Why would you choose this bullet?

Have you had any bad experience's with any of them?


Only reason I ask is because I fear a ban on lead is coming, hopefully not to soon.

Question:
which mono-metal bullet would you choose if you had to pick just one?

Choices:
BARNES TSX
Barnes TTSX
NOSLER E-TIP
HORNADY GMX

 

I would definately use the Nosler E-Tip. At least that's what my reloaded Accubonds would say on the label.

I'm new to all of this....I have shot a few TSX and TTSX but never parted hair with one. They do seem to be accurate however.

I'm still taking a "wait and see"

I've only played with the TSX in my 257 but have not shot any game with them. They were accurate.

If the pinheads go after lead bullets they will probably go after copper too as it is a toxin.

quote:

Originally posted by Clem:
I've only played with the TSX in my 257 but have not shot any game with them. They were accurate.

If the pinheads go after lead bullets they will probably go after copper too as it is a toxin.

They're already workin' on that in Sacramento. Be a while but defintely gonna happen.

That sucks,

quote:

Originally posted by Macifej:

quote:

Originally posted by Clem:
I've only played with the TSX in my 257 but have not shot any game with them. They were accurate.

If the pinheads go after lead bullets they will probably go after copper too as it is a toxin.

They're already workin' on that in Sacramento. Be a while but defintely gonna happen.

Between me and the people I load for and hunt with we have quite a few killed with both Barnes selections. All but one were one shot affairs although two that dropped in their tracks got a second dose when they didn't quit moving fast enough. The lone exception was hit in the knee with the first shot and killed the next morning.

All of the loads and rifles I loaded them for are very accurate with the Barnes.

I tried E-tips and GMXs, but couldn't get the accuracy I wanted out of either. I saw a nice buck killed with an E-tip this year and it worked like a Barnes. Typical small holes in the hide and substantial damage along the wound channel.

For my money the Barnes bullets are as good as is available. Go light. It's not possible to go too light unless you need to shoot >400 yards. 80 grain in 6mm/.243, .25 or .277 and 130s in .308 cal are great!

I've toyed a little with the TSX but in the end I like lead in my bullets.

Of the ones you listed I'd go

1. TTSX, TSX- most popular and most field tested
2. GMX- at least it has 2 relief groves to lower pressure.
3. E-Tip- doesn't seem to be catching on

My vote goes to the TSX bullet and here is why:

Rifle: CZ550 9,3x62 mm
MV = 2,220 fps
Bullet: 286 gr TSX
Weight retained = 100%

The bullet was retrieved from a Gemsbok, shot at 60 paces.
Shot from behind and lodged itself in the lungs - deep pentration.
Impecable performance

Top view:



Side view:



Warrior

You left out North Fork and GS Custom, both of which are also excellent.

I don't think you can go wrong with any of them. You just have to play around and see which shoot best in your particular rifle.

+i for the GS Customs.

Von Gruff.

I would say TSX only because I have no experience with the others even the TTSX. I have a box GMX that I'm going to load and try this spring. But the results I've gotten from the TSX are so good I'm reluctant to bother with anything else.

LWD

I get good accuracy, velocity, and have had excellent results with 270 and 300 gr TSX bullets in my .375 Ultra mag in Africa on game from Steenbok to Buffalo. Those are the only bullets that I will hunt with in that rifle.

I also get good accuracy and velocity with 168 and 180 gr TSX bullets in my .300 Wby. I've only shot 4 animals with that rifle, Blackbuck to Bull Elk, all were one shot kills with the 168 gr load. I see no reason to shoot anything else.

Make mine the TTSX. I prefer a plastic tip to essentially a hollowpoint design. Just personal preference.

I'd like to see a wound channel and penetration shoot out of all these bullets moving at the same velocity in the same caliber for comparison. Then we'd know just how each performs relative to the other.

I don't think that any one bullet is perfect for all situations. The Barnes monolithic's do a fine job but depending upon the game other bullets will out perform it.

The stronger designs can enhance the performance from smaller calibers but again is dependent upon the game. Example being that the 243 will gain penetration with the Barnes but does not gain any additional energy. Without the additional energy just how much more effective can it be?

What I like about the Barnes bullets is that I can get a better performing lighter bullet for a specific caliber. Lighter and shorter lead cored bullets have limits to their effective expansion before jacket separation reduces effective penetration.

Example in the field would be the Nosler 130 grain .277 Ballistic tip vs the Barnes. The Barnes 130 will offer much greater penetration leading to a more effective kill over the Ballistic tip. On the other hand the 150 grain .277 Ballistic tip would out perform the 150 grain Barnes due to its additional expansion capabilities.

Depending upon the change of game the Barnes 150 could out perform the Ballistic tip. It is all a balance of bullet to game. So one bullet is not ever going to be the do all IMO.

Have used Barnes X and TSX on animals as small as little piggies to as large as Cape Buffalo. Never had a problem with them!

Every time i walk into a gunshop and find a box or 2 of my favourite (lead containing) 6, 6.5 and 7mm bullets, I shall be buying them. Lets see how long they'll last me before I need to comply with any non-lead bullet law...Pah! pencilpushers! what else now? powder contains sulfur and should also be banned??

Myself and my hunting partner took 225 gr TTSX's in .338 to Africa and had great success with them in both accuracy and terminal performance.

Barnes Triple Shocks!

I absolutely love the Triple Shocks. They have performed perfectly for me and have been extremely accurate as well.