Finally got a MOA group with Barnes

ligonierbill · October 9, 2015, 05:07 AM

I've been working these in several calibers, but never could get a really good group. Last week I had high hopes for the 120 TTSX in my 6.5x55, but...2" at 100. Not the rifle; it shoots 120 Nosler BT at 1/2". So my expectations were not high yesterday when I took out my .338 WM with some 210 TTSX. First three went in the same hole! Should have taken a picture, but I sent two more that both fell within an inch. I was taking my time, but the barrel was warming up nonetheless.

Looks like my go to "lite" load for this cannon, especially given Barnes reputation for terminal performance. It has noticeably less recoil than the 250 SGK (worked a new load with VV N560 right after shooting the group). BTW, the 250's fell within an inch and a half at Vihtavouri's max load. This is a Savage 116 "Weather Warrior". Oh, I use one of those stick in your shirt gel pads. No bruises after 25 from the bench. Like this rifle.

Doyle · October 9, 2015, 07:53 AM

Have you been seating your Barnes bullets far enough off the lands? I haven't tried them yet but reportedly, Barnes copper bullets REALLY like to jump.

**Unclenick** · October 9, 2015, 07:59 AM

Check out the procedure Berger recommends for VLD's and try it on the Barnes.

ligonierbill · October 9, 2015, 12:31 PM

I've just been loading to the COL from Barnes' data. Obviously that was the right length for the. 338, but I should work it for the Swede. Just started working with the 80 grain TTSX in the. 243, so I'll keep that in mind.

ligonierbill · October 14, 2015, 12:02 PM

Had to follow up on my .243 Win loads with Barnes 80 gr TTSX - another super group. Four in one hole, and the fifth within an inch (my fault, I think). Guess I should go back and play with the length on the 6.5. I'll be shooting this .243 load for deer season.

Doyle · October 14, 2015, 12:08 PM

How far off the lands did you wind up putting it?

ligonierbill · October 14, 2015, 12:42 PM

Don't know. I just loaded to Barnes' 2.61 and hit it right, as I did with the .338. Guess I'll have to work for the 6.5, though, loading an inert round, etc.

azar92 · October 15, 2015, 03:08 PM

I've only used one, the 7mm 150 grain TTSX in a 7mm Remington Magnum. Quite simply, the most accurate bullet ever fired out of that rifle. There have been other bullets that did quite well, but none that have bested the TTSX.

October 9, 2015, 05:07 AM	#1
ligonierbill Senior Member Join Date: May 20, 2007 Posts: 2,458	Finally got a MOA group with Barnes I've been working these in several calibers, but never could get a really good group. Last week I had high hopes for the 120 TTSX in my 6.5x55, but...2" at 100. Not the rifle; it shoots 120 Nosler BT at 1/2". So my expectations were not high yesterday when I took out my .338 WM with some 210 TTSX. First three went in the same hole! Should have taken a picture, but I sent two more that both fell within an inch. I was taking my time, but the barrel was warming up nonetheless. Looks like my go to "lite" load for this cannon, especially given Barnes reputation for terminal performance. It has noticeably less recoil than the 250 SGK (worked a new load with VV N560 right after shooting the group). BTW, the 250's fell within an inch and a half at Vihtavouri's max load. This is a Savage 116 "Weather Warrior". Oh, I use one of those stick in your shirt gel pads. No bruises after 25 from the bench. Like this rifle.

October 9, 2015, 07:59 AM	#3
Unclenick Staff Join Date: March 4, 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 21,063	Check out the procedure Berger recommends for VLD's and try it on the Barnes. __________________ Gunsite Orange Hat Family Member CMP Certified GSM Master Instructor NRA Certified Rifle Instructor NRA Benefactor Member and Golden Eagle

October 9, 2015, 07:53 AM	#2
Doyle Senior Member Join Date: June 20, 2007 Location: Rainbow City, Alabama Posts: 7,167	Have you been seating your Barnes bullets far enough off the lands? I haven't tried them yet but reportedly, Barnes copper bullets REALLY like to jump.

October 9, 2015, 12:31 PM	#4
ligonierbill Senior Member Join Date: May 20, 2007 Posts: 2,458	I've just been loading to the COL from Barnes' data. Obviously that was the right length for the. 338, but I should work it for the Swede. Just started working with the 80 grain TTSX in the. 243, so I'll keep that in mind.

October 14, 2015, 12:02 PM	#5
ligonierbill Senior Member Join Date: May 20, 2007 Posts: 2,458	Had to follow up on my .243 Win loads with Barnes 80 gr TTSX - another super group. Four in one hole, and the fifth within an inch (my fault, I think). Guess I should go back and play with the length on the 6.5. I'll be shooting this .243 load for deer season.

October 14, 2015, 12:08 PM	#6
Doyle Senior Member Join Date: June 20, 2007 Location: Rainbow City, Alabama Posts: 7,167	How far off the lands did you wind up putting it?

October 14, 2015, 12:42 PM	#7
ligonierbill Senior Member Join Date: May 20, 2007 Posts: 2,458	Don't know. I just loaded to Barnes' 2.61 and hit it right, as I did with the .338. Guess I'll have to work for the 6.5, though, loading an inert round, etc.

October 15, 2015, 03:08 PM	#8
azar92 Senior Member Join Date: April 16, 2009 Location: Utah Posts: 209	I've only used one, the 7mm 150 grain TTSX in a 7mm Remington Magnum. Quite simply, the most accurate bullet ever fired out of that rifle. There have been other bullets that did quite well, but none that have bested the TTSX.