Antelope load for a 308 win
 

well bad news I didnt get drawn for antelope but my hunting partner did, the only high power rifle he has is 308 win. him knowing that I reload he wants me to put together a flat shooting load for his rifle Im thinking about using that new barnes 130 grain TSX bullet just im having trouble finding load data for it and i need to figure out what would be a reasonable start charge to work up from for Varget powder? I was thinking probably around 45 grains but im not sure since i know the TSX bullets usually seat a little deeper then regular bullets of the same weight. would 45 grains be safe start charge or should i go lighter? or maybe its too light? thanks in advance

RE: Antelope load for a 308 win
 

Maybe you could e-mail Barns for some loads? I had to do this for with my 270wsm for the TSX bullets.

RE: Antelope load for a 308 win
 

For the .308 on pronghorns I'd be very tempted to use a 150 Ballistic tip from Nosler or a SST from Hornady. You can drive lighter bullets faster but they really don't get you much better tradjectory.

Either of these bullets will be fine on these small animals and if you don't care about big holes in the hide a 125 Ballistic tip will work as well.

RE: Antelope load for a 308 win
 

I agree with Vapodog - the Ballistic Tip/SST type bullets are great for antelope. There is not much resistence to these wild goats and most big game bullets blow through without getting a chance to set up. The Barnes will work, and won't do much tissue damage - but also won't usually put them on the ground real quick either.

RE: Antelope load for a 308 win
 

Thats funny you mention the 125 grain ballistic, I had my friend stop by a gun shop on his way over to get a box of the barnes bullets the shop didnt have them but the shop owner talked my friend into a box of 125 grain nosler ballistic tips. looks like he will be using ballistic tips. thanks for the help guys

RE: Antelope load for a 308 win
 

I cant think of the exact load but Ive got a good speedy 150gr load pushin 2960fps. If ya want faster then load 51.5 W748 under a 125gr nosler ballistic tip.......that's goin 3300fps.

RE: Antelope load for a 308 win
 

Antelope are not hard to kill,and some shots will be a ways out there,with this in mind i would shoot a 130gr bullet. If you like varget powder 47grs will give you 2975fps,and 50gr=3130fps. another load is BL-C(2) 48grs=2897fps and 51.5grs=3089fps.and just for another choice using H4895,45grs=2903fps and 49grs=3127fps. all of these would be real nice loads. As far as bullets,use the brand you like and feel comfortable with there are many good ones out there.You won,t need the deep penetration type like the barnes triple shock,speer,hornady,nolser do make good bullets. vangunsmith