Home Forums Reloading Big Game Rifles Working up a .308 elk load

Need opinions/input on the Hornady 165 grain GMX and the Barnes 165 grain TTSX, or even others possibly. Would also be interested in what powders have performed with better results for you on these two bullets. Keeping my range 600 yds and under.

I'd not go heavier than a 150 mono in a 308 for elk. Any number of cup/core 165s would work well. If you're absolutely set on them, a shot anywhere near 600 is not a great idea, if there is any wind, as neither of those bullets has a very good BC. Varget, R-15, 4064 are always your friends.

Varget or H4895 are usually what I try first. Reloader 15 is another option. Also try 150 grain if going with all copper bullets. I run 165 Hornady BTSP, accubonds, or Ballistic Tips.

Great info, exactly what I was looking for. HnS I’m not dead set on the 165 mono’s. Was just wanting some feedback about them which you covered perfectly. So with a 150 mono would I be good to go for what I’m wanting to achieve, or should I go the lead core/partition/accubond route in the heavier 165 range?

Either/or would work fine. You can likely push the 150 Barnes TTSX to a higher speed than a 150 GMX. Any 165 would work fine. A lot of guys like Accubonds and Partitions. At 308 speed, Ballistic Tips work well too.

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I would start with RL 17 and if I was hunting in cold weather I would use RL16. Next choice would be W760. Then Hunter.

Go with a 150 mono and Varget. Leave the 165’s to the 30-06 and bigger.

With a cup and core bullet I like a 165 (name one) over 46.0 Varget.

The 308 is easy on bullets, so it’s really not that important. Push to shove, I like the Partition or Accubond.

Awesome info folks, I really appreciate it, honestly. Looks like I’ll start with the Barnes 150 TTSXs and go from there

You asked about monos. Since I’ve used them on elk I answered your question. However, I’d always rather use a 165 gr cup and core bullet in the 308 on elk.

Sorry didn’t see your response until after my last one posted. I’ve also had my eyes on the Nosler partitions and accubond. I may load some of those up as well. Thanks!

I shot some 175 grain Barnes LRX bullets in my Savage Axis 308 a while back and was pleased with their accuracy in that light rifle. I was able to get 2,700 fps with that bullet. At about 7-1/4 lbs with a 3-9x scope, that would make a pretty good high country elk rifle. Varget and CFE-223 work well in my rifle.

I'll throw an opinion. 165 Fed Trophy Bonded Tip over AR Comp. That is my load for this year. Shoots a bit over 2700 and slightly better than MOA in my Kimber.

For the 308, as others have mentioned Varget, Re 15 are never a bad choice to start. I started playing with other powders when I couldn't find Varget. I really like AR Comp and IMR 8208. Benchmark is also a consideration. All are temp insensitive, have given top end velocities, and excellent to good groups.

Drice561: Use the wonderful Nosler 165 grain Partition - and don't look back!
Taken Elk, Black Bear, Mule Deer and B&C Mt. Goat with this caliber/bullet and NOTHING is left to be desired.
Best of luck to you with whichever you choose.
Hold into the wind
VarmintGuy

I've found it easier to work up a good load with the Barnes bullets as opposed to the GMX or E-Tips , but shoot what works for you. I would guess the GMX and E-Tip would perform similarly to Barnes bullets, but I've only used Barnes bullets in .308 for bull elk. I've had very good results with the Barnes 150 TTSX BT and the Barnes 168 TSX BT. With a near max. charge of H4895, they shoot accurately in my NULA.

Thanks Varmint and lotech!

I've gotten full broadside exits even through upper shoulders with 130 TTSX at 3150 MV

155 scenar at 2900 ....might kill an elk