30-378 Load Suggestions: 180 gr and 200 gr TTSX and 180 gr E-Tip

[TX mountain hunter]

I just got a 30-378 and am trying to find the right load. Unfortunately, I'm in a state full of liberals that have banned the use of lead, so my options are rather limited. I'm curious if anyone has any load information on the following.

Looking at the B.C.'s, I've narrowed it down to the Barnes 180 Grain and 200 Grain Tipped Triple Sock (TTSX) and the Nosler 180 grain E-Tip. The powder I currently have to work with is Retumbo, but if anytone has a load with something better that is getting excellent groups, I would be willing to try it out.

I'm new to reloading (have some friends that have done it a while), and would like all the advice I can get here. I have the Leupold CDS scope with the dial system so would like to find the most accurate load for the gun prior to getting a new dial. I'm looking for something with consistant groupings and limited fps variance. If I get two loads are similar, then I will look at drop and energy.

My rifle is 26" to where the break starts, with a 1 and 10" twist.

Thanks in advance! gun)

 

[RockyMtnMT]

I just got a 30-378 and am trying to find the right load. Unfortunately, I'm in a state full of liberals that have banned the use of lead, so my options are rather limited. I'm curious if anyone has any load information on the following.

Looking at the B.C.'s, I've narrowed it down to the Barnes 180 Grain and 200 Grain Tipped Triple Sock (TTSX) and the Nosler 180 grain E-Tip. The powder I currently have to work with is Retumbo, but if anytone has a load with something better that is getting excellent groups, I would be willing to try it out.

I'm new to reloading (have some friends that have done it a while), and would like all the advice I can get here. I have the Leupold CDS scope with the dial system so would like to find the most accurate load for the gun prior to getting a new dial. I'm looking for something with consistant groupings and limited fps variance. If I get two loads are similar, then I will look at drop and energy.

My rifle is 26" to where the break starts, with a 1 and 10" twist.

Thanks in advance! gun)

The 180g E-Tip is a very good bullet in my opinion.

Here is a load that I ran in a Weatherby Mark V.

Weatherby brass
2.902 case length
3.813 oal
Federal large mag primers
108g Retumbo
3332 fps

I started at 105g and worked up and settled back down to the 108g. This oal was set to the magazine. Assuming that you will also have plenty of free bore, set to the magazine should work well for you as well. Be careful.

This grouped .5 moa at 700yrds.

Steve

 

[TX mountain hunter]

Thanks for the load Steve. Sounds like its one I need to try. I will be ordering some E-Tips this weekend. Can I ask what kind of results you're seeing on long range hits on big game (good expansion, etc.).

 

[RockyMtnMT]

Thanks for the load Steve. Sounds like its one I need to try. I will be ordering some E-Tips this weekend. Can I ask what kind of results you're seeing on long range hits on big game (good expansion, etc.).

I used the E-tip for one season and did not have any long range shots that year. Nosler is a reliable company and I trust them to do as advertised down to 1800fps. I did shoot them on steel to a 1000yrds and they shot very well.

My buddy shot them out of his 300 rum and shot a bull at about 400yrds and they performed very well.

Sorry for not having first hand long range experience.

Steve

 

[TX mountain hunter]

Thanks again Steve... Is anyone shooting the 180 or 200 grain TTSX yet? Loads?

 

[rdsewell]

I shoot the 180gr. ttsx in my 30-378
120 grs. 50 BMG
Fed 215 GM primers
10ths off lands
3300 fps.
shoots one ragged hole. Hope this will point you in the right direction.

 

[Long Time Long Ranger]

I have got better accuracy with the Barnes ttsx than the etips. If you can get good accuracy with the etips I think the performance wil be good. I had good success with the 150 etip in a 300 wsm. Fast and a .469 BC shot very well. I could not get that bullet to shoot accurately in the others I tried it in.

 

[TX mountain hunter]

Thanks for the loads and tips... I just picked up the E-Tips and am waiting for the TTSX's to come in. Anyone know where to start with the 200 grain TTSX's? Also, I just picked up some Remington Large Mag primers (the local shop was out of the Federal). I'm wondering if the difference in brands will make much of a difference? Has anyone seen proof of this changing their groups?

Thanks again.

 

[TX mountain hunter]

The 180g E-Tip is a very good bullet in my opinion.

Here is a load that I ran in a Weatherby Mark V.

Weatherby brass
2.902 case length
3.813 oal
Federal large mag primers
108g Retumbo
3332 fps

I started at 105g and worked up and settled back down to the 108g. This oal was set to the magazine. Assuming that you will also have plenty of free bore, set to the magazine should work well for you as well. Be careful.

This grouped .5 moa at 700yrds.

Steve

Steve, Just wondering what barrel you're working with here. I'm wondering if my 26" barrel (1 and 10" twist) will be long enough to burn something as slow as Retumbo...

 

[ICANHITHIMMAN]

Why dont you consider some custom bullets there are alot of all copper bullets out there.

 

[TX mountain hunter]

Why dont you consider some custom bullets there are alot of all copper bullets out there.

For multiple reasons.. The main one is because I'm planning on getting into reloading for the next 30-50 years as it is something that is something I'm growing very interested in. I figure I might as well start sooner than later as I'm 25 years old. The next is that in the long run, it should pay itself out and eventually save some money. I enjoy the idea of being able to test a large number of load combinations to learn what will work best for my setup. Hopefully one day I will be able to punch those targets on out to 1000 yards..