HuntingNet.com Forums - 300WM/Barnes130BTX

Blue for whatever it may or may not be worth, I cant give you handloading data on the bullet (quit handloading years ago) but I CAN give you quite extensive info on the bullets performance from a magnum.

I shot the 130 Xbullet from my Sako/Lazzeroni Warbird for 3 seasons (took over 30 deer with it in that time) and the ranges were from 45 yds too over 400 with every concievable shot angle. Velocity from my 26" Sako was in the lower 3900 fps range. Despite my best attempts (like with close range double shoulder shots and "Texas heartshots") I NEVER once had a bullet failure. Complete pass throughs ALWAYS happened, not a single incidence of blowup or premature mushroom. But the downside too the 130 Xbullet was that the best I ever got accuracy wise was 1.5" @ 100yds. And that was after 3 boxes were fired through the then new rifle. John Lazzeroni assured me that this was perfectly normal and as expected for that load (I believe his loads for that bullet featured large amounts of slow burners like 7828 powder, Reloader 19, 22 etc).

Two years ago he tweaked a then new bullet from Barnes called the Triple Shock. He calls his varieties "Lazerheads" and it is offered in a 150 weight. He quickly assured me of .5" groups @ 100yds when pushed too the mid/upper 3700fps range from my gun. As usual he was DEAD ON correct. My gun LOVES the Lazerheads. I have since shot 2 dozen whitetails, 1 muley and 1 pronghorn with the load. ALL result in fantastic kills, regardless of range and as usal for Barnes, AWESOME performance. I likewise yet to have one of the 150s blowup or stay in the animals, regardless of range. The bullet groups 3.5" @ 400yds in case you are curious. I simply LOVE the new 150s. The ballistic difference of the two (in terms of drop figures) is miniscule and the accuracy you will pick up by going too the new 150 TSX is in my opinion worth the extra 20 grains.

You CAN have your cake and eat it to!
RA

ps
John told me that based on his tests (which are EXTENSIVE, the man has the money and time to do ALOT of hunting and testing) the 150 TSX will out penetrate ANYOTHER 180 (yes 180s!) on the market except other Barnes' creations. When fired at magnum velocities he recommends them solidly for elk. I have NO questions about his recommendations in my 5 years of guidance from him!

pss
I recently inherited a prestine 300Wby Mark V and you can bet it will get custom loaded ammo which will feature the 150TSX. LOL it will be my "sane" powered deer rifle for the rare occasions when I hunt in places I cant see over 1/4 of a mile in any one direction! ;)