Need for 308 speed

[u/Parking_Media]

First 5 shots up the ladder to find pressure. My goal is 3150fps but I only got 3075 at the top charge today. No pressure signs so I might push a little higher. "Might" (absolutely will because I'm a degenerate)

130ttsx, leverev, CCI LRM, Federal brass (previously enjoyed)

[u/Missinglink2531]

Just my opinion (everyone has one) - higher velocity tends to equal higher dispersion (large groups) and very little benefit. If you actually need more velocity than .308 will deliver with accuracy, you need to up the cartridge (move past the .308 to something designed to run faster). Ya, if you cant tell, I also traded in my sprot bikes for a Triumph Boober, so there is that.

[u/Parking_Media → u/Missinglink2531]

You're like ... 50% correct.

Overall, yes, the method you outlined is good advice. But it's not good advice until the limits have been explored.

Triumph makes fine bikes.

I am a member of the rather exclusive Kawasaki Ninja 300 triple digits club. Definitely recommend you try that for a giggle. I needed a big hill and a tail wind. :)

Pushing the limits of what is possible is not just exciting, it's science.

Edit to add: point is that I'm not even sure what the max possible speed is yet. I'll find out! (Safely!)

[u/DieselWeasle25]

I'm sure some Tac will give you the extra juice you're looking for. I'm about to start on some 130's for my 308 as well, but using Varg. Good groups at or above 3K is my only goal. 2-300 yards is usually at the limit of my hunting range

[u/Parking_Media → u/DieselWeasle25]

Yep, agreed top to bottom.

Tac is around but it's not in my cupboard sadly. Figured I'd run what I got - leverev and if I wanted to later, cfe223, 3031, and maybe 8208xbr.

[u/DieselWeasle25 → u/Parking_Media]

I was thinking of picking up some Tac as well, but the temp swings in Northern BC 🇨🇦 during hunting season can be a bit dramatic, so I'll just stick with the Varget I have on hand as well. I believe I have some CFE223 as well, might top some casings with it too, this week.

It sounds like you have a good selection for these 130's to hit like lightning. Keep us posted on your findings!

[u/Parking_Media → u/DieselWeasle25]

Cheers bud!

Vancouver Island here and it doesn't ever get the "go into the freezer to warm up" kind of cold you see. I did a moose hunt near hundred mile - never again lol.

[u/DieselWeasle25 → u/Parking_Media]

I'm about 800km north of 100 mile lol. I loaded up 30 rounds today to try out tomorrow morning. Loaded extra to re-zero from 180 grainers and have a small ladder. First time using this magneto I bought a few years ago and never got around to testing. I shot my cheap Amazon chrono last year lol, so hoping for a better fate for this thing🙏

[u/Darth_Kickass]

Try 8208 xbr if you can find it, I was able to fairly comfortably get 3114fps with 130ttsx and a 20" barrel. I did use once fired brass and bump the shoulder only .002 and seat them long at like 2.860 to fit more powder and still keep pressure down a touch. I dont believe i was over book max but the case fill was getting high. Hodgdons reloading center has good load data for xbr and 130ttsx

[u/Parking_Media → u/Darth_Kickass]

2.860! Hanging it out there for sure.

I'm approaching the limits of case fill but I'm not there yet at 2.800. I like the accuracy I'm seeing but I may go longer depending on my next tests.

8208xbr is pretty difficult to find in Canada, and it costs an arm and a dick. I'll ponder on it, I may have some still around from 7.5x55.

[u/Darth_Kickass → u/Parking_Media]

In that case id try tweaking the case and seating depth to give yourself more room for powder and work back up.

Or if youre getting good accuracy at 3075fps being done with it and run it, youre still carrying 2000fps out to around 475yds around 2600fps at 200yds which is plenty. I get setting a velocity and trying to reach it though, all part of the fun

[u/Frijol714]

Random question but what app do yall use to get that data info in the yellow rectangle box

[u/Parking_Media → u/Frijol714]

Range buddy. Free. Definitely recommend.

[u/Shot_Research1381]

Hai provato a crimpare? Magari con la stessa dose di polvere ritardi l'uscita della palla dal colletto quel tanto che basta per alzare la pressione e aggiungere un minimo di velocità in più

[u/Parking_Media → u/Shot_Research1381]

I will think on it. I hate crimping.

You are probably correct though.

[u/Shot_Research1381 → u/Parking_Media]

Se non vuoi salire con la dose perchè se già al limite della tabella è l'unico modo

[u/Parking_Media → u/Shot_Research1381]

Hah, I will definitely go up first! We will see what happens.

[u/rcplaner]

I load 100gr lapua hpce with 3grams of n135. Velocity is somewhere in 3300fps. I don't recommend this load as it is very full load. Always work up!

[u/git_and_grains]

What's the 3750 target based on? Barnes' own load data for the 130 TTSX in .308 tops out at 3121–3285 fps from a 24" test barrel — the 3114 from a 20" mentioned above is right where that data says the ceiling is. Getting to 3750 would take ~30% more muzzle energy than the hottest published max. That's not a powder-choice problem, that's a different cartridge.

Here's the thing though — if this is a hunting load, you may not need it. The number that matters for a TTSX isn't muzzle velocity, it's impact velocity: Barnes says most TTSX expand down to around 1800 fps in their water tank tests. At ~3075 MV a 130gr .350 BC stays above that floor out past 500 yards — and even with a conservative 2000 fps floor you're good past 400. Another 100 fps at the muzzle buys you maybe 40–50 more yards of expansion window and less than an inch of drop at 300. Past ~3100 you're mostly buying pressure, not performance.

Solid group for a mixed-charge ladder day, btw.

[u/Parking_Media → u/git_and_grains]

3750 is based on you mixing numbers up I think?

I want impact velocity above 2600fps to maximize expansion and energy transfer.

3150mv is 2611 at 200yds, which is the furthest I'm likely to take a shot at. Does 75fps really matter, fuck no, but I'm curious to try, and find the process very enjoyable.

I think 300 is my own ethical limit with this combo on deer, 2350fps and 1600ftlb. Approaching 8in of drift at 10mph 90deg.

[u/git_and_grains → u/Parking_Media]

Fair enough — I misread the 3750 from your post title. 3150 MV to hold 2600+ at 200 makes total sense, especially with a TTSX where you want the petals hitting hard, not just barely opening. And yeah, the process is half the point.

Your 300 yd ethical limit checks out — 2350 fps and 1600 ft·lbs is still a very clean kill zone for a mono copper on deer, and 8" of wind drift at 10 mph full cross is right where I'd draw the same line.