I used to; but have found that if there's much copper in a barrel it probably likes being there. Take it out and you'll probably end up putting it back in before it'll shoot.
Barnes bullets
- Thread starter kevlar900rr
- Start date
I used to; but have found that if there's much copper in a barrel it probably likes being there. Take it out and you'll probably end up putting it back in before it'll shoot.
I do.
Barnes bullets work great in most cartridges, big or small. The ability to drop down in weight allowing for more velocity while still penetrating and performing like a "big" bullet is a real asset. Smaller cartridges like the .308 are great candidates for a Barnes bullet because of this. A 130gr TTSX will have the same penetration as a 180gr Nosler Partition, but you can launch the 130gr much faster and flatten out your trajectory somewhat more than the heavier bullets (until you get to longer ranges where BC is very important)
In a .308, You can push a 130gr or 150r TTSX to similar velocities as a 300 Winchester shoots a 180gr bullet. And the lighter TTSX will do what a heavier Partition will do. So what you get is big cartridge performance in the small .308 package. Pretty good deal, I think.
In a .308, You can push a 130gr or 150r TTSX to similar velocities as a 300 Winchester shoots a 180gr bullet. And the lighter TTSX will do what a heavier Partition will do. So what you get is big cartridge performance in the small .308 package. Pretty good deal, I think.
That's why they went to a tungsten knocker in some of their bullets. It reduced the length to a comparable c&c bullet.
- Location
- Calgary, AB
The Hornady GMX seems to be a very good alternative to the TSX/TTSX. Being gilded metal instead of copper, it should reduce fouling.
I have found that the GMX fouls at least as much as the TSX/TTSX. It may have something to do with the GMX having only two grooves in the shank.
- Location
- B.C. Interior
To be honest I did not go looking for Barnes bullets I found powder at one store so I wanted more bullets but stock on Hornady and Nosler was very poor.So I bought Barnes in my favorite grain. I have learned quite a lot about them from this thread though!
Ardent
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
I'm guessing you haven't shot many animals over a ton. The heavier TSXs act like an expanding solid, penetrate to absurd depths (I've only shot one animal that retained any), and also are deflected from their course through the animal less easily than lighter weights by bone. They have an important place in a hunter's selection of tools. For the deer hunter, you may have some form of a point, and certainly for those who enjoy bloodshot meat from high impact velocities. Where TSXs really shine is off this continent, Wood Bison being one exception to that, but there is no stupidity in choosing a 160 or 175gr TSX for your 7x57 and general Canadian hunting. You'll get less meat damage, wonderful penetration, and a highly effective bullet. Many of my rifles shoot the heavier weights better, anyhow, as I like 7x57s and .375 H&Hs, high SD cartridges.
Sheesh, that Sunray is such an idiot!
I'm shooting the 110 TTSX out of my 270. 3300 and pennies, and one ragged hole at 100 for 3 shots.
It is slightly longer than is the 130 Partition, and I have no doubt it will work very well on whatever I choose to shoot it at.
If I were the OP, I would be shooting the 130 TTSX in that 308.
Regards, Dave.
I'm shooting the 110 TTSX out of my 270. 3300 and pennies, and one ragged hole at 100 for 3 shots.
It is slightly longer than is the 130 Partition, and I have no doubt it will work very well on whatever I choose to shoot it at.
If I were the OP, I would be shooting the 130 TTSX in that 308.
Regards, Dave.
Eagleeye and I almost always agree.
+1 It's uncanny how often Eagleye and I share the same opinion.
BigUglyMan
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- New Scotland
And no mass which means it loses speed and momentum faster than a fat guy at a slot machine in Vegas. Fast and light is only sort of impressive until you take a step back.
Ardent
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Yep, especially on true big game. Light bullets, even monos, offer limited penetration compared to their heavier siblings. On deer, sheep, Caribou, even Elk not likely an issue. But get to big Moose, Bison, and off the continent and it becomes a real consideration. I load heavy for caliber even when loading Barnes.
...first Barnes were in a pair of Ruger #1 .375 H&H's...clover-leafed all day with the common printed data (270 gr.)...same on .308's and .243's...get yerself a chronography, watch for pressure signs, and you may need a drop tube...but the right powder will make all the difference...push Barnes to the max and they will astound you...
best
best
I'm sure you have a ton more experience than me but I will not be using data for a different bullet based on my experience. When I first got my 280AI I used data from Nosler for 150g and it called for quite a bit more powder than what I later discovered Barnes 150g called for on Hogdon's site. My Barnes manual just didn't have reloading data for the 280AI.
With the Nosler data the starting load was just about the max load that I later found for the same weight Barnes bullet. I wasn't too far into load testing before I had extrator marks and blew one primer off. The good news is now I really know what too much pressure looks like.
At the very least, for newish guys like me, we are better off sticking to load data for the actual bullets you have. Just my $0.02.
BigUglyMan
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- New Scotland
Sounds like the original Barnes X, not the groovy ones. Nosler data is generally lower than others due to the extra pressure they generate thanks to the partition.
C+C bullets contain lead, homogenous do not. There is enough research showing higher lead concentrations in those who eat game meat which is a potential health hazard. I use 150gr GMX in my .308 and 300 Savage; 300gr TTSX in my .375. I get way more copper fouling in my Winchester 70 in .375 than in my Tikka or 760.
