Home Forums Reloading Big Game Rifles Ttsx expansion penetration testing

I might try Barnes again. I'm one of the apparent few that has experienced poor expansion with the TSX. I've killed deer with 25 cal 100 gr TSX and 7mm 140. These failed to produce the internal damage some claim. I was really underwhelmed by the internal damage. All 3 deer looked like they were shot with an arrow with a field point.

I like the concept of a monometal bullet and associated penetration characteristics but can't go with the minimal damage TSX's caused. It's too bad because they have always been very accurate in almost every rifle I tried them.

I've always said you just can't push a Barnes too fast.

I've had way better performance with the tipped versions over the standard. And no risk of tip deformation or the hollow tip getting loaded up with crud from a pocket or whatever (had that happen, but doubt it affects bullet performance at rifle velocity.

About the worst that happens when drive them at warp speed is some or all of the petals could shear off

I load for the guys I hunt with. We've killed 30 some with 130s in 30 caliber. None went over 50 yards all one shot kills but for one that took the first one in the knee.

A couple of .308s like them at ~2950 and the rest at ~3050. Mostly the 30-06s lke them at 3150 with 53.5 grains Varget.

75,
Just the two this year with this load so far. Still have a month to go and hunting for 3-4 more to fill the freezer.

Shot 168 TSX's over Varget in my .308 up until last year. They worked from 40 yards on out. Very, very accurate. Blood trails were easy to follow. Pic shows a broadside, double lung exit with a 168 and she stumbled for around 30 yds if I remember correctly. Impact velocity est. @ 2600 fps.



I've come to the conclusion (along with many others) that the faster they impact, the better they work. 80gr TTSX's @ 3475 out of my 25-06 have been very impressive on whitetails and yotes.

110's in the .308 would be fun to work with someday.

FYI, I hunt in Screven County.

Good original writeup. Thanks for posting your results.

I have shot some 80 gr ttsx outta of my 257wby at 4160 at the muzzle. Deer from 10 yds to 300 have got an exit only recovered two outta about twenty

Only two bullets have been recovered.