I'm switching from Nosler 180gr. BT to Barnes 175gr LRX bullets. I'm concerned about the starting loads being compressed with the first two powders that I'm trying. H4831 and IMR 4350. I was also going to try IMR 4831 and Win. 760. Normally either of the first two powders would be fine with a Nosler 180 gr. I haven't tried the last two, but Win.760 maybe OK. The Barnes LRX is a fair bit longer and has to be seated deeper to stay within my min. oal. I have used compressed loads in the past at a max. load, although I had a unpleasant feeling about it and they were listed as compressed. The load information I'm using is from the Hodgdon site and the Modern Reloading second edition by Richard Lee. Both sources list 175gr. bullets but not the Barnes LRX specifically. neither one states that they are compressed. I feel like I'm stepping into the unknown/dangerous world. Barnes site has not been upgraded since 2010. I emailed them but never received a reply. I have to admit I think their service sucks... Anyone have any helpfully suggestions ?
Anyone reloaded Barnes 175gr LRX 300 Win. Mag. ???
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I have been testing the LRX in my 7mmstw rifles, and I found that I had to reduce the powder charge slightly compared to cup and core bullets of similar weight, and even compared to the TTSX. I am thinking that the reason, is that unlike the TTSX, the LRX has only two grooves in the shank to reduce the surface area.
The 30 cal LRX has 3 grooves and the TTSX has 4. http://www.barnesbullets.com/products/components/rifle/tsx-bullet/ I don't want to start down loading, I might as well have a 30-06 then. Although there is nothing wrong with a 30-06. They list their 180 TTSX as being 1.480 long and the LRX 1.476 Maybe I'll have to try the 180. gr TSX. That is 1.389, pretty close to the 180gr. Nosler BT. I have the Barnes #1 manual and nothing shows compressed charges. I don't understand this. Someone here must use the LRX 180gr. in a 300 Win. Mag.
I was using data from Hodgdon's on line site. They measure 3.340 and 69.0gr. IMR4350 which is slightly more than their starting loads. 3 different manuals state 3.340 maximum OAL. Sierra manual states 71.4 as their max. load. Richard Lee's Modern Reloading has 71gr. Max. 45th Lyman has 72.5gr max. Speer has 72gr. max. Nosler #3 has 70gr. max. with 180gr. BT which was my hunting load for quite a number of years. None of the manuals show that it was compressed. I have to wonder what rifle this LRX bullet is made for.
