Home Forums Reloading Big Game Rifles Do-It-All 308 bullet

Wanting to play with some new bullets, looking for something that can do everything from deer to elk, so controlled expansion is preferred. Shots will be 400 yards and under so expansion velocities shouldn’t be much concern. Looking at 150gr TTSX/TSX, 165gr Accubonds, 165gr Partitions, maybe 165gr Speer Grand Slam or Federal TBT. Used the TBT in my 270 this past season with success, but its currently out of stock with no backorder on midway.

I have zero experience with elk; however, I can't image a Nosler 165 grain Partition not being up to the task.

It may be an old design, but the Partition is likely the epitome of what a good hunting bullet truly is.

The Partition has always been my choice. They've never given me a reason to look elsewhere. Worth every penny.

JJ,
Nice cartridge choice! Any of the bullets you mentioned will do what you want. But, if you want to go a bit less expensive, try the Hornady Interlock in the same weight bullet. You’ll save some money, be able to shoot more, and critters up through Elk hate it.

155 Lapua Scenar...

never seen a Partition not work right

165 Accubond would work well for your stated application. I just finished load development for my Kimber Montana 308 and settled on H4895 under a 165 Accubond for a do all.

56gr of R17 pushes a 165 Accubond in my 30-06.

150 or 165 Interlocks or Ballistic tips are my favorites for the conditions you describe.

I do love the Interlocks that’s currently what I’m loading for this same 308. The 150s with a flat base or boat tail will both shoot under 1 MOA out of this particular Model 7. I would shoot an elk with them if it came to it, but I’d prefer something a little bit sturdier. I have a box of 150 Accubonds but haven’t gotten to shoot any yet. Just wanting to try something new, I’ve never messed with different weights in that gun. Anyone have thoughts on 150 vs 165s out of a 308?

hard to beat a partition

150-165 gr bonded (or A-frame type) bullet. You pick.

Realistically I know that the Barnes and Nosler bullets in 150 or 165 will preform admirably and under hunting conditions their performance will be nearly identical. I do wonder about the velocities though. According to MidwayUSA, the 165 Accubond and 150 TTSX are the same length, which means that in theory they can hold the same amount of powder allowing the TTSX to be driven faster. But will it still be slower than a lead 150gr?

If I understand your question correctly it is can you get the same velocity from a TTSX bullet as you get with cup & core lead? In comparable weights the answer is yes. And the TTSX needs slightly less powder to get there. If it were me, I’d shoot the 150 gr. Bullet (your choice which) for all game up to Elk, and shoot 162/165 gr. Bullets (your choice) for Elk unless using a mono like the TTSX. Remember, monos seem to like speed for best performance. With a mono you can go with the lighter bullets.

155 Lapua Scenar

The 155 Skinner by 1000%.

Hint............

Hey Big Stink, can you hit an egg at 300 yard standing on your stubby little legs like this little girl? Go ahead, put up or shut up. You keep talking about how good you are. Pick any of your water soaked rusty rifles and have at and put your camera on timelapse and let us see how good you really are. Can out shoot a girl?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CUtasDhjpI4

400 and under, take your pick. 155 scenars are super accurate out of my 30 year old tang banger Ruger and kill elk, albeit a sample of one for me.

Only bullet I load in my 308 now is the 155 Scenar. Though I do have some 130 TTSXs in the drawer tempting me.

Skinners are the most...for the least.

Hint.............