RE: Barnes X bullet or win failsafes for elk?
They are pretty equal in terms of terminal performance and construction but the Barnes has a much better ballistic coefficient. The barnes will buck the wind better and carry way more energy down range so I would give them a try and see if they shoot well from your gun. Federal loads the 180 grain barnes. If you are reloading I would give the barnes 165 TSX or XLC a try.