Yew Tree 148 TLR - .300 Magnum

Brave Echo Niner

Well-Known Member
All, @25 Sharps


I've been using the 148 TLR for a decent amount of time now in my .300 WSM.

Started load development with RL26, however speeds were on the slow end (3100-3200), so switched to RS60, which has found a load which shoots very well and gives a good velocity of 3434FPS - I did exceed 3500FPS, but opted for accuracy over ultimate speed.
Like all of @Yew Tree Fieldsports bullets I have used they are very easy to load for and produce 'acceptable' accuracy.

Last group shot with the rifle (an unfamiliar shooter to the rifle) produced this, which it achieves consistently:

936a683f-616e-4a17-9e5b-5fdd93e08f4f.jpeg

With respect to terminal damage, I was pleasantly surprised.

On roe it is possible to use it, however I have found due to the sheer energy it has the ability to pop the rumen without the bullet piercing the diaphragm and with 'true' damage being limited to the chest cavity.
Ultimately this is something I've found with the .300 sporadically, however with the rapid energy transfer of this bullet, it seems to be more frequent.

For headshots (which is now my chosen placement on roe inside 150M with the setup), the bullet is suitably aggressive in expansion, as can be seen below. To me this is ideal performance, as there's no way they're making it anywhere without any head left.

On reds, I regard this to be the perfect NLA hill bullet, particularly where ranges may be further. I've shot a good number of reds with the combination and thus far 'bang flop' has been the only terminal reaction, which for culling bodes well for moving to the next beast quickly, knowing your first is on the deck.

Based on my ballistic calculator, it states I've had the bullet down to a terminal velocity of 2330FPS, and once again saw the deer drop on the spot.


All in all, for any magnum calibres (.300 Win Mag, .300 WSM, .300 PRC etc), I would recommend the bullet if being used for large deer on the hill. For roe it is maybe a little aggressive if this is your primary species.


Example One - Chest shot Red calf - Circa 100M

Exit wound:
IMG_9779.jpeg
Gralloch (note most of the lung material on exit side is missing)
IMG_9782.jpeg
Shot site/where it fell (yes that is most of one of it's lungs)
IMG_9778.jpeg
 
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Have you tried the standard hunter 145gn compared to the TLR? I've been using them (standards) in my 30-06 (will get round to working up a load for the 300h&h) and was wondering how they compared and if there was much benefit?
 
Have you tried the standard hunter 145gn compared to the TLR? I've been using them (standards) in my 30-06 (will get round to working up a load for the 300h&h) and was wondering how they compared and if there was much benefit?
I haven't, as my closest shots with this rifle are typically about 300M, I value the BC the TLRs provide, as it gives me margin for error on wind calls.

Ben
 
That’s a nice looking set up you have there. What are the rifle and stock?
Thank you - it's certainly seems to work for me! It's an @Ronin semi-custom:

Barrel - 27" Sassen (now Phoenix) Cut 1-9" twist S1 Contour chambered in .300 WSM
Action - Tikka T3 w/ fettled trigger
Stock - Bedded McMillan A3-5 w/ AICS short action bottom metal
Mod - ASE SL7i .30/.338

Not the lightest, but I would rather work harder lugging it up the hill and have an easy time making my shots, than vice versa.

Ben
 
Great to hear about the bullets working for you Ben. I’ve got a 7mm SAUM for something similar. I might give them a go.

They’re certainly worth a try - won’t be everyone’s ideal bullet, as is always the case, but they seem to work well for me.

@Selous is about to try the 130 TLRs I believe, so I'm sure he'll be able to let you know how he finds them out of his 7RM.
 
“Circa” 250 - ddi yiu halve the distance 😂😂

Haha not quite! That was one taken nearer to home - it’s the entrance you can see in the photo of the hind off memory, not the exit.

Used that one as an example, as I believe it’s the closest mature red I’ve shot with that rifle/load! 😅
 
So just to jump in first head shooting roe at 150m that’s brave at least to admit it on SD 😂🍿

The rifle is pretty much only used on culling on the hill, so shots are almost invariably prone. If there’s any doubt about the shot I’ll revert to a chest shot though.

I’m in no way advocating this as best practice, but I know what I'm comfortable with when culling. 🤷‍♂️
 
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