Barnes ?


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Has anyone shot the newest Barnes bullet?

Last year I found a load with the TSX that my rifle really likes, and the on game performance was really good also. Just curious if the new bullet is better? Not sure if I want to change though. Why mess with a good thing.

I currently get 5/8" three shot groups at 100yds with the 180 TSX, and am getting around 3050fps.

Thanks for any info.

Matt

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Guest ronin

I shoot the 165 Gr Barnes MRX in my 300 RUM. It is extremely accurate but I have not tried it on game yet. The TSX is equally as accurate for me so really it is just the effect I will be looking for. I don't use any other bullet than the Barnes for hunting.

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I don't use any other bullet than the Barnes for hunting.

Same here.

Haven't tried the TSX yet. Won't need to until I deplete my inventory of XBT's and XLC-XBT's for my .308 (rifle & pistol), 30-378 Wby Mag, 300 Win Mag, and my son's 30-06. Depending on which one of those 30 cal. rifles I load for I have an inventory of everything from 140's on up to 180 gr. bullets. I also load the Barnes Original F.N. 300 gr. for my 45-70. ;)

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Guest ronin

I wish I didn't deplete my stock of XLC's...I liked those far more than the TSX primarily due to the extra velocity. My barrel stayed cleaner and my groups were always consistent. I usually stick to the 160-168 gr bullets....again for velocity. The 300 gr X bullet in my Marlin Guide Gun topped off with a Leupold Scout scope set-up is super deadly on hogs in the hill country around CA. Even if the XLC never come back, I am a Barnes customer...excellent product, excellent results.

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I wish I didn't deplete my stock of XLC's...I liked those far more than the TSX primarily due to the extra velocity. My barrel stayed cleaner and my groups were always consistent.

I still have a little over a couple of boxes of XLC's left but I share your feelings ronin. I'm loading them in my 30-378 Wby Mag mainly to cut down on fouling. I sure hate they discontinued them too but from my experience with any of their bullets, I'm a diehard Barnes customer. Consistent groups, clean, quick kills, great weight retention (on the few I've recovered), and minimal meat damage even from big magnum rounds. ;)

A friend of mine shoots Nosler Ballistic Tips with his .257 Roberts and tears up more meat than I do with my 30-378 shooting Barnes bullets. Nuff said. :D

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If I switched to the 165 TSX or the MRX how much velocity would I gain versus the 180 TSX? Is it worth messing with it?

I'm shooting a .300 H&H and with the 180's I'm nowhere near full capacity on the powder charge. So I could load the 165's to play around.

Last year was my first experience with Barnes bullets and I don't think I'll ever change unless they quit making bullets. Very satisfied.

Matt

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Using 70 gr of XMR 3100 and the MRX 180 gr you will have 101% case capacity and a mv of 2966 according to Barnes Manual#4.

Using the same powder at 71.5 gr and the 165 or 168 gr TSX you will get 3099. The recommended powder for this bullet is actually H4831SC but you mentioned case capacity.

From purely a velocity standpoint, RL19 seems to be the best at 3118 but it may not be the most accurate.

I always prefer velocity over larger bullet weight when using Barnes TSX. There is something about blazing speed and lighter bullet that is absolutely deadly. I can't say that with other bullets I've used primarily due to massive fragmentation.

Hope this helps...you ought to join the Barnes Copper club to get the most from their load data:

http://www.barnesbullets.net/clubs/copper-club/

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I haven't tried the MRX yet. I have started to monkey with the TSX in my 7-STW. It appears that, with the right powder charge, it's going to be a "ragged holer". Right now it tosses 2 into one hole and flies one a snad out. Could also be shooter error. But the TSX's seem to reduce my groups by over 50% compared to Nosler Accubonds.

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Strut

Wow! That is significant! I've found that the TSX tightens up everything I shoot but your results are huge. I'm hunting with my new 300WBY this year and am happy with my loads so far...they are not same hole groups, though. This gun was built in 1959 featuring a ported barrel and fully glass bedded mesquite wood stock. It is a beauty.

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Yep. Pretty significant. I was running just under an inch with the Nosler Accubangs. Didn't think that was too shabby. Then I tossed together a few TSX loads with some 7828 and started putting a couple through the same hole. I need to get a little trigger work done on that rifle and bear down with the TSX load development.

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I haven't shot any TSX before, but I just bought a 300 RSAUM and ordered some 130 grain TSX to shoot, I hope I can get a sub MOA group with these bullets. I have always shot Sierra bullets for deer and have never had a problem, but wanted a lighter 30 cal bullet and Barnes seemed the best choice for the gun.

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