Barnes Banded solids conversion??

smiljko · July 14, 2010, 06:40 AM

Hi!
I've been given 50 .30 165gr Barnes banded solids(guy really wanted tsx but accidentally ordered solids).
As I don't have any real use for them, and powder is really hard to get around here, so I don't want to just blast them in paper, I was thinking about converting them to hunting bullets by drilling a hole in the point and maybe trimming 1mm from the point.
What do you think - is it doable , and would I get any expansion

Thanks!

rogn · July 14, 2010, 10:41 AM

I think the best thing would be to contact Barnes V/ email and see if they can direct you. If you proceed on your own theres enough trial and error to use up the box, they perhaps can give some guidnce.

**Unclenick** · July 14, 2010, 10:49 AM

I think it would be pretty easy to use up a box trying to find the right hole shape, and not just the right load. Plus, the hole has to be centered well to maintain accuracy and not cause the bullet to wobble or become unstable in flight, so you need a lathe or a jig with a drill guide for doing that. If you want expandable solids, see if you can trade those bullets to someone else for some Hornady GMX or for Barne's own expanding design?

.284 · July 14, 2010, 11:30 AM

My reloading partner did just that with some Meister cast bullets for his Ruger Old Army. However, he is a die maker and has access to equipment that the common guy does not. It's not just as easy as drilling a hole. Unclenick is absolutely correct, the hole must be centered and of the same depth to obtain consistency. I think you should take advantage of the freebie and shoot the Barnes bullets as they came. If you find some loads that your gun favors, then try some TTSX or TSX bullets for hunting. He has used both the 130 gr and 150 gr in his 30-06 and found them to be great whitetail loads. Also, clean your gun like you have never cleaned it before prior to shooting. Barnes bullets being pure copper are different than the glided metal used to produce jacketed bullets. When seating Barnes bullets, don't be afraid to used a good amount of free bore. Barnes recommends .030-.070 jump to the lands. I seat mine .035 free bore for my 280 Remington.

briandg · July 14, 2010, 12:55 PM

The barnes bullets are not only hollow, but internally skived, so that they will peel open. I don't even remotely believe that the bullets will expand with a drilled hollow point, unless you drill it out .200 or so. The copper will not tear.

Try selling them online, or maybe even email barnes and see if they will trade them in for functional bullets. Who knows?

smiljko · July 15, 2010, 03:03 AM

Thanks for the advice!
I'll try and drill 5-6 of them in a lathe and try them - if it works fine, if doesn't i'll just use them for headshots at close range.

PS I also have 100 sierra matchkings another guy ordered instead of gamekings

July 14, 2010, 06:40 AM	#1
smiljko Member Join Date: April 16, 2005 Location: Croatia Posts: 85	Barnes Banded solids conversion?? Hi! I've been given 50 .30 165gr Barnes banded solids(guy really wanted tsx but accidentally ordered solids). As I don't have any real use for them, and powder is really hard to get around here, so I don't want to just blast them in paper, I was thinking about converting them to hunting bullets by drilling a hole in the point and maybe trimming 1mm from the point. What do you think - is it doable , and would I get any expansion Thanks!

July 14, 2010, 10:49 AM	#3
Unclenick Staff Join Date: March 4, 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 21,742	I think it would be pretty easy to use up a box trying to find the right hole shape, and not just the right load. Plus, the hole has to be centered well to maintain accuracy and not cause the bullet to wobble or become unstable in flight, so you need a lathe or a jig with a drill guide for doing that. If you want expandable solids, see if you can trade those bullets to someone else for some Hornady GMX or for Barne's own expanding design? __________________ Gunsite Orange Hat Family Member CMP Certified GSM Master Instructor NRA Certified Rifle Instructor NRA Benefactor Member and Golden Eagle

July 14, 2010, 10:41 AM	#2
rogn Senior Member Join Date: December 25, 2005 Posts: 203	I think the best thing would be to contact Barnes V/ email and see if they can direct you. If you proceed on your own theres enough trial and error to use up the box, they perhaps can give some guidnce.

July 14, 2010, 11:30 AM	#4
.284 Senior Member Join Date: July 8, 2009 Location: davison, michigan Posts: 665	My reloading partner did just that with some Meister cast bullets for his Ruger Old Army. However, he is a die maker and has access to equipment that the common guy does not. It's not just as easy as drilling a hole. Unclenick is absolutely correct, the hole must be centered and of the same depth to obtain consistency. I think you should take advantage of the freebie and shoot the Barnes bullets as they came. If you find some loads that your gun favors, then try some TTSX or TSX bullets for hunting. He has used both the 130 gr and 150 gr in his 30-06 and found them to be great whitetail loads. Also, clean your gun like you have never cleaned it before prior to shooting. Barnes bullets being pure copper are different than the glided metal used to produce jacketed bullets. When seating Barnes bullets, don't be afraid to used a good amount of free bore. Barnes recommends .030-.070 jump to the lands. I seat mine .035 free bore for my 280 Remington.

July 14, 2010, 12:55 PM	#5
briandg Senior Member Join Date: May 4, 2010 Posts: 5,468	The barnes bullets are not only hollow, but internally skived, so that they will peel open. I don't even remotely believe that the bullets will expand with a drilled hollow point, unless you drill it out .200 or so. The copper will not tear. Try selling them online, or maybe even email barnes and see if they will trade them in for functional bullets. Who knows?

July 15, 2010, 03:03 AM	#6
smiljko Member Join Date: April 16, 2005 Location: Croatia Posts: 85	Thanks for the advice! I'll try and drill 5-6 of them in a lathe and try them - if it works fine, if doesn't i'll just use them for headshots at close range. PS I also have 100 sierra matchkings another guy ordered instead of gamekings