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October 25, 2011, 08:46 PM | #1 |
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Maintenance difference between TSX and SST?
So just wondering, as I've never shot an all copper round like the Barnes TTSX, but does it require more rigorous cleaning than say a Hornady SST? Figured it would leave more copper deposits, but couldnt say for sure having never used one. Anybody?
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October 25, 2011, 08:47 PM | #2 |
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I shoot the TTSX in my 7mm-08 Encore. It doesn't seem to leave any more deposits or require any more cleaning than any other bullet.
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October 25, 2011, 08:59 PM | #3 |
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one other thing, why are they more than double the price of other tipped premium rounds? And even their new match burners.... are they that good?
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October 25, 2011, 09:22 PM | #4 |
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“Are they that good”
That probably remains to be seen, but I’m sure they cost a few pennies more to produce, so cost more. Then again Barnes knows that hunters will buy anything, no matter the price.
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October 25, 2011, 09:53 PM | #5 |
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Well, I bought the TTSX for two reasons.
One, because I'm only shooting deer and I like light and fast. There is no big game bullet in 7mm lighter than the 110gr TTSX. Two, I saw a deer shot at 40 yards with a 140gr Core-Lokt Ultra from a 7-08 and the bullet shattered on impact. Killed the deer, for sure, but 40 yards is very average distance around here and I want a bullet that will hold together. This is a single incident and certainly not statistically significant. Still, it concerns me. I asked Barnes about shooting the 110gr TTSX in a rifle because velocities could exceed 3,300 fps with a 24" barrel. They said the bullet is tested (every batch) to hold together at speeds "well beyond" 3,300 fps and if ANY bullet fails the whole lot is scrapped. They also said expansion will be reliable down to 1,800 fps. I have only killed one deer which was a button buck at 40 yards. It was a "Boom!", flop, dead situation. Expansion seemed good based on the exit hole the size of my thumb. Internal damage was excellent. Likely, most any bullet might have done it. However, most any bullet won't get rifle velocities in a 15" barrel. So, all things considered, for me, yeah it's worth it. |
October 25, 2011, 10:04 PM | #6 |
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I won't shoot them because of the insane prices.
They can kiss my...... |
October 25, 2011, 10:06 PM | #7 |
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I may be wrong, but, aren't most bullet jackets made of copper? So shouldn't they "fowl" about the same? This is a question kinda.
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October 25, 2011, 10:09 PM | #8 | |
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If I shot 100 rounds a month, no thanks, but for hunting, the cost difference is irrelevant. |
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October 25, 2011, 10:16 PM | #9 |
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It is a matter of price gouging. It is just the principle of it.
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October 25, 2011, 10:54 PM | #10 |
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Yep, from what I've read these bullets have great performance and I'd like to try them, but I just can't justify paying the price. If I only shot half a box a year like the above poster, I'd be shooting them. However, I often shoot 50-70 rounds a month. Sometimes less, sometimes more, and doing this I find them too expensive for me. I've been happy with the performance of the SST's and have been using them, but I know some guys don't like their performance on deer.
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October 25, 2011, 11:29 PM | #11 | |
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My experience has shown that the TSX and TTSX bullets are finicky, but once you have your load dialed into what your gun likes, they are indeed match grade and will shoot as well as anything else out there. I have also found very consistent weights as well. In my opinion, the Barnes bullets are overkill for deer. I use them for elk where I want great weight retention and max penetration/expansion. For deer, most anything will work. No need to spend the extra amount on a "premium" bullet for the thin-skinned deer or pronghorn. Due to the design of the TSX and TTSX, you can actually achieve the same velocity with less pressure than standard bullets. They have less "bearing" surface making contact with your bore, so there is less friction and less fouling. Are they worth the extra cost? For some applications (elk, moose, bear, etc) I would definitely have to say yes. Of course, I realize that is a matter of personal preference. What I see as a great deal may be seen as a total ripoff to somebody else, and vice-versa. |
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October 26, 2011, 12:30 AM | #12 | |
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October 26, 2011, 06:13 AM | #13 | |
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October 26, 2011, 09:35 AM | #14 |
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Compared to many other "premium" bullets, the TSX/TTSX line is not particularly expensive.
Swift, North Point and Speer Grand Slams are close to the same price or more, depending on the bullet. Nosler Partitions are equal or more, Woodleigh's are more. Nosler E-tips, Sierra Game Kings and the Hornady GMX line are all similarly priced. So, yeah, there are cheaper bullets but the Barnes pricing is not out of line with other high-end bullets. Whether ANY of them are worth the price is another question but the Barnes is not comparatively over-priced.
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October 26, 2011, 10:17 AM | #15 | |
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Because the largest game I shoot is the smallish whitetail deer in these parts, I shoot a lot of Gamekings, even during the off months. I find them to be wonderful bullets, but they're not nearly as expensive as the "premium" lines. I don't agree that Barnes is gouging the shooting public. If I were planning a trip out West to shoot something bigger, I'd probably buy a couple of boxes of Partitions, a couple of boxes of Barnes, and work up loads for them. The difference between a 30 cent bullet and a 70 cent bullet is negligible when you're talking about the difference between success and failure. |
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October 26, 2011, 06:02 PM | #16 | |
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Solid copper bullets are made for several reasons. Concerns with any lead in the meat, and California demands lead-free ammo in some areas. Solid copper bullets are extremely difficult to make. The machinery is expensive and wears out sooner , so the bullets HAVE to cost more. Use of a Barnes bullet for general shooting would be VERY expensive. But use as a once-in-a-lifetime-trophy-hunt would be a small extra expense. It amazes me how people spend huge amounts of money on the hunting trip, lodging, clothes, then go out and buy the cheapest ammo they can find. There are other choices for mono, or solid bullets being made. Hornady's excellent GMX,(Guilding Metal eXpanding), bullet is a poly tipped bullet that displays the same type of expansion as the Barnes. Nosler has the E-tip, which is similar to the Hornady GMX. I once said I would never buy a Barnes bullet. I didn't think there was a need for the deer I hunt. However I just got a box of the 62 grain Barnes .223 TSX-BT for loading in my bushmaster. IF I ever would want to use it for deer, I'd want a bullet that would NOT fragment, or blow up on a rib or other bones. They were a bit more per box than other .223 bullets, BUT only had 50 bullets/box. I tested those in the test tube expansion media, they performed as expected, and BETTER than several other heavy-for-caliber-bullets.
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October 26, 2011, 07:36 PM | #17 |
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If you shoot alot it probably isn't worth it, but for me they are.
If you go through a box of Barnes bullets or two a year and shoot some cheaper stuff too it really isn't that bad. With Barnes I am paying for the utterly reliable performance and accurate delivery, they are worth the price...........confidence in your bullet is just as reassuring as confidence in the rest of your setup.
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October 26, 2011, 07:43 PM | #18 | ||
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October 26, 2011, 08:47 PM | #19 |
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I guess for 60 or so rounds a month, I can't very well justify the use of Barnes. Not when an AMAX gives such incredible accuracy, and SST's are dirt cheap and acceptable out to 300 yards. Still curious about their Match Burners, if they would run with the AMAX. I've seen one posted review, but nothing that leapt out and said run and switch!
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