TSX bullet seating question

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sure as shootin

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My plan this year is to hunt exclusively with TSX or TTSX bullets. Last night I used an O.A.L. to get the exact measurement to my lands. Barnes recommends you seat these bullets 0.050 off the lands. Maybe I have a long throat in my Sako .308, but after doing the math it appears that if I want to use 130 gr bullets (shorter than most of the Barnes .308 lineup in comparison) in that rifle, in order to seat the bullet far enough (safely) into the case, my jump to the lands will be more than 100 thousandths. Too much??

With the 150 gr., in order to be 50 thous. from the lands I'll have one of the three grooves on the bullet fully exposed. That being said, it's a longer bodied bullet than the 130 gr. so it looks like a fair amount will be seated into the case. See photo. I darkened up the end of the case with a sharpie so you could see it better.



So I'm wondering,,,,you guys who load TSX,,,,, do your bullets show any of the grooves in order to meet the suggested C.O.A.L. of 0.050 off the lands?
 
Try, you'll likely be pleasantly surprised. Main reason for seating solid copper bullets deeper is to allow the bullet to get a bit of a 'run up' and thereby allow engraving. Normal lead core can obturate enough that pressure spikes won't occur. Solid copper is just that much harder that dangerous pressure levels can be reached before the bullet starts to move down the barrel.
 
I load TSX and TTSX exclusively for hunting and everything I load for still shows the grooves. It's normal.
 
Barnes themselves tell you the grooves don't need to be taken into account when you determine your OAL. Put it where you want it based on your lands, and follow normal procedures.
 
datoews said:
Barnes themselves tell you the grooves don't need to be taken into account when you determine your OAL. Put it where you want it based on your lands, and follow normal procedures.
Click to expand...

The Barnes loading data suggests you may want to lightly crimp the 130 gr. 308 bullets because they're on the shorter side. Those people who shoot these particular bullets,,,do you crimp or not?
 
I am shooting the Barnes 130 gr TTSX in one of my 308 Norma Magnums. [3500 fps+]

I do not crimp, and the groups in this rifle are spectacular. Have not killed anything with
them yet, but suspect the results will be decisive, lol. Dave.
 
Eagleye said:
I am shooting the Barnes 130 gr TTSX in one of my 308 Norma Magnums. [3500 fps+]

I do not crimp, and the groups in this rifle are spectacular. Have not killed anything with
them yet, but suspect the results will be decisive, lol. Dave.
Click to expand...

Just out of curiousity what is your trimmed case length before seating the bullets for your rifle and what would your C.O.A.L. be with the completed rounds. I'm wondering how much different they'd be than a standard .308 Win?
 
sure as shootin said:
Just out of curiousity what is your trimmed case length before seating the bullets for your rifle and what would your C.O.A.L. be with the completed rounds. I'm wondering how much different they'd be than a standard .308 Win?
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My Trimmed case length is 2.550" and the C.O.L. is 3.345" The first groove is fully visible, as is over ½ of the land below that groove.

The seated bullet looks much like the picture you posted, except it is a TTSX, not a TSX.

Regards, Dave
 
As said you dont need to consider the grooves when seating. I have had to jump them over .1" in one rifle as well to fit into the mag. It wasnt an issue in that rifle. Most of mine are all seated .04-.075" off the lands. Try it at .1 you may be fine. I have used the 130 in a wsm and a rum with no crimp and had no issues.
 
Kevan said:
I had some on hand, could've shown you last night..
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I never think of things until much later, Kevan. LOL I did get a hold of the Barnes Rep (Ty) today and he suggested with the 130 gr TSX that I don't expose the final groove and to lightly crimp it and that at least 2/3 of calibre should be seated into the case (approx. 0.202''),,,,, so now I'm a little at odds what I should do. I'm thinking I'll try a few uncrimped. I guess if I can't budge the uncrimped ones by pushing on them I'm good to go?? If I can move the bullet with some force, then I'll lightly crimp them. Being that they don't have the plastic tip like the TTSX I shouldn't do any damage to the tip of the bullet, I suspect.

Another thing I'll ask about is,,,, when using varget, which is the powder that has been tested to be the best of any of the powders when using the 130 gr. bullet according to the Barnes loading data, the min. load has you starting at 96% (47.5 gr.) and the max. has you at 106% (52 gr.). Sounds like some of these loads are going to be compressed. Is that anything to worry about? I'm thinking about stopping at 50 gr. but that will still put me above 100%
 
I like the TSX bullets. They do tend to foul a bit more than regular jacketed projectiles though. As mentioned, load them out as far as your neck will hold them straight.

Just an addendum, I tried using RED ROOSTER cast bullet lube in the grooves to try to hold down the fouling. There was no noticeable difference in either the amount of fouling or velocities. It didn't help to tighten up the groups either.
 
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