TTSX 130GR vit n135 loads

[ASHCROFT9491]

New 308 arrives soon and venturing into copper for the first time

Starting with Barnes TTSX 130gr

The powder charge at max seem low at 43.7gr compared to the reading I've done on the forum

I'll be doing a ladder test to find a node hopefully within the safe publicised range but thinking already I'll be going higher for that 3000fps from a 20" barrel

What have you settled on if running a 20" 308??

 

[wytonpjs]

PM sent.

 

[Milk no sugar please]

I won’t post the charge but I ran out of case capacity before pressure signs at book length. I would just work up normally until you run out of space or see pressure signs. My cases and yours might differ in capacity so you might not find it’s safe to brim it. There are no shortcuts I’m afraid

 

[Jagged77]

18” .308 - 45gr N135 2.80” COAL. Still room to go higher but usual caveat start low and work up. The Barnes have been ridiculously accurate in my rifle.

 

[75]

20" T3x and found a node at 45gr N135 at about 2950fps. Usual caveat (again!!). Don't recall COAL but I needed to use the extended length magazine. I couldn't get to 3000fps and got pressure signs at nearer 46gr / 2980fps so I backed off and settled on the lower node.

 

[oldhamstocks]

I'm going to try these in the legendary Lee Loader with Norma 201 in my 20" Sako 85, been trying to avoid the reloading rabbit hole but got a decent amount of once-fired Sako brass from the 123 Gameheads which it loves. Need to work out COAL and then see how that works when setting the Lee Loader. Got to start somewhere!!

 

[david1]

Hello Ashcroft, I'm currently using N530 powder, Barns 130gr TTSX in my Sako 85 308 stainless steel varmint with a 20" barrel. I also have two close friends with identical rifles to mine and I have managed 3072 FPS our rifles, slight difference in the other two, only slightly due to different moderators I assume.
I was using N530 only because my local gun shot has it all the time and we bought bucket loads, n135 always seemed harder to purchase.

You'll see I was using CCI primers but can no longer find them and have bought 1000 Federal, since trying the federal in our 25-06 the speed increased marginally but no change on accuracy, so might see a slight increase in the 308 to when I come to reload.

 

[Soap]

Hi, I use Barnes 130’s in my 3006, brother loads 110’s in his 308.
Both shoot really well , the only advice I can give is the barnes seem to like a longer jump than would normally be accepted.
I couldn’t get my 6.5 to shoot till I pushed them well in, over 4mm from the lands then little 1/2” groups.

 

[oldhamstocks]

I'm going to try these in the legendary Lee Loader with Norma 201 in my 20" Sako 85, been trying to avoid the reloading rabbit hole but got a decent amount of once-fired Sako brass from the 123 Gameheads which it loves. Need to work out COAL and then see how that works when setting the Lee Loader. Got to start somewhere!!

That’s my first 20 hopefully ready to go. COAL of 2.81. Used the Lee primer pocket trimmer, chamfer tool and a light clean of the neck with 00 steel wool in addition to the Lee Loader - very minimalist!

 

[oldhamstocks]

Well, never blew myself up! Shot 4 groups of 3 at 100m all sub MOA, no Chrono unfortunately but totally cheesing at my first reloads

I can see a long and expensive road ahead…pleasantly surprised that a wee kit in a plastic box, and a dead blow hammer can do that!

 

[paulbshooting]

Using the 130gr TTSX but with N140. Work very well in my 308, accurate, kill well and min meat damage. Did try the 110 grn with N135 but just a bit fast and more meat damage.

 

[JonC]

Sent PM - enjoy the new .308!! TTSX is a good bullet but my favorite is the 130gr Yew Tree!!...

 

[ASHCROFT9491]

Finally got to try a few loads

Found a node and promising start with first 3 round group.
Now to play with seating depth to tighten it up

Almost tempted to forget copper when I just tried one of the loads I use in another 308

Both 3 round groups

 

[oldhamstocks]

Well, never blew myself up! Shot 4 groups of 3 at 100m all sub MOA, no Chrono unfortunately but totally cheesing at my first reloads

I can see a long and expensive road ahead…pleasantly surprised that a wee kit in a plastic box, and a dead blow hammer can do that!

Quick update, found a half tub of h335 and loaded 45.1 grain with same COAL of 2.81, ran some shots today, grouping extremely tightly with no pressure signs, not sure if I should chase a higher velocity through the 510mm Sako 85 barrel?