Barnes in a 223

[RHutch]

For those of you that have a 223 and have shot the TSX, which bullet would be recommended for an 8 twist?

53 grain or 62 grain?

Powder recommendation also welcome.

I was planning to try these through my 223AI for small deer and piggies.

 

[brdeano]

Re: Barnes in a 223

I shoot the 62 and am getting 3300 with H-335. I did very minimal load work up, but they still shoot sub-MOA out to 600yards. NOBODY say's he's getting 3400, also with H-335. I think the only way I'd run the 53, is if the rifle wouldn't stablize the 62, but your 1-8" will have no problems. The 62 is longer than a 69SMK and crowding a 77SMK.

53 TSX on the left, 62 on the right. Next is an 69SMK, then an 77SMK.

 

[RHutch]

Re: Barnes in a 223

Thanks Brad. I was leaning to the 62 but was'nt sure about the length. Picture is worth....you know.

 

[Juma]

In NZ we shoot Barnes 55gr TSX in a Browning X Bolt using 25gr BM2 with devastating results. I load the 53gr TSX for a mate in Sako Vixen using 748. We use the 62gr TSX in a WSSM using ADI 2209. This projectile fully stoked cartwheels stags up to 380m.Now loading the TTSX in the 223, WSSM and 243. Whilst Barnes are dearer than most projectiles you only need one round per animal.A magnificent projectile.We just seat to the top cannelure and send death on its way.

 

[leid]

OP,
All the different weight 0.224" Barnes X bullets appear to have very good terminal performance as long as impact is above minimum expansion velocity (1800 FPS for 70gr. & 1900 FPS for all other 0.224" TSX bullets except the proprietary factory BHA 5.56MM loading 50gr. TSX "auto-glass" bullet which needs 2300 FPS. Figures obtained directly from Barnes & Jeff Hoffman at BHA). The 1x7 14.5" 5.56MM barrel I hunt with prefers the 70gr. TSX over the 62gr. TSX by a very wide margin so accuracy testing can be well worth doing. I now have 55gr. & 62gr. Tipped TSX bullets but have not tested accuracy/expansion with them yet. The barrel will decide which TSX/TTSX bullet to use. Below are recovered water-shot expansion test bullets in 62gr.& 70gr. Accuracy-wise, the only barrels that have given me a headache with 0.224" TSX bullets are 10.0"/10.3"/10.5" entry length carbines. Reason unknown as the same short barrels shoot 77gr. SMK loads quite well. Good luck!