308..Barnes TSX, Nosler Partition

[Buckfever]

150 yards or less treestand hunting in Canada.  Deer up to 300lbs.  I thought I might go with a 150gr. Barnes TSX.  Do I need to use a bigger bullet or a different type?  I thought the 150gr. Barnes TSX would drive through bone if I caught a shoulder, and with a 150gr open up a little better at <100yds.  Please give me some help here I would like to base my choice on actual experience but I don't have any with this caliber or bullet type (BarnesTSX). The ammunition is for a Tikka Whitetail Hunter 308. Thanks  very much for the help.  Buckfever

[Patriot_1776]

As for myself, I would probably decide around something like a 165gr. TSX for any possible (and unexpected) circumstances; kind of a good measure to have the little extra weight.  I don't have any hunting experience (sorry!), but my mind wants to tell me stick with the 165gr TSX as the lightest for all around hunting purposes (all deer, med-long range on elk).  I would move up to 180gr. TSX for long-range elk to medium or long-range moose.  But to answer your question directly, the 150gr. TSX would be excellent for animals such as pronghorn and deer---even up to 300 lbs.  I have to say, the accuracy and penetration achievable with the TSX makes it one of the best bullet choices out there.

 
-Patriot

[Jaydub in Wi]

You should have good results with the 150 gr tsx from your 308. I've taken 4 whitetails with 6.5 mm  120 gr x bullets and 1 with a 30 165gr. deep penetration with plenty of internal damage with all of them. A 300 lb deer is still a deer. Deer don't have thick hides like elk or bear so I don't think you need a heavier bullet either. Work up a load and put the tsx where it needs to go. You'll have meat on the pole. good luck.

[Mark whiz]

The TSX bullets are great for what you want to do.  I used the 165s on 2 hogs last year and they performed excellently.  I have no doubt the 150's will work on deer at the range you mention.  Personally, I just like the bigger bullet as I always like the odds in my favor. I would be confident though with either weight - just work up whichever you are more comfortable with.

[Chainsaw]

I load the 130 Barnes XBT for my buddies .308 Savage 11F. He hunts in Canada and has taken those big whitetails out to 405M. He says that is all he needs for whitetail.

This round is loaded to 3050fps with BLC-2 propellant in an RP case with WLR primers............Chainsaw

[Buckfever]

Thank you for the field information.  This was just what I needed to get some confidence in leaving the 180gr. to 165gr. Nosler Partitions.

Thanks again,   Buckfever