Varget vs Ramshot TAC

[Wolfshead]

I’ve finally found what I believe is a good load for my Tikka T3X compact in .308 Win., using the Barnes 130 grain ttsx bullets.
It is with an upper load of TAC, and is traveling around 3160 fps at the muzzle.
Not bad for a 20” barrel.
I’ve shot a four shot group that will fit inside an inch at 200 yards, which I’m very satisfied with.
I’ve got to shoot it more down range to 200 and 300 yards but I think they’ll be ok for hunting.
I think I may have a load for Varget too, however I loose some velocity with Varget in the neighborhood of 150-200 fps.
My question is about temperature stability with the TAC.
Should I be concerned with temperature differences? I hunt in temps, which usually could be from 60-65 at the highest down to maybe 0 degrees.
I would really like to keep the muzzle velocity of the TAC.
If you’ve got experience with this I would love to hear from you!

 

[jimbires]

I think you're saying your long shot would be inside 300 yards . if that's true I would not worry about the ambient temp affecting velocity .

 

[RL338]

At what temperature did you develop this load. My hunting loads I like to be in the 50-60 degree range. The difference between you Varget and TAC load is a 100 yds in energy.
I run those 130s in my daughter’s 308 at 2900 fps and work well so your Varget one would be just fine.

 

[Wolfshead]

I think you're saying your long shot would be inside 300 yards . if that's true I would not worry about the ambient temp affecting velocity .

Yes shots would be 300 yds and in most likely.

At what temperature did you develop this load. My hunting loads I like to be in the 50-60 degree range. The difference between you Varget and TAC load is a 100 yds in energy.
I run those 130s in my daughter’s 308 at 2900 fps and work well so your Varget one would be just fine.

I believe the temperature was approximately 55-60 degrees.

I just really like the idea of them going fast so that they open well at the distances I shoot.
I’ve read some things that made me wonder about the temperature sensitivity.
I’m probably just over thinking this.
Thank you both!

 

[xphunter]

I’ve finally found what I believe is a good load for my Tikka T3X compact in .308 Win., using the Barnes 130 grain ttsx bullets.
It is with an upper load of TAC, and is traveling around 3160 fps at the muzzle.
Not bad for a 20” barrel.
I’ve shot a four shot group that will fit inside an inch at 200 yards, which I’m very satisfied with.
I’ve got to shoot it more down range to 200 and 300 yards but I think they’ll be ok for hunting.
I think I may have a load for Varget too, however I loose some velocity with Varget in the neighborhood of 150-200 fps.
My question is about temperature stability with the TAC.
Should I be concerned with temperature differences? I hunt in temps, which usually could be from 60-65 at the highest down to maybe 0 degrees.
I would really like to keep the muzzle velocity of the TAC.
If you’ve got experience with this I would love to hear from you!

Discover the changes for yourself!
Put some of your ammo in your freezer, and then chrono it, as this will give you hard data.
Also get your ammo heated to around 70 degrees, and chrono it.
What is the difference in drop with the velocity change with your TAC load once you know the two extremes?
Is there a accuracy change at the colder temps?
Recheck your Varget load to actually see how much difference there is.

Even if your Varget load is 150 fps slower, a deer is not going to know the difference at 300 yards.
You should get more hydrostatic shock at faster speeds, all things being the same, but your impact velocity's at either load are still going to be plenty high.
Once you discover the changes for yourself, then you will know for sure, and you will have fun doing the science in the process.

 

[JD338]

I don't think you will run into issues.
TAC works well in my 308 with the 130 TTSX.

JD338