The Accurate Reloading Forums
Barnes TSX New Range Report
01 September 2009, 09:46
Wookie316Barnes TSX New Range Report
Looking for opinions & experiences here in the reloading aspect of things.
What are you finding, do they like to run hot? Or do they like something more in the middle?
As for seating, just off the lands, or do they group better with a bit of a jump start?
The main reason I'm asking is I have a 22-250 24" 1-14 twist.
Now if you check out the Barnes manual Stickied here:
http://www.barnesbullets.com/C.../22-250Remington.pdfIt shows all the load data is tested with a 1-14 twist, BUT recommends a 1-12 twist for 53gr XXX bullets at the top of the page. These are what I am trying to shoot.
Am I wasting time & ammo trying to get 53gr XXX to shoot in this thing?
To date I've tried 36.5gr Varget 210M Win Brass 53gr XXX just off lands & resulted in a 4" group.
40gr Blitzkings & 50gr Nosler BT both group in the 1/2-3/4 inch range (5 shot).
Powders at my disposal currently that will work in a 22-250 are RL15, Varget, Benchmark, IMR4350,
I also have Win LR primers too.
Open to suggestions
Thanks.
I will also mention I owned another 22-250 1-14 twist that was only 22". It shot the old 53gr X & 60gr partitions Awesome.
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01 September 2009, 15:17
GrumulkinIf you're going to get those bullets to shoot well, you will probably have to push them hard just don't overdo it and hurt yourself. Also, Barnes bullets supposedly do a bit better with a jump to the lands and I have no evidence to the contrary.
I tried these bullets in a 1:12 twist 22-250 and couldn't get them to shoot as well as Speer 70 gr. Semi-Spitzers. So, I use the Speers; I've even taken a couple of deer with them with no problem.
01 September 2009, 18:19
Hot Corequote:
Originally posted by Wookie316:
Am I wasting time & ammo trying to get 53gr XXX to shoot in this thing? To date I've tried 36.5gr Varget 210M Win Brass 53gr XXX just off lands & resulted in a 4" group. ...
Hey Wookie316, As long as you are simply pulling one randomly picked Load from a Manual and hoping it will shoot accurately, your chances are extremely low of attaining excellent accuracy.
You need to drop back and Develop the Load from below. Fortunately there is the never improved upon
Creighton Audette Load Development Method, which allows you to determine if they will shoot well for you quickly or not.
Or you can keep randomly picking a Load and may eventually find one that works for you.
Best of luck to you.
01 September 2009, 22:28
LWDWhy use the 53 gr when the 45 gr are made specifically for slow twist .22 calibers and are virtually the same?
I have found that as you approach the "sweet spot" the groups will tighten quickly. But that was a maximum load with my .30-06 and a middle of the road load with my .375H&H. Just as with any other bullet, each gun is somewhat unique.
Regarding seating depth, they tend to shoot better with some jump to the lands. But what they means for each gun will depend on that gun.
LWD
02 September 2009, 00:22
jeffeossoseat thr bullets WAY off.. ... if you aren't keyholing, which you didnt mention, you dont have a twist issue
did you try the oal listed in the load?
btw, barnes makes TSX bullet.. triple shock X bullets .. XXX bullets sounds like porno! LOL
02 September 2009, 04:26
Wookie316quote:
Originally posted by Hot Core:
Hey Wookie316, As long as you are simply pulling one randomly picked Load from a Manual and hoping it will shoot accurately, your chances are extremely low of attaining excellent accuracy.
You need to drop back and Develop the Load from below. Fortunately there is the never improved upon
Creighton Audette Load Development Method, which allows you to determine if they will shoot well for you quickly or not.
Or you can keep randomly picking a Load and may eventually find one that works for you.
Best of luck to you.
Great info. Why test at 300 yards though? Why not 100 yards?
No key holes either.
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Did I mention I love Sako's
02 September 2009, 15:39
Hot Corequote:
Originally posted by Wookie316:
Why test at 300 yards though? Why not 100 yards? ...
Hey Wookie316, That would be so the Harmonic Nodes are easier to spot. As you move up in Powder, you will see "clusters" of 3-4 Bullet Holes and those are where a person needs to focus.
If a person is using a 30-30 or 357Mag rifle, then shooting closer is a good idea because of the increased drop-off in their Trajectory. Of course, that is near their distance limit anyhow.
You still might do fine at 100yds with other Cartridges, but occasionally it is just a bit tougher to find the Nodes. It is best to do this at Sunrise when the wind calms. You can also do it at Sunset, but then you have to gather your stuff up in the dark.
Best of luck to you.
02 September 2009, 23:19
Wookie316Well I went to the range to do some more testing. I had 2 different loads I tried. The first was with the same charge of Varget but at a COL of 2.360.
They once again were all over the page

The other load was a Benchmark load.
Rem Case, 210M, 34gr Benchmark, 53 TSX @ COL 2.360. This is looking much better
I will have to measure to see exactly how far off the lands I am, but I believe I am over the 30-70 thousandths suggested range by Barnes.
The FPS was from 3644 LOW - 3672 HIGH.
It does look like it may be promising though.
Much happier this time.

______________________
Did I mention I love Sako's
03 September 2009, 00:29
jeffeossohow did presasure look? seat em back another .005, and see if you can get a better group
03 September 2009, 00:39
Wookie316Pressure signs look OK. I think I am over 100 Thousandths of the lands right now. I think 2.483 was where it touched in this rifling, but I have to recheck & confirm that?
I am at 2.360 now.
My 50gr Nosler BT are at 2.510.
______________________
Did I mention I love Sako's
03 September 2009, 02:07
jeffeossohey, you know, if you get the vel and accuracy you want, the OAL is just a measurement, right?
good on ya!