250gr Barnes TSX in 338-06
Does anybody have any experience using a 338-06 with 250gr Barnes TSX bullets? If so, is it a problem to stabilize the long bullets? What velocities can be achieved?
Many thanks. Adam
05 May 2008, 23:48
prof242My buddy and I each have a .338-06, but I'm unsure what the twist is right now. Neither rifle likes anything over the 225gr bullets.
06 May 2008, 17:55
muygrandeI haven't tried the 250 tsx but have an excellent load with the 250 gr a frame bullet and my pre 64 '06 bored out to 338 stabilizes them just fine. Do not recall the twist however.
I would suggest you do a search. There is a ton of data on the 338-06. Mine is a 1:10 twist and I think it would do fine with the Barnes. Check the
www.barnesbullets.com site.
Their rifle was a 1:10 twist 25 in barrel attaining 2500 with Big Game.
Personaly I see no reason to use a 250 TSX, since the 225 TSX will pentrate as well as and better than most 250 lead core bullets. A 10 twist will certainly stabilize a 250 TSX. I have seen a 225 TSX slightly out penetrate a 300 GRain TBBC from a 375 H&H on a Buffalo. The 210 TSX Shot completely throgh a Zebra out of a 338 Federal, check out the damage to the heart.
12 May 2008, 04:51
AtkinsonThat is one long bullet and it will take up too much powder space in the 06 case IMO and velocity will suffer...
The 200 or 210 will penetrate about anything on this planet and give you about all the velocity that you will ever need..If not then the 225 sure will get the job done.
I would save the 250 gr. Monolithics for the big magnum .338s..If you must use a 250 gr. bullet then opt for the Nosler, but the 338-06 was never ment for the heavier bullets..
12 May 2008, 18:05
muygrandeRay, would you not recommend the 250 Swift A Frame in the 338-06 for a brown bear hunt? I was trying to get it too shoot in my 35 Whelen for this trip but it has proven to be problematic and I am switching to the 338 for the hunt.