I used the Barnes quite a bit until just recently, when I switched to the Shockwaves. Have only hunted elk with them and have no experience with deer. The 200 yard groups usually run about 3 to 4 inches. The 250's, for me, shot just a little better than the 300's; and the 250's turned out to have plenty of penetration for elk.

Within my family group, we have taken about six elk in New Mexico with the 250 Barnes. Distances vary from 30 yards to a little over 200 yards (ranged). At 30 yards, with an impact velocity still over 2,000 fps, the bullet broke a couple of its petals off and went clear through the elk broadside. Starting at about 125 yards, the bullet spreads its petals out like a fan blade and is normally found just under the hide on the off side. The damage this bullet produces is similar to a .30 caliber magnum rifle. Most of the elk we have shot went down without being able to take even a single step.

Only reason I switched was the cost, and the fact that they seat real hard in the T/C guns. I keep meaning to play around with some different sabots and see if I can get them to seat like the T/C Shockwaves. But the Shockwaves are also working very well for us, and I'll probably shoot up what I have on hand before going back the Barnes.