I'm looking for information on loading barnes 200 grain X bullets in my 348 winchester. Data seems to be completely lacking for this bullet. I've contacted both Barnes and Hodgdon, but neither would/could provide me with any specific load data for this slug.

So far I've tried Varget (54 grains) and IMR 4350 (60 grains). Primers were CCI 250s. Velocity for both ran about 2350 fps out of my browning's 20 inch barrel. I'm also planning on working with H-4895. I've had good results with these powders under the Hornady 200 grain slug, with velocity running just over 2500 fps.

Is it possible to safely get the same velocity out of the Barnes X bullets? I've never worked up loads with solids before, so I'm being pretty cautious about loads at this point.

Any advise would be appreciated. Thanks.

The Barnes manual shows a max of 51 grs of H4895 for the 200 gr XFN for 2503fps. Start with 47grs of H4895.They used a 26" barrel.

I can't believe that info isn't readily available as the 200 grain load is the only surviving load in 348 calibre.
On the other hand, it is my opinion that the 250 grain load is the only one worth shooting, and is indeed the one the 348s reputation was built on. I've had great luck with Barne's 250 original and RL19.
Look to "Steve's pages" for more help.

Pathfinder, thanks that load is one of two that I have been able to find for the 200 X in 348. The other is the IMR-4350 load I mentioned previously. Both were from Rifle - The Legacy of Lever Guns / Wolfe Publishing. Kind of hard to beleive that Barnes only published one load for the 200 grain XFN

Buckshot, if load data is readily available, please tell me where to find it. Steves pages list loads by bullet weight, but does not mention bullet manufacturer.

I have shot the 250 barnes original, and it works great, but I get much better results with H-4350 than RL-19 with that one. As it turns out the X bullet has shown the best potential of any bullet I've tried for accuracy. I just don't know if I can squeeze a little more velocity out of it.

Thanks for the replys--keep 'em coming

Barnes #3 shows 348win
200gr XFN Primer WLR
XMR-4350
Start 57gr 2353fps MAX 61gr 2518fps

H-4895
start 47gr 2307fps MAX 51gr 2503fps

H-380
Start 51gr 2334fps MAX 55gr 2517fps

H-4831
Start 61gr 2253fps MAX 65gr 2401fps

IMR-4064
Start 47gr 2300fps MAX 51gr 2496fps

IMR-4350
Start 56gr 2411fps MAX 60gr 2583fps

Recommended powder is H4895 and IMR-4064

Thanks Z. Thats just the kind of information I was hoping someone might post.

I haven't tried IMR-4064 yet, though I've had good results in other cartridges. My best accuracy so far was obtained with Varget, but I need to do more experimentation. I have loaded some with H-4895, but haven't tried them yet. Maybe tomorrow. I'll proceed carefully.

Thanks again.