Home Forums Reloading Big Game Rifles 350 Rem Mag, TAC and 200-gr TSX Range Results

Well, I finally have been in town long enough to go to the local range this past weekend to try some 350 Rem Mag reloads, using TAC Powder and the Barnes 200-gr TSX. The rifle used was a Ruger SS 77 MK-II. The COAL and TAC powder charges (min to max) were straight out of the Barnes Manual #4. The only change I made was to use the Federal LR Magnum Match Primers, rather than Federal LR Regular Match Primers recommended by Barnes. This was all I had in stock, so it's what I used. I started with the Barnes recommended start load of 58 grains and ended with their max load of 64 grains of TAC in 1 grain increments in-between. Due to the cost of the Barnes bullets, I only shot 4-shot groups at 100 yds. Velocities were measured about 15' from the muzzle.

The best group was with 63 grains of TAC for which the average velocity was 2,884 fps and achieved a 1.5" group. Incidentially, the min and max charges of TAC in my Ruger achieved pretty close to the Barnes Manual velocities.

The COAL listed in the Barnes Manual resulted in a jump to the lands of 0.080". Interestingly, I have shot custom-loaded ammo (before I got into reloading)with this same COAL in this same rifle with the Barnes 200 TSX. With this custom ammo (from Conley Precision), 2 each 3-shot groups were touching one another with the target having 1 ragged hole. I don't know what powder they were using (I suspect it was RL-7, based on Conley's stated velocity and comparing this to the Barnes #3 Manual). I think I'll load up some more ammo and adjust the bullet seating depth so as to achieve .050" - 0.070" jump to the lands with 63 grains of TAC (while making sure velocities don't exceed the Barnes Manual's max velocity)to see what affect this has on accuracy. Actually, for the type of hunting that I do (ie, deer and hog hunting with 200 yards being the farthest shot), 1.5" groups at 100 yds. will work nicely. However, that's part of the fun (and challenge) of reloading.

I've not yet used the 200 gr TSX in my 350 Rem Mag for hunting. The past 2 seasons I've only used the Speer 220 gr, which has worked well on the several deer I've shot with it. I just want to have an alternative, in case the "condor" starts nesting in south Mississippi.

Very nice.

I'm running TAC in my .358 with 225's. Lovin' it so far. 2530 fps or so.

So far that sounds pretty good like you say fooling with seating depth might tighten things up a bit, 2884 fps is pretty good speed.

Gerrygoat,

I do believe I'll find a more accurate load by varying the seating depths. I gotta say that this load gets your attention, when you pull the trigger.

Jeff O,
Your 358 load really sounds good. I assume you are referring to the 225 TSX. Is this is correct, do you have any issues with the COAL? The only reason I ask is that in Barnes#4 for the 350 Mag, it mentions that some 350 Mags may not be able to seat to the recommended length with the 225 gr TSX (ie, bullet may need to be seated in the case past the front bullet groove). It goes on to say that the 200 gr TSX is the recommended bullet for this caliber. I've been wanting to try the 225 TSX but Barnes' caveat made me shy away. Have you used your 358 to take any game? I have read that some people have had expansion issues with the TSX, though this is by no means a majority opinion. Not meaning to be nosy but I'm just curious.

Thanks.

Retsof, I like your style, nice post on .350 Rem Mag. Lets hope those damn Condors don't get anywhere near where you reside. i have enough of those in my neck of the woods. Keep up the good work. Tom

Jeff,

How much TAC are you running with 225's? I am up to 56 grains with Sierras and getting around 2650 fps out of a 22" barrel with good accuracy and no problems. Probably could increase it some but 2650 is plenty for my purposes....

I really need to find some TAC... you guys are cooking

I haven't tried TAC in my 358 but I've gotten about 2450 with the 225 TSX and other powders in a 20" barrel. I'd like to run some TAC and see how it does...though I'm not sure about running up to 56 grns in my BLR...

Based on some experience, 56 grains of TAC would probably overflow a .358 case!