Steve,

Barnes says that they have incorporated the nose design of the xxx's into the others. The question is when? I would call them and ask how to tell. There was also a correction in effect alloy control along the way.

The older design did not expand all of the time and lost it's petals at high velocity impact.

Steve,

The change may be inside the nose cavity. Sectioning them might be easier. Calling Barnes and asking even easier.

Steve,

Many discount the X for smaller animals. I have taken 2 whitetails, a blesbok and a springbok as well as a kudu with the 180gr 30 cal Triple Shock. Performance was superb on the smaller animals with 3 dropping to the shot and the blesbok running 20 yards. They opened just fine and the springbok was of course under 100 pounds, so I will not hesitate to use them in the future on small animals.

DJ and Savage, Thanks for the replies. Maybe the best I can do is test them on some jugs of water at various distances to find out how well they will expand.

DJ, Man I am still pumped over those groups, if they perform well on my milk jug tests I believe I will buy up a few more boxes, I do alot of shooting but would save these for hunting only, well most anyway:') After finding a load like that it would be a shame to have to start over.

For what is worth I have never been a Barnes fan until recently. I loaded a 140 GRN. Triple Shock XBT in a 7mm Rem. Loaded with 70grns of RL22 it is by far the most accurate load I have ever done. I can't wait to see how they preform on game this year!!! From what I am reading they have a lot of fans already! I do have a buddy who loads the XLC and he is very satisfied with them.....