... have any of you had exposure to, or experience with, the new Barnes "Ringtail" bullet (7mm, 140-grain)?

Where GS Custom and North Fork rely on driving bands or "ridges" for a bearing surface, Barnes is retaining their "original" bearing surface diameter, but... they're cutting grooves into their "X" bullets, which will accomplish about the same thing as the two former bullets. That being, higher velocity at less pressure.

I suppose it'll be a year before we see any of them on the shelves.

Russ

[ 01-07-2003, 02:15: Message edited by: Russell E. Taylor ]

"Higher velocity with less pressure" is one claim I am always skeptical of.

I spoke to BARNES last week, told them that I would like to try some of there new ones, In a proven, very accurate rifle that I had. Had originally wanted to use the x-bullet but had mixed results at best. Told them that I would be glad to report fully, back to them with the results. They're done with the testing, bullets are a litle difficult to manufacture, they will produce the 3 most popular weights for each caliber, and they should be available in February of '03.

I just got this reply mere seconds ago, in response to the E-mail I sent yesterday.

===
Russ

Thanks for your interest in Barnes Bullets. The ringtail bullets are in
testing at the moment and have all been shipped out. The good news is that
we will be making and selling them in the near future. Keep your eyes open
and try back in Febuary. Enjoy!!

Ty Herring
Barnes Bullets
Customer Service Rep
TyHerring@directinet.com
P.O Box 215
American Fork
Ut. 84003
Tel 801.756.4222
1.800.574.9200
Fax 801.756.2465
www.barnesbullets.com

-----Original Message-----
From: Russell Taylor
Sent: Wednesday, December 11, 2002 12:07 AM
To: email@barnesbullets.com
Subject: 7mm 140-grain Ringtail Bullets

I read that you shipped Scovill some of these. Can I buy a couple of
boxes?

Russ

[ 01-07-2003, 02:15: Message edited by: Russell E. Taylor ]

Dave Scovill reported on the ringtailed X bullets in the January 2003 Rifle. They're quite interesting. Actually, I wondered why Barnes didn't try this long ago.

The concept isn't exactly new as original Nosler Partitions had a pressure-relief cut. I bet it's a booger to cut grooves and keep the bullets accurate.

[ 12-12-2002, 04:37: Message edited by: BigIron ]

I just received some communication from Mike Brady of North Fork bullets pertaining to the notion of increased velocity/less pressure.
In a nutshell, it just doesn't happen. There is most defintely a correlation between pressure and velocity. The more you have of one, the more you will have of the other.
What Mike has stated is that his bullets generate standard velocity with less powder in most instances.

[ 12-13-2002, 21:35: Message edited by: John S ]

I am guessing that these bullets will be priced somewhere in the stratosphere. I hope they are as good as the hype. Maybe Barnes will sell them in packages of five or ten so us poor folk can try a few.

ZM