I am looking to load some light deer loads for my sisters model 88 .308. I am looking to use the Barnes 130 TSX bullets. What I'm wondering is, can I load these bullets in the model 88 Magazine without compressed loads? What COAL do I need to load them to. What powder would ya'll recommend for such loads? I can't find TAC anywhere. Got H4895, IMR4895 win 760 and IMR 4831 on hand.

Thanks; John

Based on my .308 experience, I'd use 4895, either version.

I have a pre-64 Win 88 in .308, just haven't used it. In fact, I may sell it.

I'd go with std. COAL.

Check this out, sorta off subject but another .308 option.

http://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/10399544/1

DF

I have an 88 that I load for, but I haven't loaded any TSX bullets. I can tell you that the magazine will easily handle loads to a COAL of 2.88". I don't think that will force you to compress anything, unless you want to seat a lot deeper to give the bullets a good jump to the lands.

Re: powders - hard to go wrong with any medium burning powder: 4895, 4064, R15, Varget, etc.
308's ain't hard to please.

Thank you. That is the information I was looking for. I don't have the rifle here so I couldn't check the mag for length. I just needed the COAL for the magazine. I know the Barnes run a little longer than c&c bullets.
I had a bad experience with some 225gr XFB's trying to load them for my BLR .358 Win. They didn't work in the short magazine, couldn't seat them deep enough with the powder I had without compressing them so hard that they bulged the cases. That is why I was a little worried about using the Barnes in the mod.88. I fixed that problem by using 225 Nosler partitions in the .358 and buying a 35 Whelen so I could use up the XFB's

Thanks Guys; John

I use 165 grain Hornady Interlocks and IMR-4064 in my M88/308 WIN - consistently shoots 1-1/8" to 1/1/4" groups at 100 yards.