Barnes TSX bullets

shootn hogs · 07-08-2004, 11:28 AM

I have loaded 180 gr. TSX in my Sendero 300 RUM. It took quite a few trys to get the C.O.L. right but it was worth it. At 100 yrds., 3 shot groups, it shot .14" center to center. I almost got discouraged with the bullet until I talked w/ the tech. support at Barnes. They were very helpful and encouraged me to continue on. After about 30 - 35 loads, I hit jackpot. I shot a 180lbs. boar last week at about 100 - 120 yrds. The bullet retained 179 gr. of 180 gr. The hog accually did a complete flip at impact. I shot the hog in the head which had a .30" entrance hole and about a 2" exit hole. I shot through 7 gal. of water at 100 yrds to retrieve the bullet. The bullet was almost 3 times the size in diameter.

07-08-2004, 12:27 PM

What COL are you using. I was shocked the effect of COL on these TSX's. I loaded some for my PSS 300RUM with 88, 89, and 90gr of RL25. Out of those three loads, I found 88gr the best to work with. So I then loaded 3.58", 3.60, and 3.625" COL. I found the 3.625 gave the best accuracy with 1.1" or so groups at 200 yards. If I wanted to reach my lands and grooves on this chamber I would have to load to 3.88" which ain't going to happen.

shootn hogs · 07-08-2004, 02:38 PM

The gun is at the house and I'm at work. I will check tonight and post it tommorrow. I know that I am using 88gr. of
RL-25.

tanzian · 07-08-2004, 09:29 PM

This is the very reason why I encourage everyone who is getting into reloading or loading for a "new to them" caliber to buy a guage for thier rifle to measure thier chaber to determine the OAL that is best for that rifle. Saves time and in the end money as it will not take as many "chances" to figure out the best length.

All barnes bullets seems to be very sensative to OAL. I have gone from 2 inch groups to sub MOA just by adjusting OAL with Barnes x bullets. I have also had this happen with Winchester Failsafes as well. Seem like more "solid" bullets are more sensative to it.

shootn hogs · 07-09-2004, 04:47 AM

The C.O.L. is 3.640" for my Sendero w/ the TSX bullets.

07-09-2004, 07:48 AM

Tanzian, good point for alot of calibers, but won't work worth a darn on a 300RUM, or Weatherby cartridge. You could never reach the rifling and still fit in magazine. SAAMI says 3.6" max, but you would have to load way out past 3.85" or so to hit the rifling on a 300RUM reamed with a factory spec'd reamer. And if you get a custom throat, like some I know, where you could touch the rifling at 3.62" or so, you can throw away your data manuals on the 300RUM. They will be way off.

jessejames · 08-03-2004, 06:20 PM

What velocities are you getting with this load. My 300 RUM only averaged around 3050 with this load. Would love it if I could get decent velocity from this load.

shootn hogs · 08-04-2004, 06:45 AM

I'm not sure. I haven't bought a chronograph yet. I would hope that it is more than 3050fps. Are you shooting w/ a 26" barrel?

08-04-2004, 07:48 AM

Jesse, thats about right. I got almost the exact same thing. You can move up quite a bit with this bullet. I didn't see any pressures until 94gr. And then you can get back your 100 -200fps. But be easy as you know.

jessejames · 08-04-2004, 07:52 AM

The velocity was so much lower than the Barnes published figures for the uncoated bullet that I called them to see if it was a misprint. When I worked up to 96 gr. RL25 with the COATED verson the velocity was more in line. I have found that I can work up to the COATED max with the TSX but carefully.

That figure of 3050 was with the uncoated bullet with 89 gr. of RL25. The TSX will develop far less pressure and I suspect, in my gun anyway, that the velocity may be even lower with this load.