168 or 180gr bullets

[genecole]

I am looking for some help in deciding which size bullet to use in my 300 win mag for hunting. I have always shot 180s but i recently bought an encore and the recoil is pretty bad. I am looking at either the 168 or 180 Barnes XLC bullets the BC's are .476(168) and .552(180). I will mostly be hunting deer and hogs in texas. I am going ot south texas this year and want a flat shooting load. What would yo guys recommend. My barrel is a 26 inch heavy with i believe a 1-10 twist.

 

[rukidnme]

I would skip the XLC and go to the 168 grain triple shocks. You will probably have better luck with them accuracy wise.

I can load them safely (max load) to 3400fps in my 26" 300 win mag using I4831 powder and groups are consistently under 1/2" for 3 shots.

With the weight retention of the Barnes bullets you do not need a 180 grain bullet for hunting, 168 will be plenty.

 

[kmassaro]

Heck, you're shooting Texas deer, not elk and moose. You could even drop to 150s if you so choose.

We use 150/30-06 here on elk and they do fine. Double lung hits, and get out the skinning knives.

 

[genecole]

Where can i find loading data for the 168TSX, the only thing i can find is for the 168XLC.