Barnes Bullets Revisited

[Pathfinder76]

I’ve long been a Barnes bullets fan. They have always worked well for me and give a lot of options for shot angle regardless of cartridge or bullet weight it seems. Two of my kids took whitetails this week with my 7MM Remington Magnum and 145 LRX’s at 3225fps. Both deer were between 260 and 275 yards away and both shots were double lung shots. I would even consider both further rearward than I like. I’m an aorta crowder.

Both deer ran about 15 yards after being hit and the damage to both of their lungs was significant. Both bullets exited and I did recover one petal at an exit wound. I have killed quite a bit of game with that rifle and bullet combination. Some ran a few yards and some piled up in a heap.

They have always seemed to shoot well in any rifle I’ve used them in. I guess I remain a fan.

Entrance side on one:



Exit side on the other:

[kingrat]

I've been a barnes fan forever. Since the lrx came out I've loaded nothing but them in all our guns. 300 and 270wsm and 7mm-08 and I've found they seem to do alot more damage than the ttsx ever did. Especially if you hit a shoulder on an elk or moose. Love them.

[bat119]

I tried the 120 Gr. TTSX out in my 280 Rem. for moose this year, 3163 FPS. 120 yards recovered weight was 121 grns. (some moose was under the petals). The bullet hit a lung, the spine the other lung then bounced coming to rest under the scapula on the offside, moose dropped in its tracks expired within 30 seconds.

I'll have to try those LRx next year sounds even more deadly

[DiabeticKripple]

Ran 120gr TTSX in my 7mm Rem Mag the last 5ish years. Killed a few critters with it, nothing ever went more than 50yds. I switched to the 145gr LRX this year for it for the better BC.

Also run the 130gr TTSX in the wife's 308 Win. That thing is a tack driver and elk killer. I dont even know why I bother with the magnums sometimes.

I built a 7 PRC this year and loaded the 168gr LRX for it, will be taking it to Suffield this weekend for my 2 cow elk tags, then down further south for my mule buck hunt.

[catnthehat]

I have taken over 30 animals now with my Ruger .303 British using 150 grain Barnes TSX .311's. Moving 2774 FPS MV.
Shots were anywhere from 12 to 372 yards with nothing going over 20 yards, the furthest was the heart shot 372 yard white tail.
After the third white tail , I bought every box I could find.
I see no reason to change , even though Hammer bullets has some good bullets out there in .311 and I have several hundred Chinchagas as well.
Cat

[DiabeticKripple]

Originally Posted by catnthehat

I have taken over 30 animals now with my Ruger .303 British using 150 grain Barnes TSX .311's. Moving 2774 FPS MV.
Shots were anywhere from 12 to 372 yards with nothing going over 20 yards, the furthest was the heart shot 372 yard white tail.
After the third white tail , I bought every box I could find.
I see no reason to change , even though Hammer bullets has some good bullets out there in .311 and I have several hundred Chinchagas as well.
Cat

Problem with Hammers is they are double the price of the Barnes.

I'd like to try them but they arent cost effective.

[cowmanbob]

Using the 27 Nosler this year with the 155 gr Lrx. Hoping to bag a cow elk with this combo.

[cornuteo]

They are all I use

[catnthehat]

Originally Posted by DiabeticKripple

Problem with Hammers is they are double the price of the Barnes.

I'd like to try them but they arent cost effective.

I really think I would be fixing a problem that did not exist.
One if my favorite "ism's" "Thinks are working super- I think I will change something!:
Cat

[leo]

I switched all my rifles to Barnes TTSX or LRX. Have not lost or wounded any critters shot with them in over the past 10 years. I like Nosler too, but with their availability being hit or miss, I went all Barnes and will continue to use them.

[DiabeticKripple]

Originally Posted by catnthehat

I really think I would be fixing a problem that did not exist.
One if my favorite "ism's" "Thinks are working super- I think I will change something!:
Cat

Yeah I’ve heard you can get really good velocity out of them, and being frangible coppers they kill darn fast.

Their BC are inflated however, and the price up here makes them a no go for me.

[Dick284]

Started with the 139 LRX’s inthe 7-08 I had built.
I’ve shot 3 deer with that load so far, and it’s been 3 dead deer and zero tracking required.
No bullets were recovered, and man do they shoot well in my rifle.

300 yard group:

[elkhunter11]

I have used a lot of TTSX bullets in my 7mnstw, and 300RUM rifles, and I have developed loads for them in a few other rifles. Accuracy wise, the TTSX has been better than the LRX in my rifles, and they have never disappointed on game.

[Vigsy]

Originally Posted by DiabeticKripple

I built a 7 PRC this year and loaded the 168gr LRX for it, will be taking it to Suffield this weekend for my 2 cow elk tags, then down further south for my mule buck hunt.

Problem with Hammers is they are double the price of the Barnes.

I'd like to try them but they arent cost effective.

Please let us know how the 168 and 7 prc combo works out. Im just starting load development with my 20" 7prc and 175eldxs and speed isnt where I wanted so I might just cut my losses on it being a long distance rig and just shoot a really good mono at reasonable distances.

After my experience and the things I have heard and seen about hammers and their owner I will never consider them again. I couldn't get them to even remotely group and the owner did not care. with their inflate bc's and the price id rather shoot just about any other mono metal.

[birdseye]

I have never have been able to achieve acceptable accuracy,also had friends having issues with them penciling through,gave up on them and never tried since,but im hapoy lots if you like them,should mean more of the bullets I use will be around 👌

[brewster29]

I do use other bullets but I am converting most of my reloading to Barnes. The 7mm 145 LRX has proven to be a great performer for me. I have recovered only two, both from 6x6 bull elk on quartering shots. And as for accuracy- my best hunting rifle group ever is with the 145 LRX.

[Dick284]

Originally Posted by birdseye

I have never have been able to achieve acceptable accuracy,also had friends having issues with them penciling through,gave up on them and never tried since,but im hapoy lots if you like them,should mean more of the bullets I use will be around 👌

Most penciling issues came from people using too heavy for caliber bullets.
Expansion is velocity based, and to that end regular TSX/TTSX bullets expand best with impact velocities north of 1800 fps ideally 2000 fps. The LRX’s address much of the velocity issues, having much lower impact velocity ratings 1400-1600 fps depending on which bullet.

As for accuracy well I’ve got one thing to say…… 0.050”-0.250” jump, the Barnes bullets shoot best seated away from the leade.

Or perhaps you just have a rifle that doesn’t shoot them well………….

[stob]

Have had spectacular results with the 80 gr ttsx in .243 win and 140 gr ttsx in 7mm rem.. however, i have about 150 or so 160 gr NP's for the 7mm rem to use up b4 i go exclusive to barnes... all these bullets go about .5moa for 5 shot groups give or take .2moa on any given day just seating at book COL

[DiabeticKripple]

Originally Posted by Vigsy

Please let us know how the 168 and 7 prc combo works out. Im just starting load development with my 20" 7prc and 175eldxs and speed isnt where I wanted so I might just cut my losses on it being a long distance rig and just shoot a really good mono at reasonable distances.

After my experience and the things I have heard and seen about hammers and their owner I will never consider them again. I couldn't get them to even remotely group and the owner did not care. with their inflate bc's and the price id rather shoot just about any other mono metal.

I got multiple half MOA groups out of it at 3010fps. Shot it out to 600m to confirm zero and was banging the gong every time.

[JBE]

Originally Posted by birdseye

I have never have been able to achieve acceptable accuracy,also had friends having issues with them penciling through,gave up on them and never tried since,but im hapoy lots if you like them,should mean more of the bullets I use will be around 👌

I am partially in the same boat. I was able to get great accuracy but terminal results were far less than great. I would like to use them and may try again if I was unable to get what I use now.

[Dick284]

Originally Posted by JBE

I am partially in the same boat. I was able to get great accuracy but terminal results were far less than great. I would like to use them and may try again if I was unable to get what I use now.

Some specifics as to the bullet and velocity would be nice……

[Sundog57]

I use them exclusively in a 30-06.
Have taken at least eight WTs and with the exception of this year they have all dropped where they stood. (mostly using 150s at 3000 fps and ranges to about 280)
This year using 165s at 2850 fps one ran about 75 yds and pilled up in the alders - of course this was in the last 10 mins of shooting light, had to go back in the morning. No blood trail as the exit hole was pretty small. lungs and heart were liquified, no idea how the animal went as far as it did.
Shot a second one on a nuisance tag -ran about 100 yds and pilled up - once again no blood trail but nothing inside but mush.

Anyway, not planning to change as I have found them to be extremely consistent in terms of repeatable shots - I can generally get a five shot group al touching at 100yds, so I feel pretty confident when I squeeze the trigger.

[JBE]

Buddies 257 weatherby, about 3400'/sec if I remember right. 200yard shot on whitetail buck. After lots of tracking a second shot to put it down, the ttsx did not open at all. I have a picture but not sure how to post it.

My 6.5 prc, 127lrx on a moose at 125 yards. 3090'/sec muzzle. Now the moose did end up expiring after 150 yrds or so. It was a double lung shot. Entrance and exit were pencil holes. It hit no ribs at all.

I know this is not big sample size of my own but is enough for me to continue using accubonds. I have seen and read lots of good things on the barnes but they don't give me that warm feeling.

[averagejoe]

Originally Posted by Sundog57

I use them exclusively in a 30-06.
Have taken at least eight WTs and with the exception of this year they have all dropped where they stood. (mostly using 150s at 3000 fps and ranges to about 280)
This year using 165s at 2850 fps one ran about 75 yds and pilled up in the alders - of course this was in the last 10 mins of shooting light, had to go back in the morning. No blood trail as the exit hole was pretty small. lungs and heart were liquified, no idea how the animal went as far as it did.
Shot a second one on a nuisance tag -ran about 100 yds and pilled up - once again no blood trail but nothing inside but mush.

Anyway, not planning to change as I have found them to be extremely consistent in terms of repeatable shots - I can generally get a five shot group al touching at 100yds, so I feel pretty confident when I squeeze the trigger.

If you are using the TTSX bullets then you might want to consider the 168s instead of the 165s. They are designed for 30 06 and 308 and expand at lower velocities so it could be a better option if you shoot a bit longer ranges. The 165s were designed more for ~300 WM. Not a big deal if you always keep it close range but just something to note.

[Coiloil37]

Originally Posted by averagejoe

If you are using the TTSX bullets then you might want to consider the 168s instead of the 165s. They are designed for 30 06 and 308 and expand at lower velocities so it could be a better option if you shoot a bit longer ranges. The 165s were designed more for ~300 WM. Not a big deal if you always keep it close range but just something to note.

I agree with this comment coming from my own 20+ years shooting the ‘06 and Barnes bullets. The 168 with a book load of IMR 4064 will give you 3000 fps out of a 24” barrel as well so no need to shoot them as slow as you are.
Don’t overlook the 130 ttsx from your ‘06. Loaded with WIN 760 at ~3350 they shoot flat, hit hard and punch all the way through. I’ve put them through moose including breaking the onside shoulder. The start lighter but finish heavier then a 165 accubond which is another excellent choice.

Most, if not all of my Barnes exit wounds on multiple deer, elk and moose have been orange/fist size with plenty of blood. Keep the speed up and shoot for something solid.

[GoneOutdoors]

All around great bullet.

Loaded 225gr tsx fb in my 338... What a show stopper. Son cratered his moose this season with it. Through both shoulders and waiting on the hide on the other side!

I'll be looking for the same in the .277 and. 284.... Any suggestions. 140 gr for the 270 and 150 for the 7mm was my thought.






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[DiabeticKripple]

Originally Posted by GoneOutdoors

All around great bullet.

Loaded 225gr tsx fb in my 338... What a show stopper. Son cratered his moose this season with it. Through both shoulders and waiting on the hide on the other side!

I'll be looking for the same in the .277 and. 284.... Any suggestions. 140 gr for the 270 and 150 for the 7mm was my thought.






Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

145gr LRX or 140gr TTSX for the 7mm

[kingrat]

The 139lrx shines with the 7mm as well. Barnes are made for speed and retain almost all their weight so force yourself to go light and load fast as opposed to heavy or normal weights.

[stob]

Originally Posted by kingrat

The 139lrx shines with the 7mm as well. Barnes are made for speed and retain almost all their weight so force yourself to go light and load fast as opposed to heavy or normal weights.

the 139lrx and the 140ttsx shoot same load, speed, POI, and accuracy from my 7mm... imho i would lean to the lrx as it gives you longer range of expansion

[Vigsy]

Originally Posted by DiabeticKripple

I got multiple half MOA groups out of it at 3010fps. Shot it out to 600m to confirm zero and was banging the gong every time.

3010 with the 168 lrx? what was your barrel length again sir?