Hunting Washington Forum

Equipment & Gear => Guns and Ammo => Topic started by: 12Gauge on September 04, 2008, 08:17:43 AM

Title: 160 Grns Barnes TSX bullets on game
Post by: 12Gauge on September 04, 2008, 08:17:43 AM: 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?
Title: Re: 160 Grns Barnes TSX bullets on game
Post by: MHWASH on September 04, 2008, 08:40:36 AM: 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.
Title: Re: 160 Grns Barnes TSX bullets on game
Post by: bobcat on September 06, 2008, 08:31:10 AM: 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.
Title: Re: 160 Grns Barnes TSX bullets on game
Post by: 12Gauge on September 06, 2008, 09:54:49 AM: Sounds like I should go with the 140 grain bullets. Great recommendation guys, thanks.
Title: Re: 160 Grns Barnes TSX bullets on game
Post by: Gutpile on September 06, 2008, 07:32:58 PM: 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.
Title: Re: 160 Grns Barnes TSX bullets on game
Post by: jeepasaurusrex on September 06, 2008, 08:05:41 PM: .270win loaded with 130gr Barnes TSX into 3/4" plate steel. (gold color hole)
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm4.static.flickr.com%2F3167%2F2746324207_e69c95f32f_b.jpg&hash=1a27bae01d31348550cb9df2ba69432cd6eb04be)
Title: Re: 160 Grns Barnes TSX bullets on game
Post by: 12Gauge on September 07, 2008, 09:18:23 AM: It seems to be penetrating about 1/2 inch or so. Wow!, I like the two eye balls.
Title: Re: 160 Grns Barnes TSX bullets on game
Post by: jeepasaurusrex on September 08, 2008, 01:22:36 PM: Of the two shots in the upper right, the left one came within 1/8" of punching all the way through. 8)
Title: Re: 160 Grns Barnes TSX bullets on game
Post by: 12Gauge on September 11, 2008, 09:28:53 AM: 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.
Title: Re: 160 Grns Barnes TSX bullets on game
Post by: Intruder on September 11, 2008, 02:55:27 PM: 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.
Title: Re: 160 Grns Barnes TSX bullets on game
Post by: Curly on September 11, 2008, 03:02:31 PM: 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.)
Title: Re: 160 Grns Barnes TSX bullets on game
Post by: Intruder on September 15, 2008, 02:40:03 PM: Quote from: Curly on September 11, 2008, 03:02:31 PM

(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.
Title: Re: 160 Grns Barnes TSX bullets on game
Post by: PST on September 15, 2008, 03:29:55 PM: 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! :)
Title: Re: 160 Grns Barnes TSX bullets on game
Post by: wrangler on September 15, 2008, 04:30:32 PM: 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. :twocents:
Title: Re: 160 Grns Barnes TSX bullets on game
Post by: Intruder on September 16, 2008, 07:53:34 AM: Quote from: wrangler on September 15, 2008, 04:30:32 PM
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. :twocents:

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.
Title: Re: 160 Grns Barnes TSX bullets on game
Post by: Oldguy on September 17, 2008, 10:36:30 PM: I first tried Remington 175gr in my 7mm mag and they were all over the target. When I read that this rifle likes 160gr better, I switched to Vitol Shok 160gr TSX and what a difference; nice tight group. Worked well on a cow elk at over 300yds that didn't travel after dropping.