TSX or GS Custom (expanding version) which and why?

WITCH wieght and at what velocity would wyou prefer and why?

Anyother prefered soft points?

As for solids would you match the wieght and speed of the expanding projectils?

TSX, TBBC, Swift A-Frames, Woodleigh, North Forks and others of that ilk, are all excellent choices. Use the one that shoots the best in your gun. What weight and velocity? 400 grains at 2400-2450 fps. Why? Because, for 94 years that combination has been knocking the hell out of big African animals to the greatest satisfaction of it's users. I have neither seen nor heard of any real benefit to using lighter projectiles or higher velocities in this caliber. I have shot elephant, buffalo, wart hog, and impala with 400 grainers and they all fell down and died.

Geronimo

Cape buffalo, water buffalo, or bison (American buffalo)?

Each is different in muscularity and temperament.

My preferred soft is the Swift A-Frame. And I always shoot the same weight bullets, regardless of whether they are softs or solids.

George

George, Cape Buffalo. what wieght A frames do you use and how fast do you shoot them?

quote:

TSX or GS Custom (expanding version) which and why?

WITCH wieght and at what velocity would wyou prefer and why?

As for solids would you match the wieght and speed of the expanding projectils?

The twist rate of the 416 Rigby is 1:16.5" where the USA based 416s are 1:14". The Rigby will work better with bullets that are shorter than those used for the others. In expanding mono bullets, the TSX 350gr or the 330gr GSC HV are both good choices for any of the 416 calibers. They are short enough to work well in the Rigby and even better in the other three. Bear in mind that monos will deal with a wider range of impact speeds without failing than cup and core bullets. Run them as fast as you are comfortable and what is safe.

With mono solids the 410gr bullets are good for the 416 RM, Taylor and Weatherby. The 416 Rigby will do better with solids that are a bit shorter. We make a 380gr FN for it.

Using softs and solids of the same weight will compromise the performance of one or the other. Use the correct length of bullet for the application. Selecting a bullet by weight makes as much sense as selecting your shoes by weight instead of size.


For a variety of reasons I would much prefer that you use the GSC bullets but I am somewhat biased in that opinion.

jwp: I also use 400gr Swifts to 2400 fps and they worked fine on buffalo. I think you'll find that the bigger bores are easier to get to shoot to the same POI as smaller calibers. I had no problems getting my steel Hornady solids to shoot tot he same POI as the A Frames and also Federal Factory Woodleighs and TSXs all shoot to the same POI. Velocity ranges from a low of 2375 for the woodleighs to a high of 2425 for the TSXs. Only when I pushed the TSXs to 2500 plus did the POI change. jorge

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Originally posted by jwp475:
TSX or GS Custom (expanding version) which and why?

WITCH wieght and at what velocity would wyou prefer and why?

Anyother prefered soft points?

As for solids would you match the wieght and speed of the expanding projectils?

I'd use the 350-grain TSX. I have a very accurate load for mine with this bullet at 2500 FPS.

Get the maximum sectional density you can, use the 400 grain bullets on buffalo. Use swifts, TBBC, TSX, Northforks, Woodleighs, they are all good. 400 grains traveling at 2300+ put in the boiler room spells death. As far as the solids, the Northforks, TB sledgehammers, Woodleigh solids all good choices and they will shoot very close to, if not the same point of impact as the softs out to 100 yards on dangerous game it will not make a difference.

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I'd use the 350-grain TSX. I have a very accurate load for mine with this bullet at 2500 FPS.

El Deguello
What is your load.
Dr B

I have 4 one shot kills with both the GScustom and the Northfork solids. I do not think the TSX can compare. I could be wrong but I have seen the Barnes bullet break up and or fail to open on two bulls. That is not a great statistical sample but it does speak to some issues.

I don't have a lot of experience here ... only one buf, one Hartebeast, and a Gemsbock with the 350 Gr Barnes X at 2700 fps. My CZ 550 hog back likes it holding 1 1/2" groups or better at 200 yards sighted with a 1.5-5 scope.

The only recovered bullet was one on the buf ... a followup shot that entered the right rump, broke the right rear femur and was found in the lungs. Wound canal was straight. Recovered bullet retained 77% of its original weight.

I was impressed that you could push a bullet through 5 feet of buffalo, smash the largest bone in the rear quarter, and retain that much weight.

On the smaller animals and the other shots on the buf there were excellent exit wounds. It was definitely enough gun with an excellent trajectory. I'd use it again with the same load.

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Originally posted by jwp475:
TSX or GS Custom (expanding version) which and why?

GS Custom HV. They are a true driving band construction and will have less pressure spikes and less fouling than the Barnes TSX. The GS is also made from a softer copper than Barnes, giving it more reliable expansion and less brittleness.

The GS website indicates that the .416 HV is available only in a 330 grain version. Due to its material (copper) and its sleek profile, this is a long bullet and it will stabilize better if you go lighter than the standard 400 grains anyway. I would suggest 2500 fps.

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Anyother prefered soft points?

North Fork for sure, with A-Frame as a second choice.

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As for solids would you match the wieght and speed of the expanding projectils?

Not necessary. Just match POI.

If you run the 330gr HV at 2650 fps, it is a close quarters knock them down and drag them out bullet as well as a very capable plains game number.