Originally Posted by
bronko22000
Oh really? and why is that? I've been killing deer with the XTP, many times dropping them where they stood, for years. The only reason I can see spending that kind of money for a bullet is if I was limited to a non-lead bullet. And then I would likely use a Barnes EZ which I've also had good luck with.
First of all the XTP is a pistol bullet. Ive shot plenty of game with XTP'S over the years. Well over two hundred Deer with the 200grn, 250grn, and the 300grn XTP'S. Even shot a hog in crossville TN with a bunch of guys to.
These bullets just dont belong in ML'S. Will they work absolutely. Will they be consistent absoluely NOT. Thats why i NEVER used them buck hunting. The 300grn bullet after shot into a Deer could weigh 200grns, 150grns, 275grns, i even found one at 280grns recovered. This equates to inconsistent energy on game.
The best XTP on Deer for me was the 250 XTP. If you hit ribs/bone this bullet would blow up inside. It caused a lot of internal damage. The problem was, its inconsistent. The XTP can never perform the same way twice.
The reason why you cant compare this bullet to a Lehigh/Bloodline bullet is obvious. Lehigh bullets consistenty do the same thing time and time again. And if it works, consistency is what most hunters/shooters want.
The TEZ is another poor choice in a ML. Its the opposite of the XTP. Unless you hit something really solid like the shoulders it will pencil threw and youll be tracking. Been there done that. Another bullet i would not use on a good Deer or Elk.
The best bullet from Barnes in a ML is the MZ Expander. This bullet works, and will work consistently.