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Hornady Eldm 225gr from a .308

BallisticPrimate

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Feb 11, 2017
656
701
Looking at the '.223 /.308 aren't dead' thread had me playing around with numbers on my ballistic app.

Now I'm wondering how fast a fast twist .308 20-22 inch barrel could push a 225gr Eldm? Assuming AI mag length constraints of approx 2.86 oal.

Even very modest velocities (2300-2500fps) produce fairly stunning ballistics

Anyone here messed with the heavies (not including Warner Tool stuff) from a .308

Would an 8 twist barrel be overdoing it?
 
I tried 208 Eld's in my 20.5" .308. I think I only went up to around 44 or 45 grains of Rl17 and netted me 2400 fps or slightly less from what I recall. I think the biggest constraint was running them mag length and having the shorter barrel but I might revisit it again with Rl16 and do a more in-depth work up just for shiggles.

For the 225's a 9 twist fully stabilizes it at sea level (per JBM) but I think running it mag length in a short action with a barrel 22" or less would severely limit the possiblities and it may not prove worth while. I think 2200 or 2300 fps may be a reasonable guess if you push it.

I'd run those numbers against the 185 Hybrid @ 2700fps being that its a realistic and known velocity from the shorter barrels using 2000mr and see which works best.
 
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HSM makes a hunting load with a 210 vld @ 2500 fps. If you found hand loaf with the match vld you will beat the federal gold 185 berger @ 2600. The 210 at that speed is supersonic to about 1285yd @ 29.93 Hg