Range Report 165 gmx vs 165 tsx in .308

[0481]

So I went to the range today and tried some new loads. First was a load of 165gmx using 42-44gr varget in .5 gr inclements and win brass. All shot at 100 yds. Best group of 5" or so. OAL of 2.800.
Next up was a run of factory federal 165 tsx. Best group of about 4".
The gun is a remi 700 that shoots .5 - .75 groups of 175 smk from south west all day.
Twist rate is 1:12 26" tube.
How are these "solids" shooting for you?

 

[0481]

Re: 165 gmx vs 165 tsx in .308

I called and talked to Barns today and the gentleman on the phone told me.that they should group better than that.

 

[T J]

Re: 165 gmx vs 165 tsx in .308

I shoot the Barnes in a Lazzeroni Patriot, accuracy hovers around .5 moa +/- (5 @ 100) with both SD & ES in the single digits. Check you bullet seating, Barnes recommends .050 jump to start with, my experience has shown they DO NOT like to be jammed.

 

[0481]

Re: 165 gmx vs 165 tsx in .308

I seated them at 2.80 witch is .070 off the lands and that's mag length

 

[0481]

Re: 165 gmx vs 165 tsx in .308

Barns dId to try the 168 ttsx it has a better ojive. I also ordered some 130gr

 

[FCS]

Re: 165 gmx vs 165 tsx in .308

What did your loads chrono for velocity? I'm guessing you are too light on powder charge for Varget with the 165gmx.

Sub MOA with the TSX is very doable. I've not yet tried the GMX so unable to comment with first hand knowledge on that bullet.

 

[0481]

Re: 165 gmx vs 165 tsx in .308

I don't know what the velocity was I don't have a crono. How ever I did not have any pressure signs
Going to see about pushing them faster this weekend.

 

[JSTARSZ]

Re: 165 gmx vs 165 tsx in .308

I hunt with 168 Barnes TTSX and I find them to very accurate - about 3/4 to 1 MOA with 308 AR's and I can get .5 to .75 MOA with my bolt guns. I also hunt with Barnes 95 GR TTSX for my 6.8 and it is 3/4 MOA. I find them to be very consistent.

 

[0481]

Re: 165 gmx vs 165 tsx in .308

I get the feeling my gun just dose not like them.

 

[knockemdown]

Re: 165 gmx vs 165 tsx in .308

Are they keyholing on target?
Might could be your 1:12" twist tube ain't spinnin' 'em enough to stabilize. Remember, those type bullets are very long for their weight, comparatively speaking...

Just a guess, but a 4" group is about what a smoothbore slug gun will do @ 100, so something is definitely wrong.

 

[FCS]

Re: 165 gmx vs 165 tsx in .308

12 twist tube on a Win 70 was stabilizing 180 TSX.

I'd keep going up in powder charge until group tightens up or you start seeing pressure signs.

Might be worth filling barrel with bore foam (WipeOut or Outters) to get all the copper out before next range session. I've found mixing jackets can sometimes increase amount of fouling in barrel to point accuracy declines. YMMV.

 

[trailrider121]

Re: 165 gmx vs 165 tsx in .308

I have work with GMX and TSX bullets. The GMX are pretty picky with col. how far off the lands? I've had best luck with the GMX .100-.120" off the lands. Some people have had good luck with them .010" off the lands but not me, got very bad groups. You must start with a clean bore with both GMX and TSX.

I've got both bullets to shoot very well sub moa.

 

[0481]

Re: 165 gmx vs 165 tsx in .308

The only bullet out of this gun has been 175smks. My buddy spotting for me was wow you are having a very bad day arnt you. I said no. After shooting the solids I put 5 make in a .5 group. He then said I guess not.
Total round count is under 400 rounds

 

[ChadTRG42]

Re: 165 gmx vs 165 tsx in .308

Several things-
The Barnes bullets will copper up a barrel quickly. The faster you push them, the faster they copper up. Clean the rifle every 20-30 rounds. Start with a clean rifle for each bullet. I have not had good luck mixing BTHP with Barnes bullets. They always shoot better after you clean out the barrel before you shoot your test loads. Same thing on the GMX. Clean out the barrel before you test them, and shoot 1 or 2 foulers to get the barrel fouled and sighted in.
They shoot best being pushed fast at the upper end of pressure. So work up to max pressure. I'd be looking at 45 to maybe 47 grains of Varget. Also, the GMX will not foul up as much as a TSX, so I use the GMX whenever possible.
If you can seat your bullet out a little further than 2.80", then seat it out further. 2.80" is recommended max length, but if your rifle will allow it to seat out further, then go as long as possible and still chamber and feed from a mag.

I've had good luck with both of these solid bullets. 4"-5" groups is pretty bad. So something else might be going on. Varget is a good choice, but you might need to try another powder if it gets too compressed. H4895 or IMR8208 would also be good picks.

 

[0481]

Re: 165 gmx vs 165 tsx in .308

Thanks chad.
I did clean the barrel good before I shot the gmx that was my first shots. I will push them till I see pressure.
What do you thank of imr4064 I have some of that too.
Also going to load up some of the 130 ttsx I will have them tomorrow. I thank book max was 52gr varget