anyone have any experience with the TSX bullets, found a deal on some for my 35 Whelen
have never used Barnes ammo before
I use Barnes bullets in my muzzle loader. I have been very happy with the performance on whitetails. I have recovered two bullets from deer I've shot and they have expanded perfectly. As accurate in my Encore as any other bullet I've used. Based on my results, my son is switching to Barnes this year.
Barnes is the best bullet on the market right now. They allow you to use a smaller grain in larger caliber while losing nothing. It turns small calibers into big guns.
Sent from the Strut Zone
I've shot the original X-Bullets, the TSX and now the TTSX, all with great success in several calibers. I've also used the original Expander MZ muzzleloader bullets since they went on the market sometime back in the mid 90's I believe.
I've pretty much switched to them almost exclusively. I like the fact that I can run a lighter bullet at higher speeds without worry about jacket separation and other issues sometimes experienced with conventional cup and core bullets. Although the original X Bullet got a bad rap years ago, I've had no issues getting very good accuracy with all of their variations, and in several calibers.
Also, I've only recovered a small handful of them on game, but what ones I did looked just like the pictures in their ads. You'll be fine with them.
They really are about as close to hand loads as you can get. Great bullets
Agree with all of the positive comments above. Able to get sub MOA in several calibers. Shot elk, mule deer, whitetail, hogs, bear.
Looks like I'm going to be the odd guy here. I tried Barnes bullets in my muzzleloader and didn't have very good results. I had to change sabots. The ones that came with the bullets were so tight I couldn't get them down the barrel. Once I was able to shoot them, they didn't group as well as the Hornaday bullets I was using. The other down side to them for me was they were pretty spendy....over a dollar per bullet. Then I had to buy other sabots pushing the cost up more.
Quote from: captpete on August 22, 2015, 07:36:28 AM
Looks like I'm going to be the odd guy here. I tried Barnes bullets in my muzzleloader and didn't have very good results. I had to change sabots. The ones that came with the bullets were so tight I couldn't get them down the barrel. Once I was able to shoot them, they didn't group as well as the Hornaday bullets I was using. The other down side to them for me was they were pretty spendy....over a dollar per bullet. Then I had to buy other sabots pushing the cost up more.
You should try these. Barnes' NEW Spit-Fire T-EZ muzzleloader bullets
Unless you shoot a lot, the cost isn't that bad. I'll give up a little in grouping for the other qualities of the Barnes.
Quote from: 2eagles on August 22, 2015, 09:56:53 AM
Quote from: captpete on August 22, 2015, 07:36:28 AM
Looks like I'm going to be the odd guy here. I tried Barnes bullets in my muzzleloader and didn't have very good results. I had to change sabots. The ones that came with the bullets were so tight I couldn't get them down the barrel. Once I was able to shoot them, they didn't group as well as the Hornaday bullets I was using. The other down side to them for me was they were pretty spendy....over a dollar per bullet. Then I had to buy other sabots pushing the cost up more.
You should try these. Barnes' NEW Spit-Fire T-EZ muzzleloader bullets
Unless you shoot a lot, the cost isn't that bad. I'll give up a little in grouping for the other qualities of the Barnes.
I wouldn't say I shoot alot.....I put 10 -20 rounds through it before going hunting. I get roughly 3" groups at 100yd with the Hornaday bullets I'm using. I haven't found anything that groups better(it could be the person pulling the trigger :laugh:). I bought bulk bullets for $32 per 100 and the sabots I use are $9 per 50. That is about $.50 per bullet. The Barnes bullets are $1.30 or more per bullet/sabot. I'm not trying to be cheap, but I just don't see the need to spend that much extra to lose accuracy. I don't know what the other qualities are that you referred to that I would be gaining(I would be willing to learn). The Hornadays do what I need them to do...they hit where I aim and put the animal down fast & efficiently(usually less than 100yd.) leaving a good blood trail.
Sorry for hijacking the thread! :P :P
Are we talking about Barnes loaded ammunition or just their bullets?
I have used them in my .270 as both factory loads in the federal premium line and as handloads. I get a little better accuracy with the handloads but performance is the same. Dead critters. I even shot a buck with a .223 55grn tsx and he made it maybe 20 yards on a heart shot. My son shot his first buck with that same gun and even though it was a horrible shot ( hindquarter) it anchored him till he could get a second shot in him. You get rapid expansion without the the bullet fragmenting which is great for most applications. Definitely a top bullet if you don't mind to pay a little extra.
I first used Barnes bullets back in 2012. I was very pleased with there performance on a bull elk that I took. I just ordered some barnes sabot's for my muzzleloader. I look forward to experimenting with them. By the way they have rebate now on there center fire ammo.
What's the thoughts on the barnes in factory loaded ammo for a 270..I'm guessing thst would be 130 gr.
Which bullet should I get for thin skinned deer in ga? Ttsx?
I use them and love them. The TTSX is a great bullet. I highly recommend them.
Sent from the Strut Zone
I shot the factory ammo in the federal premium line for a few years. Was getting about inch and a half groups at 100 with my stainless ruger. Good enought for me for hunting in the woods of the northeast but I rarely shoot over 100 yards here. Performance was great. Have shot bucks through the shoulders and dropped them as well as lung shots which always left great blood and I don't recall any making it out of sight. Probably killed around ten deer or so with them. Got into reloading and have some loaded up but have been shooting the nose accubond the last 3 years or so. No complaints with performance with either. I just like to experiment.
They shot well from my howa .243
Also I forgot to mention I have always used 130 grain bullets for the .270. Definitely wouldn't go any heavier than that and more than likely you won't recover many bullets on deer. They typically blow right through. The plastic tipped tsx may open a bit faster but I don't think you will notice a whole lot of difference performance wise. Most .270's seem to shoot the 130 grain the best when it comes to factory ammo. Hope that helps.
Quote from: Happy on August 27, 2015, 11:35:03 AM
Also I forgot to mention I have always used 130 grain bullets for the .270. Definitely wouldn't go any heavier than that and more than likely you won't recover many bullets on deer. They typically blow right through. The plastic tipped tsx may open a bit faster but I don't think you will notice a whole lot of difference performance wise. Most .270's seem to shoot the 130 grain the best when it comes to factory ammo. Hope that helps.
When the 270 Winchester was developed it was done so around the 130 grain bullet.
Sent from the Strut Zone
I shoot Barnes TTSX out of my 7-08, and .270.......best bullet period!
I used the TSX bullets in my .257 Weatherby Mag and like them very much. My bullets were factory loads at $60 a box, never ever did I think I would pay that for a box of bullets. Need to reload.
You will definitely save money reloading. However Weatherby brass isn't cheap either! I was lucky cause my grandfather gave me his entire set of reloading equipment. Had dies and everything for almost every caliber of gun I own and some I don't. I collect brass from people at work and so all I have to buy are bullets,powder,and primers. Can reload a box of "premium" ammo for about half the price of what you pay retail. I don't play to much with loads as long as I get at least a 1" group at 100 yards I am good. I am much more concerned about performance. I am the same way with my turkey gun. I don't concern myself with tweeking my gun to get as many numbers in the 10" as I can. I shoot a load that has plenty of energy at 40 yards and puts between 165 -180 pellets in the ten at 40 and leave it at that. If I do my part as a hunter I am successful. Not knocking the guys that like to play with that stuff it just isn't me.
Barnes TTSX are fast becoming my bullet of choice. The factory ammo is loaded fairly mild from the velocity standpoint of course.
Barnes TTSX constructed of solid Copper makes for one tough bullet. If you handload, Driving them to high velocity is not a negative. The faster the better IMHO.. They will expand and hold together.
One thing for sure, the TTSX will penetrate and exit most of the time. Serious internal damage is the norm.