I voted for the non tipped bullet simply because I have dropped a tipped on a hard surface and have the tips break off. Don't want a bullet this fragile.
I picked the TTSX only for really long range expansion - a theoretical choice really.
I have shot a big black bear with a TSX 160 gr 7mm mag at 300+ yards and had no problems. Deer from my 7mm08 & TSX out to 250 meters also went down quickly.
"When the wind stops....start rowing. When the wind starts, get the sail up quick."
Posts: 11370 | Location: New Zealand | Registered: 02 July 2008
Given the issues in the past with some variable expansion with smaller calibers, my personal rule of thumb is .338/smaller I use the TTSX, anything bigger the hole in the tip of the TSX bullet is big enough for reliable expansion (obviously my personal opinion only...). I probably would be willing to bet this is the case with anything over .30 but, better safe than sorry.
Posts: 11123 | Location: Minnesota USA | Registered: 15 June 2007
In using the TSX and the old Barnes "X" Flat Base bullets in rifles from a 22 Hornet up to a 375 H&H at all sorts of ranges I have never had a Barnes bullet fail to open up just like they look in the adds.
I seriously doubt the claims I have seen made concerning a lack of expansion from a Barnes bullet upon impact with a critter.
It is a monometal bullet and is only going to expand just so much, tip or no tip. To me, regardless of the manufacturer and their claims "Tipped" bullets are simply a marketing ploy and trhe latest next big thing on the market.
Critters of all sizes and species on all the continents where critters are hunted and shot have been being killed just fine for centuries with solid lead bullets, cup and core bullets and now monmetal eco-friendly bullets, with out little pretty colored polymer tips.
Originally posted by crbutler: Given the issues in the past with some variable expansion with smaller calibers, my personal rule of thumb is .338/smaller I use the TTSX, anything bigger the hole in the tip of the TSX bullet is big enough for reliable expansion (obviously my personal opinion only...). I probably would be willing to bet this is the case with anything over .30 but, better safe than sorry.
this gets my vote.
Regards,
Robert
****************************** H4350! It stays crunchy in milk longer!
Originally posted by BigNate: Most people don't shoot far enough well enough for the plastic tips to be of any value.
I've been using the TSX (non tipped) exclusively ever since they came out. Never had an issue with them. From 70-310yds.
And ironically, in my experience it is in those longer distances where the non tipped TSX tend to expand fully. I think their sweet spot is between 2-300 yds.
There are two types of people in the world: those that get things done and those who make excuses. There are no others.
Posts: 1446 | Location: El Campo Texas | Registered: 26 July 2004
Use the tsx and don't look back. You'll save money and not lose any performance. The tipped ttsx can lose their tips in the magazine box of heavy recoiling rifles.
I've used both on 15 different animals - From Fox to Aoudad - Honestly, I can't tell the difference between them on any animals I've shot - The performance always seems to be the same => An entrance hole; mangled innards; exit hole with guts and other material hanging out.
I really like the X bullets - I'm a fan of them for sure.
I shoot the 140 grain TSX bullet with all four .270 WSM's that my grandsons and I shoot because it is one of my most accurate bullets. I have always cringed when I bought them, but could not resist using them on the larger-tougher game. I got a very good supprise last week in my local Gander Mountain when I found them on sale for $14.98 per box. Yep, I loaded up but didn't buy all they had either. Good shooting.
phurley
Posts: 2366 | Location: KY | Registered: 22 September 2004