Home Forums Reloading Big Game Rifles lead free

All,
I am not a big poster, but am just getting started re-loading. I want to try some lead free bullets, but did not have good luck with Barnes in some custom ammo made for my 6.5 X 54 by Superior. The other loads in their sample pack were all excellent. I shoot the following calibers (hunting only): 6.5 X 54, .270, 7 X 57, .308 and .338. Generally I prefer the heaviest possible bullet but have had great accuracy with the Federal .270 load with the 140 gr. Accubond. Has anyone had success with Barnes or the Hornady GMX in my calibers? Any other lead free bullets out there? I would like to get some guidance before I start shelling out for boxes of 50.
Thanks,
Jim

Used the GMX in .308 last year and killed a doe at 270yds. Used a GMX in a 338 win mag this fall and killed my elk, 35 yd shot. The .308 shot .75" groups at 100yds and the 338 shot factory loads around an inch at 100yds. Could not recover either bullet.

I use Barnes bullets in >223, .243, 25-06, .270, .308 Win, 30-06 and 300 WM. I have tried E-tips and GMXs and can't tell any difference between them and Barnes.

Monometal bullets are much touchier about seating depth in many rifles. I have yet to find a rifle that wouldn't shoot them accurately, but it might take you a lot of trial to find the right seating depth.

If you have someone who'll make custom ammo for your rifle, they can adjust depth to what your rifle likes. I have seen it take more than 100 bullets to find the right depth, so be ready to pay for enough bullets to find it.

Jim, living in California I was forced into using non lead bullets a few years ago. (Stupid law!) When I started out about the only thing out there was the Barnes monolithic bullets. I started working with the Barnes and had good success in finding loads in a bunch of rifles. My 7-08 Remington did give me fits, but I finally got it figured out.

I shoot the Barnes TSX or Tipped TSX in a bunch of guns from .257 to .375 caliber. I have been able to work up accurate loads in my rifles and for several other people as well. The performance on game has been rather remarkable. We have never recovered a Barnes monolithic bullet from a game animal as of yet. Virtually all one shot kills. I highly recommend the Barnes if you need no lead bullets.

I tried the Hornady GMX in several .308 caliber rifles (165 grain version) but could not get good groups from any of them.

I tried the Nosler E-tip in 130 grain in my 270 WSM and got good groups but just have not tried them on game.

In regard to liking heavy bullets, do not be afraid to drop down a bullet weight or two. The Barnes retain so much of their weight that you can shoot a lighter bullet. I shoot the 80 grain Tipped TSX in my 25-06 and can tell that it has been instant death on several antelope.

And I find that the Barnes really like a long jump to the lands. In my two 300 WSM rifles I just load them to fit the magazine and they both shoot close to half inch groups even though the bullets are seated no where close to the lands.

Hope this helps.