Barnes TSX or Nosler Partitions

Twisted Canuck

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Just wondering what you use, and your results. I'm setting up my new 7mm.08, going to be shooting 140 gr and can't decide between the Federal Premium TSX or Nosler....I've had good luck with Nosler in my .308, never tried TSX, but have heard good things about them. Going to be my all purpose game getter. Thought I'd also try Winchester 140 gr Silvertips for coyote, just for the heck of it. Never used those either, but heard they will do a righteous job on critters that you don't plan on eating.....I'll post up some pics of the new rig tomorrow, just got it bore sighted today and want to take it out shooting next weekend maybe....Since a few on this forum had a say in the calibre and the optics I got, thought you might like to see it.
 
I've been loading and shooting Partitions for better than 30 years. Never failed me.
However, the Barnes copper bullets do look pretty impressive...
For the 'yotes and such, you might want to try a lighter bullet, because it's not like you'll be able to switch back-and-forth from the 'premium' load to the 'varmint' load with the same point of aim.
(at least it's not very likely)
 
Hmmm, well that's kinda why I wanted to stick with the 140 for both, figured my point of aim would remain pretty much unchanged between the two....although I won't know for sure till I put a few rounds on paper. Should I expect the Fed premiums to have a significantly different POA than the Silvertips? Same weight, similar velocity......for clarity sake, I grabbed a box of the Winchester Supreme Ballistic Tip Silvertips....also a premium.
 
I have used both. I'd also choose the more accurate bullet for the particular rifle. I have had NP's separate (they still did thier job very well). Any TSX I found was darn close to 100% retention. I prefer the TSX if they shoot well in the gun. I like the small holes on capes I intend to keep.
 
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personally I'd shoot 140gr Federal Fusions @ $30/box. No way I'd be spending $50+ on a box of TSX or Nosler Partitions
 
If both bullets prove to be reasonably accurate from your rifle, choose the one that best represents your idea of how a bullet should perform on the game you hunt. I have developed some pretty strong opinions about bullet performance on game, but my situation is not yours. Both of these bullets answer the question in a satisfactory fashion, but answer it in different ways. The Partition will quite probably create a wound channel with a larger diameter, the TSX will probably provide deeper penetration. However, wide sweeping, general statements like this are almost impossible to qualify as both bullets create a large enough wound volume to humanely kill game and both can penetrate well enough to exit a game animal. In all fairness though, a 140 gr TSX should be compared to a 160 gr lead core bullet, where its velocity advantage flattens trajectory over normal hunting ranges without compromising terminal performance. The Partition is never a poor choice though, and for you might prove to be a better bullet for general use where a chance shot at coyotes is often available.
 
Well, I looked at the Barnes Website last night, and looked at some of their hi speed video of the TSX going into gel. Pretty impressive stuff, worth a look if you haven't seen it. I'm going to try a box of those and see how they shoot with my rig.

Boomer, good points you make. I hadn't realized that the 140 TSX is comparable to a 160 gr leadcore....but like the idea of it, as I may go looking for elk with this rifle and want that kind of penetration/energy.

TodB, regarding cost of premium ammo... The price of the premiums is kinda harsh, but I get them for $46 here....still a lot, but the Fusions may not have what I want for the shooting I plan on doing. Saving a dollar a round on ammo won't seem like much of a savings if it compromises a game shot that's important to me....I always tended to buy the least expensive ammo, and also arrows for archery. Then when I started shooting the good stuff, and actually saw the improvement in performance, it changed my mind.

If I want to plink cheap, that's what the .22 is for, and I've got 4 rimfires to play with so I know....

Now all I have to do is figure out how to post pics of the 700.....
 
In the last edition of Outdoor Edge, T.J. SCHWANKY writes an article "Getting the Lead Out". I have used copper bullets in the past as I hate getting lead fragments in my meat. However, I have little control over the meatcutter to insure mine is ground first thing in the morning. No problem this year as everything is in cuts of stew. As to the performance of Barnes over Nosler Partitions, bot works. Winchester now has a XP3 which is gilding metal in the front, and a lead core in the rear. BARNES MRX is similar to the XP3.
 
Before the mighty TSX and Nosler Particle craze, I used Speer Spitzer boattails with huge success. Might even go back to them.
 
TodB, regarding cost of premium ammo... The price of the premiums is kinda harsh, but I get them for $46 here....still a lot, but the Fusions may not have what I want for the shooting I plan on doing. Saving a dollar a round on ammo won't seem like much of a savings if it compromises a game shot that's important to me....I always tended to buy the least expensive ammo, and also arrows for archery. Then when I started shooting the good stuff, and actually saw the improvement in performance, it changed my mind.

If I want to plink cheap, that's what the .22 is for, and I've got 4 rimfires to play with so I know....

Now all I have to do is figure out how to post pics of the 700.....

Yes Tod, you should really try the new premium bullets that are out there.;)
 
Well, let's see if I can figure out how to load images today....:D

This is my Remington 700 CDL, Boone & Crockett edition in 7mm.08. Fluted barrel with jewelled bolt. In an earlier thread you all helped me pick between .25-06 and the 7mm.08, and after much debate I decided to go with the .25-06, and then went and bought this....:D

Then another thread, you helped me choose which of my scopes to put on it, the Bushnell Elite 3-9 x 40, or the B&L Elite 4-16 x 50mm.....so I went and bought a Leupold VX-3 in 3.5-10 x 40, with the Boone & Crockett reticle....:D

I'm the kinda guy that, once he's made up his mind, he hasn't.

But without further ado, my new thunder stick.


errrr....ok, apparently I don't know how to load images from photobucket.....how about this?

http://s973.photobucket.com/albums/ae214/twisted_canuck/
 
You're in danger of ending up like me I'm afraid, LOL!
I'm working on finding the right bullet choice for my 300wsm and so far I have a box of Nosler CTs, a box of Sierra Gamekings HP, and another of the same in a spitzer! Barnes TSX was on my radar briefly along with the partitions too, but in the end price became my determining factor. I'm convinced I can make it work with the Sierra offerings now... I think. Then again, I got my hands on some old Norma bullets that I'm dying to try out too!
It's utter insanity I swear! I know there are lots of people out there who pick a bullet and stick to it forever, but I'm afraid I just can't help but tinker, even when something works I have to tinker.

I need serious help.
 
nosler

I load nosler accubonds 140gr in my 7mm mauser. The deer I shot at 100 ish yards had the bullet go through his shoulder and two ribbs across the chest and out through two ribbs. The bullet was not recovered, I was using a nosler load from the reloading book. I find that the nosler accubond are a great bullet I also shoot barnes tsx in 160gr for larger game.
 
Nice rifle, I have one just like it, see my pics below :D



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Those Boone and Crockett scopes work quite well when paired up with appropriate bullet and muzzle velocity. Awful if the power selector ring is on the wrong setting!
 
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