I just learned that we will be required to use non-lead bullets here in California next deer season, so I am interested in the opinions of those who have used Barnes TSX 6.5 bullets as to whether they prefer the 120 BT or the 130-grain flat based bullets. I would also like to know why you prefer one over the other, if possible.

I am really unhappy about this development because it makes a considerable stock of lead bullets I have and load development I have already done obsolete. Not to mention the fact that the TSXs have performance problems at commonly reached handgun barrel length velocities. Here is a picture and article that will illustrate what I am talking about with the Barnes TSX bullets I am being forced to use:

http://www.handgunsmag.com/ammunition/bullett_071207/index.html

Thanks for any in put you are so kind as to offer...Rusty.

The 6.5s are fantastic handgun hunting rounds but not as popular as other calibers in the U.S., so the bullet makers all lag behind the other bullet diameters in their bullet products and getting them on the market in the 6.5 diameter.

Actually the situation here is worse than first forecast and about what I feared would happen. 22 Lr and shotgun shells shooting lead pellets have been added to the no-lead restrictions. It isn't even legal to carry a weapon capable of firing 22 Lr ammo in a condor zone. Here is a link with much more specific information for those of you interested or who this might affect:

http://www.montereyherald.com/local/ci_7669376?nclick_check=1

Rusty-

I hate to hear this -- though it seemed inevitable.

MAYBE the TTSX will be the answer as these feature a more cavernous hollow point along with the polymer tip to initiate expansion. I have some 7mm TTSXs here that I plan to check out shortly.

But you know my opinion on the X and TSX in the single shot pistols. Most of the time, they work fine, but on other occasions, they leave much to be desired in low-velocity and/or long range situations.

I have some 6.5 TSX bullets on my bench that will not open below 2200 fps; other lots of the same bullet did fine.

Unlike many manufacturers, however, Barnes apparently listened to customer feedback and realized they must address the inconsistencies, and the announcement of the TTSX may put the old X and newer TSX on the permanently- discontinued list.

Bobby,

I believe you are right about the older less technologically advanced X-Bullets; I saw some steeply discounted in a gun shop just today.

I also sent Barnes an e-mail advising them of the situation and asking for prompt product development geared to handgun hunters. Only time will tell if Barnes believes we handgun hunters are a big enough market to cater to our needs.

Although Barnes has not seen fit to do anything with the 6.5s in their new bullet line, I will be waiting and watching to see how your tests come out. You do a great service to all handgun hunters through your testing work and I thank you. Best regards and happy holidays, Rusty.

Here are a couple of links for those of you who would like to know more about this issue and have some ammunition to fight lead bans in your states as they come up:

http://www.nrapublications.org/tah/unleaded.asp

http://californiahuntingtoday.com/hogblog/?p=343

Rusty

Thanks for the links, Rusty. Yes, you are undoubtedly right: those battles/issues will eventually spread across the country.

Back to the TTSX: did you notice the price jump from the tsx? It looks to be around $8 more per box for the tipped version. I think I paid $35 per box of 50 for the 7mm 120 grain TTSX and about $1 more for the 140 grain version.

Yesterday, I did some shooting with 125 grain Partitions in the 6.5 BB Imp. These were 2nds, on sale for 9.95 per 50 recently -- and gave me a couple sub 0.5" groups at 100 yards with fireforming loads. Yes, you read correctly: I used Partitions for fireforming loads. At less than $20 per 100 bullets, these were cheaper than most "standard" bullets.

I just love the sales from Nosler's Shooters Pro Shop...

For those who this may effect, here is the official DFG affected area map for the present:

http://www.dfg.ca.gov/wildlife/hunting/condor/docs/Ridl...rPreservationAct.pdf

Rusty

In the CA DFG website Barnes ammo was the only approved for hunting at this time in CA.Condors only lay one egg every 2 years so their survival is questionable. Aren't these mexican condors they've reintroduced? The majority have died due to their attraction to high tension electric transmission towers but I haven't read any info on removing all of the transmission towers in the expanded condor protection area!