168 ELD-M alternative

Hi team

Having a bit of a first world problem, I'm almost out of 168 grain ELD-M bullets for my 308 and I'm trying to decide between 178 grain ELD-M and 155 grain ELD-M to potentially replace the 168 as I don't know when I'll be able to get any more.

The rifle is a howa 1500 with 20 inch 1 in 10 twist. I have done preliminary load development with the 155 which showed promise and I haven't had a chance to shoot the 178 yet.

I have powders 2206h, IMR 4064, IMR 4895.

It's a hunting rifle but I get out and shoot tings far away fairly often as well.

Can't decide which way to go,

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Originally Posted by Rated M for Magnum

Hi team

Having a bit of a first world problem, I'm almost out of 168 grain ELD-M bullets for my 308 and I'm trying to decide between 178 grain ELD-M and 155 grain ELD-M to potentially replace the 168 as I don't know when I'll be able to get any more.

The rifle is a howa 1500 with 20 inch 1 in 10 twist. I have done preliminary load development with the 155 which showed promise and I haven't had a chance to shoot the 178 yet.

I have powders 2206h, IMR 4064, IMR 4895.

It's a hunting rifle but I get out and shoot tings far away fairly often as well.

Can't decide which way to go,

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I'm hearing ya but those 168eldm are hard to beat.


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I know that's probably one reason why it's so hard lol from what I've been reading I won't be far behind on speed with the 178 but I could really get the 155 humming.

I'm currently pushing the 168 at 2620 with bug hole groups and I'm pretty sure I could get the same accuracy with the 155 and a little less recoil maybe?

The 155 would still kill a red up close?

I was using the 155's in my 30-284 at 3220 fps and they were at that speed a bit explosive at 31 yards but still killed . and at a 110 yard red stag they did the business very well . I cant see any problems using them .

The 168 NBT is a very good bullet.

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Originally Posted by Tahr

The 168 NBT is a very good bullet.

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With more reliable terminal performance than the Hornadys due to its solid copper boat tail, and the Noslers shorter ogive allows mag fit loads when mag room is limited

https://thediplomat.com/2020/04/how-...its-own-image/

Interesting read. There's a hope the un will discredit themselves

I have 500 168 amax for sale on here

168 LRABs?

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Originally Posted by robhughes-games

I have 500 168 amax for sale on here

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Be worth 2x retail soon :x_x:

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Originally Posted by dannyb

Be worth 2x retail soon :x_x:

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maybe i should double the price!!

or jump to a similar weight in another brand,
I see a number of 162-168gr bullet advertised locally, Berger, classic hunter, & target, Plus Speer & Sierra,
Z

Lots choices in 160gr class, I would be inclined to stay there, if your rifle shoots 168 well, try 160gr Speer BT, or hot core or 162 gr Hornady SST or BT soft point, I would be inclined, to get a few samples, and load with your regular 168gr load, and see if point of impact, is close enough for hunting, keep the last few 168gr for long shots, until you can find more.

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Originally Posted by Rated M for Magnum

I know that's probably one reason why it's so hard lol from what I've been reading I won't be far behind on speed with the 178 but I could really get the 155 humming.

I'm currently pushing the 168 at 2620 with bug hole groups and I'm pretty sure I could get the same accuracy with the 155 and a little less recoil maybe?

The 155 would still kill a red up close?

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shot a few deer in the 300yd range with 155 amax, they died.

Either. If your shooting up close often I'd go the 178. Less likely to have a blow up at the lower speed

Just use 168 Amax, plenty around and no need to develop a new load. KISS.

Yes plenty of options, I was too slow to decide and can't find any of the 178s now so I've just got a sample pack of 175 tmks because I've always wanted to try them.

I also got a sample pack of 220 eldx because, well I wanted to try them too ha ha.

175tmks will be a much better option

There are a couple of boxes of ELD M 168 gr 30 cal in Hamills Tauranga if your interested , he will post. 07 5780995

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Originally Posted by Mooseman

There are a couple of boxes of ELD M 168 gr 30 cal in Hamills Tauranga if your interested , he will post. 07 5780995

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Good old Hamills, I'll get in touch with them.

Thanks for all your input, I'll try out the 175 tmks I got a sample of and post how I get on.

I'll throw it out there, the 168 vld is bloody good too.

Don't forget the humble 175 SMK either!

If a .308W does not shoot this bullet loaded pretty hot with a match primer to 2.8" COAL, then it's not a good rifle.

Was at Hamils today, they have 1 box left

They had two yesterday .....going quickly.