160 Grns Barnes TSX bullets on game

[12Gauge]

Has anyone ever use Barnes TSX bullets for elk, deer, or any big game?  If so, how did the bullet perform and how about meat damage?

I am planning on using a 160 grn TSX bullet on elk out of a 7X57 mauser, with 45.5 grns of IMR 4831 it should push about 2440 fps.  Your thoughts?

[MHWASH]

I have been using the 140TSX in my 7 mag.  Shot one cow elk and a deer with it. In my opinion you would not be gaining much going with the 160. The 140 will give you a little better trajectory.

[bobcat]

With the Barnes tsx I would prefer to go with a lighter bullet than if I were shooting a conventional bullet, as they do need some velocity to reliably open up. Starting out at only 2400 fps is just too slow. In a 7mm Mag. the 160 would be a good choice, but in the 7x57 I would definitely go with the 140 grain bullet. With them being 100% copper they do not come apart like other bullets, so the lighter weight bullet will do just fine. With that combination, you will do great. I have used 140 grain Barnes bullets out of my 270 Win. for a few elk and they are great. Won't ever use anything else. Meat damage? There won't be any, so no need to worry about that.

[12Gauge]

Sounds like I should go with the 140 grain bullets.  Great recommendation guys, thanks.

[Gutpile]

Barnes used to recommend shooting "light for caliber" bullets.

.308 - 30-06 the norm for deer is 150 grains. They recommend 130 grains
.270  normally a 130 grainers but barnes says 110 grns.

And so on. I say "used to" because that was in the old reloading book, but I'm all but positive they havent changed there recomendation.

I just worked up a 130 grain load for my 30-06 and it's a sizzler. Can't wait to use it on a deer.

[jeepasaurusrex]

.270win  loaded with 130gr Barnes TSX into 3/4" plate steel. (gold color hole)

[12Gauge]

It seems to be penetrating about 1/2 inch or so.  Wow!, I like the two eye balls.

[jeepasaurusrex]

Of the two shots in the upper right, the left one came within 1/8" of punching all the way through. 

[12Gauge]

I got 10 rounds of the 160 grains loaded up. I will shoot/test them this coming weekend for pressure, accuracy and penetration; at Fort Lewis rifle range there is a steel plate out at three hundred yards.  I also have 140 grains on order from MidwayUSA, these bullets are spendy, but I think it is worth it.

[Intruder]

I've used the TSX for several years and have been extremely impressed with there performance.  I think very highly of them..... their weight retention and increased speeds make them very good choice.  I think going 140 would be a good choice because of increased velocity.

As far as opening up.... I can't speak to what it really takes but I have heard that Barnes has change the alloy mix to make them open easier.  That being said I think a 140 going faster may still a better choice. 

[Curly]

I seem to remember reading (a while back, they may have changed them by now) that they are designed to reliably open at velocities above 1600 fps.  I also agree that 140's will likely be better.

(I really like the 168 gr TSX in my 300 Win mag.)

[Intruder]

(I really like the 168 gr TSX in my 300 Win mag.)

That's what I shoot in my 300.  I wouldn't hestitate for a minute to shoot anything in N. America (brown bear included) or any Africa plains game w/ that load. 

[PST]

I just bought the 160 grain for my 7mm this year.  They shot great at the range, very tight group.  Haven't put one on a bear yet.  But so far so good! 

[wrangler]

iv had trouble getting the barnes bullets, including the tsx's to group well out of my .280. i know others have some difficulty as well. they also tend to fowl the barrel real bad, besure you give it a good scrubbin after you shoot. take a look at accubonds or swift sirocco's if you have accuracy problems. a good bullet but imho the price of the tsx's are not justified. 

[Intruder]

iv had trouble getting the barnes bullets, including the tsx's to group well out of my .280. i know others have some difficulty as well. they also tend to fowl the barrel real bad, besure you give it a good scrubbin after you shoot. take a look at accubonds or swift sirocco's if you have accuracy problems. a good bullet but imho the price of the tsx's are not justified. 

Those are 2 great alternatives as are the interbond, bearclaw, and A-frame.  The big advantage that I've experienced w/ the TSX is I'm able to shoot em about 200 fps faster and they have tremendous weight retention.  That being said you can't go wrong with any of the bullets you mentioned.