Does anyone use this bullet in a .30-06? On what type of game? Results? Thinking of trying this bullet as my wilderness white tail and black bear round to replace the Partition 180gn. Am I wasting my time making this switch?

Since you asked ..... Yes, I think so.

The monometal Barnes in 168 grains is just about the same length bullet as a Nolser Partition 180 grain - long. We use 'em (168's & 180's) in the 300 Winchester, Weatherby & RUM.

Trying new bullets is neat; especially those with a reputation for solid performance. The 180 gr. Nolser PT in the .30/06 has already arrived.

My preferred bullet in the .30/06 is the 165 grain PT and it's done everything I've ever asked of it for as long as I've been reloading them (a long-g-g time .....).

Have Fun with your choice.

I load the 168gr TSX in a Win Model 70 30-06. With a max charge of RL19, I get sub-moa and about 2900+fps. It will kill anything I want to shoot.

I used to use Partitions and they always performed well. The TSX are better for accuracy and terminal performance, at least in my experience.

quote:

Originally posted by J-Po:
Does anyone use this bullet in a .30-06? On what type of game? Results? Thinking of trying this bullet as my wilderness white tail and black bear round to replace the Partition 180gn. Am I wasting my time making this switch?

Wasting YOUR time is very subjective and impossible for anyone else to answer unless you want a generalized answer. Everyone is wasting their time loading a bullet that is different than one they've used and had success with. I personally can't think of much of anything you can't do with a 30.06 and a 180 Partition. That said, I rarely use that combo anymore.

My favorite load has been the 168 TSX and TTSX in my 30.06. I used H4350 and Reloder 19 a lot. I've killed a few bears, whitetails, muleys, coyotes, and wolf with it. But I'll bet you I would never have noticed a difference if I used the 180 Partition.

I personally like trying new stuff and I have no regrets using the Barnes 168. (in fact, I was looking at my load bench last night and I have 400 of that combo loaded).

I use the 168 TSX in one of my 30'06's. Shoots sub moa from this pre 64 win. Have not taken game with it as yet.

Thanks for responses. For me, I am wasting my time if there is no probable chance that the new bullet will be more accurate or potent on game. I like a heavy for caliber bullet but the Barnes bullets interest me. Seems like you could get accuracy, more velocity, and more retained weight out of the barnes 168 over a 180 NP in the 06. Also I hear quite a few hunters talking on forums about perfect mushrooms and 100% retained weight using the barnes. They can't all work for the barnes bullet co..

quote:

Originally posted by J-Po:
Thanks for responses. For me, I am wasting my time if there is no probable chance that the new bullet will be more accurate or potent on game. I like a heavy for caliber bullet but the Barnes bullets interest me. Seems like you could get accuracy, more velocity, and more retained weight out of the barnes 168 over a 180 NP in the 06. Also I hear quite a few hunters talking on forums about perfect mushrooms and 100% retained weight using the barnes. They can't all work for the barnes bullet co..

Well, you are being a bit more specific now. For me, the Barnes bullet is more accurate, has more velocity, but that's as far as I can tell you because I've never recovered a TSX or a Partition. They both blow right through. What I can tell you is you sure don't "need" a 180 elk bullet for deer or bear. And perhaps it's arguable whether or not you "need" the Barnes for that matter. I say shoot what you want. I still have a bunch of 180 partitions in 30 cal sitting on my bench and I don't know that I'll ever load them.

I like to hit the shoulders. I really like the results of hitting a black bear in the heavy shoulder area with the Barnes. It still blows right through. I shot one bb with a 225 accubond from a 338 win mag. It did not pass through at 12 yards.

Ultimately, I think many would agree, that going from a partition to a TSX is a lateral move. Nothing gained, nothing lost. There are some that will say the partition is pretty much a "fail-safe" bullet (not to be confused with the Winchester bullet), as where the TSX does have past episodes of penciling through.

quote:

as where the TSX does have past episodes of penciling through.

I guess I should been more forthright in the previous thread.

Yes, it was one box of Barnes TSX 180 grainers and all loaded from the same box (lot#) into 300 Win Mags. All the same ammo used on a Red Deer cull hunt out of 2 different 300 Win Mags.

The two of us shot 18 times at 6 smallish Red Deer stags. None of the ranges were over 200 meters at the begining of the barrages but extended quickly. We recovered all of the Deer but it wasn't pretty and spent alot of time scratching our heads as all of the initial shots would normally have been a telling one.

Yeah, they were pencilling through; 308" hole in & .308" hole out. Shit Happens. Does this mean Barnes makes a bad product - Hell, No; we just had a Bad Hair Day.

But now I sorta have a quirky feeling when I load them.

This had never happened prior, nor since but creates uncertanty .....

And the Story:

http://forums.accuratereloadin...=554100106#554100106

Here’s the only other one I’ve recovered:













and the story: http://forums.accuratereloadin...=838106967#838106967

You should also read these threads for more information:

http://forums.accuratereloadin...=920107208#920107208

http://forums.accuratereloadin...=857102287#857102287

As you can probably tell, I am a huge fan of these bullets. Anything you ought to be doing with a .30 caliber rifle inside 300 yards these will do. I would not hesitate to use them on elk where I ever to get the chance to hunt elk. Unless of course I took my .375H&H.....

LWD

Thanks for the pictures and other threads LWD. The reports of enhanced accuracy have me thinking that I will at least try the 168 TSX. It does seem like there is not much difference for deer with the partition possibly even getting the nod. For anything bigger, the TSX seems like the better bullet at under 3,000 fps. Thanks again everyone.

You're welcome. If they shoot in your gun, you'll be happy with the results. They can be scary accurate.

LWD