begin. You can then later test different seating depths and find a “sweet spot” that your particular firearm prefers. We suggest working in at least .025” increments as follows seating the bullet deeper to allow a further jump. Your test plan could look something like this:

• 1st group- .050” jump
• 2nd group- .075” jump
• 3rd group- .100” jump
• 4th group- .125” jump
• 5th group- .150“ jump

I would do it this way as well.
I e emailed Barnes many times and they’ve always got back to me, usually in a couple hours.
You may get some answers from them.

Thanks for the input everyone.

One last question on seating depth. Seating the bullet in further will ultimately increase the pressure, as there is less cartridge capacity.

Since I’m already at near max, any chance I will run into pressure signs with the new seating depth?

As far as seating depth and pressure, that is possible.
Just go carefully and check for pressure signs (flattened primers, hard bolt lift, brass deformation, etc….) as you work up the compression and pressure.
I don’t think you have to worry too much, just go slow.
I think you’re most likely going to find what you’re looking for before you have too much to worry about.

 

[Ringbill27]

I’ve contacted Barnes in the past and these are the min expansions velocities for the bullets.
130 TTSX = 1800 fps
150 TTSX = 2000 fps
168 TTSX = 1800 fps
175 LRX = 1600 fps
These numbers are for a 1.5x expansion and for 2x add 200fps. LRXs are engineered for long range hunt and designed to expand at lower speeds, which could lead to losing petals at close range. Probably not in 308win, but I have no experience with this bullet. I’ve only loaded the 130gr and 150gr TTSX in my wife’s 308. That 130gr is a speed demon. The 168gr is the easy button for reloading in my 30-06. Just filled the case and it groups well with my rifle.
I’d imagine a 308 could keep both the 168 and the 175 above the min expansion out to 300yds but that would definitely be my max range.
Hope this is helpful.