Barnes TSX Load Data

[Shoot&Ski]

If this has already been discussed, I apologize, but I searched around and could not find the answer.

My load books don't specifically cover loading with Barnes TSX bullets, but I have heard that they require specific load info but I am not sure. I might have to break down and buy the Barnes Manual, but I don't really want to. Here is my question though, I checked out the Barnes website for load info, but what they have is very limited. When I compared their loads for a 270 WIN with a 130gr Barnes TSX and H4350, the maximum powder charge was higher at 55.0gr than what my load book gives for a maximum with 130gr jacketed bullet with H4350 at 54.3gr. If I go to Reloader 19, the Barnes data lists a maximum powder charge of 59.5gr and my load book lists 57.5. What gives? This seems like a pretty major discrepancy.

I was hoping to load my Barnes bullets on top of H4831, but Barnes does list any info for this powder, and I don't know if I can trust my load book, or if I just have to buy Barnes' book.

 

[Flatbush Harry]

FWIW, if I like a bullet enough to use it, I buy the manufacturer's manual. I know they've tested their products and the components they use so I view not using their data as penny-wise and pound-foolish.

YMMV,

FH

EDIT: I currently use Hornady, Sierra, Nosler and Barnes Manuals as well as the Lyman 49th and cross-reference at least two before trying a load. In 30 years (that only means I've handloaded a long time, not that I'm the pro from Dover...maybe more of a greenskeeper), I've not had problems using that approach. I know I'm being very conservative but...

 

[Steve H]

One thing you must remember when loading Barnes bullets. They are pure copper (no lead) thus the bullet is longer resulting in less case capacity. If you plan on using Barnes the cost of their reloading manual, IMHO, is very cheap compared to a KA-BOOM.

 

[Shoot&Ski]

FWIW, if I like a bullet enough to use it, I buy the manufacturer's manual. I know they've tested their products and the components they use so I view not using their data as penny-wise and pound-foolish.

One thing you must remember when loading Barnes bullets. They are pure copper (no lead) thus the bullet is longer resulting in less case capacity. If you plan on using Barnes the cost of their reloading manual, IMHO, is very cheap compared to a KA-BOOM.

Good points from both of you. I didn't want to buy the manual for just one bullet, but I suppose in the future there is a good chance I will use it for others.

 

[suzukisam]

the barnes manual really sucks. I actually called them and told them it was a total waste of money. I shoot about 10-12 different barnes bullets and half of them aren't in the manual! I paid almost $40.00 for a book that doesn't even cover their products! They don't really care. they are the only bullet I hunt with, but i really hate their manual, and on top of it the bullets they do cover may not cover your powder. I have ran into several where only one powder was given, or two, or three.. it's a piece of crap for what you pay for it. As far as the heavier charges don't be surprised. Barnes has pretty heavy relief grooves cut into them. there not always longer. Many bullets(130gr 308) are extremely short for their weight class and can work with much lower pressure. if you need data PM someone who has the book(me), or just go to the store and look it up in the book. I know people will frown on this, but till they cover their own product in their manual I am under the impression I got screwed!

 

[Shoot&Ski]

Sam,
That's also something I had heard, and why I didn't want to buy the manual in the first place. Guess I will thumb through it at the store. Is there a general rule of thumb with these bullets? If I always start at the minimum load for jacketed bullets in my manual and work up shouldn't I be fine?

 

[suzukisam]

let me know what powders your working with and I'll be more than happy to give you the barnes book data for them. I have always used data from people online(double checked of coarse) and from the manual or the hodgdon manual. let me know what bullets and powder you want and I'll be happy to give it to you.

they list h4350 min 52.0-max55.0 with a 130gr 270 Winchester

 

[kelbro]

If you will write Ty at Barnes, he will send you specific load data for your caliber. One good thing about Barnes' data is that they (according to Ty) test every single load that they publish. They do not extrapolate any of their loads out.

 

[timbuck]

http://www.barnesbullets.com/products/rifle/tsx-bullet/

Click on the TECHNICAL header at the top,
go down to "load data,"
slide over to the diameter,
click on the diameter,
click on the specific cartridge,
it should give you a load for the bullet.

 

[Grumulkin]

You don't need to buy a Barnes manual though I have at least two and like them. You can use any load from another manual meant for jacketed lead core bullets and use that data with Barnes TSX and Banded Solids. Just watch for the usual pressure signs and work up the load as usual.

By the way, a lot of the loads in the older Barnes manual were pretty hot.

 

[BADUNAME37]

You can use any load from another manual meant for jacketed lead core bullets and use that data with Barnes TSX and Banded Solids.

I believe this to be NOT TRUE.Barnes explicitly states to use their loads only and not go by data for typical bullets from other manufacturers with the same weight! The loads Barnes recommends are lower I believe than their counterparts for the same weight of projectile.

 

[Shoot&Ski]

The loads Barnes recommends are lower I believe than their counterparts for the same weight of projectile.

Actually, if you check my original post, I give an example of a load that is larger for a TSX than for normal jacketed bullets. I have also seen other data that gives lower loads like you mentioned. I guess there is no rule of thumb

 

[suzukisam]

It very much depends on the barnes bullet. But I have never seen where barnes data is far enough from others to the degree that starrting with a minimum and working up would be dangerous.

 

[Grumulkin]

Well gentlemen, I have multiple Barnes, Hornady and Speer manuals and even a Nosler manual. In addition, believe it or not, I actually load Barnes bullets as well as those of other makers in guns chambered for a variety of cartridges so, rather than just reading about loading Barnes and other bullets, I actually do it.

As I noted above, if you take data from other manuals and work up (i.e., starting low) you can use the data from any manual to load for Barnes bullets. Don't, however, take Barnes manual data and use it with other bullets.

 

[Horsemany]

A few weeks ago I emailed Barnes for load data. They only list 6 powders for a 130gr TSX in 270 Win. I wanted to use RL22 which wasn't one of the 6. The email response I got was "they hadn't tested that powder and to use any other load I'd use with a 130gr bullet. Start low and work my way up."

This tells me I can safely use load data for other lead core bullets with TSX's.

Now if I can just get them to shoot better than my 12gauge I'll be happy.

 

[nastynatesfish]

All the barnes loads ive used are always higher than my amax. My brother shoots the 130 in his 270 and loads 57 gr of rl19 just like my lee calls its a higher end charge try 56 and work from there

 

[nastynatesfish]

The only one that are loaded different are the x bullets because tgey dont have the rings in them

 

[suzukisam]

The only one that are loaded different are the x bullets because tgey dont have the rings in them

This is correct originally Barnes had issues with pressure spikes because the copper didn't have anywhere to go when it swedged into the lands and grooves. They remedied this with the rings in the bullet. it is now just another bullet. and just in case it wasn't clear... I freaking hate their manual! For what I pay for their bullets and manual they can afford to be up to date at least within 5 years or so!!