Anybody ever use the Barnes-X, 250 grs in .366 (9.3x62) on game? I'm getting about 2300 fps from my handloads (max velocity according to manual about 2550 fps) and discussing this with a few people brought up the question of expansion at these (lower) velocities...anybody got experience with this caliber/bullet?

Frans

I don't have experience with that caliber, but I did call Barnes tech support regarding the min velocity they recommend for some 45 cal bullets. They told me that all of their bullets have a min velocity of 1600 fps to insure optimium expansion.

This should be more than adequate for anything you are going to shoot within range.

RobertD

Hello Frank,
I've been using the 250 Grain Barnes X in my 9.3x62 during the last four hunting seasons here in Sweden. In my load the bullet are leaving the gun at around 2600 fps.
The effect on game has been really good so far. I think I've taken some 10 mooses, 4-6 boars and some deer with that load. I have gotten full lenghtwise penetration on two moose that were frontshoots. So in my opinion its a perfect combination.

Henrik

Henrik,

How did you achieve such high velocities? I shoot a Sauer 200 with a 60cm barrel, I used the IMR 4895 powder, 56 grs of it, indicated as the maximum charge in the Barnes manual. I seat the bullets as to mimic the overall lenght of the factory RWS ConePoint (247 grs), which is about 8.265cm, CCI large rifle primers....no crimp.

I get an average of 2290 fps (14 shots). During an earlier session I got a three shot average that was about 50 fps higher...could it be fouling that reduces velocity? Or is it just a tighter bore in my gun, or....??

Frans

Hello Frank,
I use a blaser r-93 with a 57-58cm barrel.
I get the same velocity (and pressure) from barnes x as I get from the 250 grains ballistic Tip. Since I'm at work now I dont have my reloading data available but I'm using Norma 203B in that load. With Vihtavouri N 540 my best loads where around 2500 fps. I'll try to send you some specific data later. But if I forget, please remind me.

Henrik

I checked my load data and the load I was talking about is:

63.5 gr Norma 203B, Norma 9.3x62 cases, CCI 200, COL 86.0 mm and of course a Barnes x 250 grain bullet.
Average velocity for 8 shots where 802 m/s (about 2600 fps) and this load is a genuine subMOA load in my rifle.

When I used N-540 62.5 grains where a max load and that got me around 2500 fps but the accuracy was about the same.

Henrik