150g or 168g TTSX in 30-06

[Dan11011]

I am looking for THE round for my Tikka T3 Superlite in 30-06. I will use this for coyote, whitetail, black bear, elk, and possibly cougar. I don't bait or hound hunt. Shots on game are always less than 300 yards and hopefully as close as I can get, so impact velocity and expansion should be in the safe zone for the TTSX.

I have decided on the TTSX but can't decide between 150g and 168g. I will be using Vor-TX factory ammo and the Muzzle Velocities will be 2970fps with the 150g and 2800fps with the 168g. I know velocity is key for Barnes, but is the weight of the 168 better all around especially because I don't take long shots. I want reliable expansion but also sufficient mass in this slower caliber compared to the magnums with the TTSX.

150g or 168g for all my hunting.

Thanks,
Daniel

Here is the data on velocity for the VOR-TX ammo:

http://www.barnesbullets.com/files/2015/05/VORTX-Rifle-rev-5-21-2015.pdf

 

[mt100gr.]

What kind of accuracy have you been getting with the above mentioned loads? That's where I would start as either would be effective on game.

 

[IanF.]

Buy a box of each and shoot them! I love my t3 shoots 1/2 moa, in .260 Remington though. My 06 shoots moa with the 168 TTSX,,not a T3 and hand loaded. I sure one of those in that gun will print a beauty group

Ian

 

[Dan11011]

I've actually only used the 180g TTSX with 7 shots in 2 inches and many 1 inch groups. I probably should just give both a shot and hope for an obvious difference in accuracy. Something tells me they will shoot similarly though and I might as well flip a coin.

 

[stormsearch]

Either would be great but the 168 was more accurate out of my '06, sub moa. The 150's shot very good too and like you, never planned to shoot more than 200 yards. However, where I was shooting one day, was pretty windy and noticed much less wind drift with the 168's so that was my overall determining factor. What I love about these, is how well they hold up. 40 yard shot, rear pelvic thru offset lung in my one and only Elk I ever shot.

I've taken numerous antelope with 90 gr out of a 257 wby, these bullets just hold up so I would simply go with the one that your gun likes or you have the highest confidence.

Neither size will really make a difference for a poor placed shot, and both will do admirably if in great placed shot. I've used up my 150's on whitetail and have taken them on a black bear hunt. Just use the one that puts the biggest smile on your face.

 

[WyoElk]

With the weights retention on the TTSX I think either is going to perform well across the species you listed. I would look for best accuracy and go with that. For what it's worth I shot a cow last year with a 100gr TTSX out of a 257wby at 268 yards and the performance was impressive. Only took one shot.

 

[Dan11011]

Hey thanks for the input! Looks like i'll buy a box of each and then decide on one depending on accuracy. Personally I have my heart kind of set on the 168 for whatever reason. Just sounds like a heck of an all around bullet to me. How were the 150s on black bear? Wow wyoelk even a 100gr. Happy to hear it.

 

[eLightfoot]

my buddy loads the 150 ttsx out of his 06' at very mild 2750fps and it drops big boars no problem. Keep in mind a big boar is about as tough a bodied animal as any in North America.

 

[charvey9]

On paper the 168 has better ballistics, but shoot em both. Whichever is more accurate should be your choice. Every barrel likes something different.

 

[Dan11011]

I like the extra speed with the 150 incase the shot is a little longer but both should have no trouble opening up coming from my 30-06.

 

[gwl79902]

I shoot the 168 out omy 06 and it works well on elk and deer. If it shoots well go with it.

 

[Dan11011]

No trouble with expansion at distance gwl79902? I believe min impact velocity is 2000 and 2200 for significant expansion which would be out to around 300yds with the 168.

 

[durangobrad]

I shot the 168 this year out of my 30-06 and have to say I am really impressed with these bullets. Both the antelope and deer i shot were around 100 yards. Left good exit wounds and both animals were dead on impact. The deer dropped in his tracks and the antelope ran maybe 15 yards. Ill be shooting them again next year!

 

[Laelkhunter]

I use the 168 TTSX in my 30/06. Half inch groups at 100 yards are the norm. Have taken two whitetails with them, both one shot kills. I have not used it on Elk (use my .340 Wby), but I do take it as a back-up with me to NM when I go. I would feel well armed using it for Elk and the rest of the animals you mention in your post.