Home Forums Hunting & Shooting General Big Game 308 Win for Big Game: 180gr out of 20" Barrel

I have a Browning A-bolt 308 with 20" barrel and would like some opinions on whether the Hornady 180gr Interlock SP will generate enough expansion for 300yds and closer shots on Elk and Moose:

Hornady 180gr Interlock with MV: 2510fps

Down range velocities look like:

100yd 200yd 300yd

180gr: 2320fps 2129fps 1947fps

Its a short tube, but what I figure is the slower velocities will provide some good penetration, but will there be enough expansion?

Please limit the comments to this bullet as I am aware of all the premiums available.

I think it would work just fine.

Of course you won't get the expansion you would at 2700fps MV, but, as you pointed out, penetration should be right.

I don't have a lot of experience with that weight Interlock. Most of mine has been with the Hornady 165BTSP right at 2650fps out of my 20" Ruger 77.
It has done just fine on Caribou and whitetail deer.

Ed

Why worry if the 180gr will have enough velocity to expand at 300 yards out of that short barrel? Run 165s and don't worry about it.

I have seen the 18 1/2" Model Seven used with RN Core-lokts at even greater distances. I've also run the 190 BTSP Interlock through my 22" barreled '06 at 400 yards with fine penetration and apparent expansion (on moose), so I wouldn't be much concerned about having issues with the 180 Interlock. Then again, I might consider that which you don't want to discuss.

+1. Or a 150gr TTSX

I know he doesn't want to hear it, but that is exactly what I'd do too. Very well said guys...

Or, the 130ttsx...(grin)

Yup +2

I compared the down range velocities between the two 165gr, and 180gr, and the 180gr damn near catches up to the 165gr within 50fps at 300yds. Adhering to my heavy for caliber bullet philosophy I'd like to run the 180s.

Somebody spoke that of which shouldn't be spoken...For F's sakes guys, does every thread about bullets have to gravitate to the TSX and TTSXs?

HAHAHAHA! Yeah, those TSX and TTSX are sexy, but beyond my price range.

All I have ever shot are hogs between 150-350lbs, and that was with 155gr Amax. However, I use these on vermin reduction hunts and not sure about big game.

I was thinking along the lines of one of the lead cored premiums. Midsouth presently has some of the Hornady line of Interbond blems at a serious discount. Shooters Pro Shop sells Noslers of various types and weights - 2nds- at a great discount as they are available. One of the sleek 165s might be advantageous if retained speed is a concern.

Moose/Elk hunt and the Barnes are too exspensive to shoot... Seriously?

TTSX/TSX proven performance & accuracy usually has something to do with it.

Amax is not a Big Game bullet, though Ive seen hunters use them successfully many times. I just returned from Texas killing 21 hogs in 3 day's. 9 hogs were shot with 95gr Nosler BT/.243win out to 300yards.

Good luck on your hunt.

You live in Illinois, so I'm assuming the moose and elk will be taken out of state; considering the expense involved in that sort of enterprise the cost of a TSX, TBBC or other premium bullet shouldn't be a limiting factor.

Primarily, you need to just do a lot of shooting from field positions to get ready and make sure you actually shoot out to 300 or more yards.

RedBeard,

Email or call Hornady customer service. They can tell you what the minimum recommended impact velocity for that bullet is, and you can bet Hornady employees have shot more samples of that bullet (in testing and then some on hunts) than anybody on this board has.

Red, you sure as helll don't need a TSX or TTSX... "experts" aside.

Your 180 Hdy will work fine. Good bullet. I prefer a 165/168 in my 308, but it doesn't matter. Would add, if you're handloading it shouldn't be any problem to get a 180 closer to 2,600 fps than your 2,510 number. Varget and RL15 are your huckleberry.

Best Wishes,

Brad

I don't know about expansion/penetration, but RL17 should let you make 2,600fps+ with the 190gr Interlock. I worked up to 2,620fps with a 200gr Sierra BT in a 20" 700. It's a soft bullet for thumping whitetails, but it is still making 2,000fps at 400yds, which ain't shabby for a carbine with a big bullet and a little case.....

I would worry more about practicing a lot and hitting the target out to your estimated distance than anything.

I have used a few different 180gr non-premiums outta 308's and if that's what you wanna run.... it'll do the job.

JPro-how much R17 did you use to get those speeds out of a 20" tube?

Thx
Dober

(have a 308 in the making is why I ask)

I'd suggest that you check out Dogzapper's experiences with this topic in this thread.

Choose whatever weight shoots best in your rifle, even if it turns out to be 150's. If you truly feel that 15 or 30 grains of weight in a .30 caliber is gonna make the difference between taking an elk or losing it, you'll probably feel more comfortable with a barrel that's got a bigger hole down the middle of it.

Regardless of what bullet weight you end up choosing, if you can shoot well unsupported to 100 yards, & from field positions to 300, then all you'll need to worry about is actually FINDING an elk to shoot.

FC

We topped out at 50 or 51 grains, I can't recall which exactly and my notes are at home. That was with W-W brass and the 200 Sierra GKBT seated at 2.81". The load was worked up in my father's 20" SPS-T, wearing an old-style VLS handle and a 3.5-10x40 with dots. It is a handy rig. If working with a custom tube and chamber, I'd expect powder charges to top out at a few grains less.

Sounds like you have some doubts about the Hornady opening well.
If I had your doubts as to my selection, I'd fall back on the old reliable Nosler Partition in that weight. I've had several examples open well at lower impact velocities. Insignificant cost difference when compared to the total costs associated with hunting. E