Do these bullets really perform as promised?? My concern is with the rather small opening.If the bullet was to strike a bone(leg or shoulder) at an angle,is it not possible the hollow point may close up instead of open? This would leave you with basically a FMJ entering the ribcage.I currently use Hornadys and don't really plan on switching,but I would like to hear from anyone who has used these rounds just in case...

I have used bothin the field, and tested in wet newspaper before doing so. They work.

I used the fail safe in factory ammo, later I found out they had slower velocity than what I could build to, and that is an intentional thing on the part of the factory. It did the job on a good sized mule deer just fine. I later reloaded some to my velocity level, and found the factory was right in downloading a little.

The X bullet, is my favorite now. I worked them from a slower velocity to faster adn tested for expansion, found they held together no matter what. I like the mushroom, and the weight retention is there, and the petals donot shear. The bull I brought down didn't care for it much though, but he was over it pretty quick.

I do have one last observation though, and that is a good BTSP from any maker will usually do just as well, but it is fun to work with new stuff.

Most of the guys we hunt Moose with all use FailSafe factory Ammo or Barnes-X Weatherby Ammo. I agree with Colo Wolf on the velocity issue, most of the tests show less then advertised velocity for the FailSafes, but the retained weight is definitly accurate. I have removed 300 and 338 caliber bullets that went right thru ribs on one side and lodged in a rib or skin on the other and the bullet is all there with the petals bent back.

Its one of our favorites.

I tried the barnes x bullets in my 243win and they have all been very good on penetration and weight retention . Not the shock damage I was getting with btsp's .

Ive shot a lot of deer with x bullets and in my opinion, they do what a bullet is supposed to do on game. They expand and penetrate on a straight line. The worst thing about them is since they changed the design in 1996, I cant get them to shoot worth a crap in most of my guns.

Larry-

I assume you shoot 338.. what is your load and what kind of groups do you get? I am using a 338 and get 3/4 to 1" myself.... just wondering.

When you guys talk about Barnes X bullets, do you mean the uncoated or coated (XLC)? Which do you prefer?? There is different loading specs between these 2 bullets. correct? Thanks!!

Rossman-

NOt sure about the other guys, but I talk about the non-coated. I keep getting conflicting reports about moly coatings, hearing one side saying not much good adn others saying how great it is.

As to reloading, I think there are separate specs for the different bullets, should be. I make it a point to scour everything I can about loading a particular bullet before I ever start the process. That is a good habit to take up.

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On Norma's website there is a report/investigation into Moly coatings. It's actually interesting reading.

You can find it at www.Norma.cc