Anyone here have any experience with Barnes LRX bullets ? I shoot a 300 WinMag. and 308 Win. I'm planning to try either or most likely both the Barnes LRX 175 gr. or the Nosler 180 gr E-Tip. I'm leaning towards the Barnes bullet because of it's high .508 BC. My main concern is copper fouling with the Barnes bullets advertised as 100% copper. The Nosler bullet is supposed to be made from guilding metal so I would think less prone to copper fouling. What do you guy's think ?
Barnes LRX Bullets
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I haven't used the LRX yet, but I have used the TSX/TTSX /MRX extensively, and I haven't had any issues with copper fouling, with any of them. The grooves in the bullet shank seem to do a great job of minimizing copper fouling, and reducing chamber pressures. On the other hand the E-Tip has no grooves in the shank, and it seems to produce higher chamber pressures than other types of bullets.
Thanks, Good to know. I've been reloading quite a few years now but am certainly no expert. At less I haven't blown anything up yet. I'll have to get the latest Barnes manual, I guess it's the #4 but one thing I'm puzzzled by is the load data. Barnes lists the 180 gr using IMR4831 which is the same powder I've been using for a long time with the 180 gr. Nosler BT. The online manual lists under 300 WinMag. 180 gr 71gr IMR4831 = 2995 fps. yet the 168gr bullet with 73gr of the same powder = 3140 fps. Thing I don't understand is using more powder with a lighter bullet. Seem's like it should be the other way around.
Each cartridge is designed to operate within a specified chamber pressure limit. You can find SAAMI charts online that list those pressures for most cartridges. If you reduce the bullet weight, but use the same type of bullet, with the same powder charge, the chamber pressure normally drops off. Therefore you increase the powder charge to bring the chamber pressure back up to it's normal range. But if you change the bullet construction, say to the E-Tip, it is more difficult for the lands to engrave the bullet shank, which drives the chamber pressure up. Now if you cut grooves in the shank of the bullet, as in the case of the TTSX, there is less surface area for the lands to engrave, and the chamber pressure will be lower than with the E-Tip.
Thanks, That's a great explanation guy's. This might be a tough question, but would anyone suggest a load for the 300 WinMag shooting the Barnes LRX 175 gr bullet ? It seems to be so new there isn't any load info yet that I have been able to find. It's only 5 gr less than the 180 gr Nosler BT. I'm thinking with the different bullet design and 5 gr less than the 180 Nosler BT maybe 72-73 gr IMR4831 I know it would be wise to work up slowly, but it would be nice to know where to start and stop. The online manual states 300 WinMag. 180 gr 71gr IMR4831 = 2995 fps. I have been using 70 gr. IMR4831 with the Nosler 180 gr BT. That load was magic in my rifle. 3/4" MOA on one of my good day's
There is a "sticky" just three lines above your entry.
It is for barnes bullets.
Your bullet is 5 grains lighter that their 180.
Use the 180 grain loads.
Someone on the hunting sight (I think) used one at under 100 yards.
It is for barnes bullets.
Your bullet is 5 grains lighter that their 180.
Use the 180 grain loads.
Someone on the hunting sight (I think) used one at under 100 yards.
Thanks, that makes sense, I have been using 70 gr. IMR 4831 So I think I'll start there and work up a couple gr. I think I'll email Barnes and see if they make any sugestions. Thanks again.
