308 Barnes 168 grain TTSX load

[micro911]

Has anyone reloaded with Barnes 308 Win. 168 grain TTSX bullets? Obviously, it is a long bullet and it seems that it will compress powder if you load with regular powder charge for regular bullets.

The on line manual from the Barnes doesn't show IMR powder info.

I will be using IMR 4064 with Wolf large rifle primers in Lapua brass.

[Bill Steele]

Has anyone reloaded with Barnes 308 Win. 168 grain TTSX bullets? Obviously, it is a long bullet and it seems that it will compress powder if you load with regular powder charge for regular bullets.

The on line manual from the Barnes doesn't show IMR powder info.

I will be using IMR 4064 with Wolf large rifle primers in Lapua brass.

I used standard 168gr load data with 4064. You are right that as you approach Hodgdon max, you are really crunching down to get the bullet set, at least when loading to magazine lengths. I have found with 4064, if I pour the powder slowly into the funnel in a circular motion, it will help settle the powder and allow me to get more in for a given bullet and OAL. A longer drop tube will help in the same respect.

As far as Barnes TSX and TTSX, I have had better luck with their lighter bullets in 308. First I went down to 150gr and now I am loading 130gr, they seem to work better for me.

PS - or you can use the Hornaday #8 book with their 168gr AMAX data and even at their max, have plenty of room left in the case.