I understand that the Barnes TSX bullet replaced the XLC bullet (the Barnes X bullet with a molybdenum sulfide coating). The horizontal groves of the TSX are supposed to serve the same functions as the dry film lubricant of the XLC, resulting in reduced friction, etc.
However, I was looking at Barnes load data for the old XLC and it appears that one advantage of this bullet has not been equaled by the TSX: the ability to launch bullets at higher velocities. For example, looking at the older Barnes load data (as copied into Load Books) for .308 Winchester, the maximum load for a regular 180 grain X bullet for H380 is 47 grains, resulting in 2,472 fps – nothing spectacular (I’m assuming 24 inch barrel). But, the maximum load with the same bullet and powder with the XLC coating is 53.0 grains for 2,786 fps. That’s quite a big difference. The same load data shows, for a 180 grain XLC bullet for .308 Win: 52.0 grains of AA2700 for 2,782 fps, and 50.5 gains of Win 760 for 2,698. I have not seen similar powder loads and velocities for the TSX bullet.
Does anyone know if my observations are correct, or is it reasonable, for example, to work up to 53 grains of H380 behind a 180 gain TSX bullet in a .308?
The significance of this observation is that if one had an opportunity to hunt moose or brown bear and wanted at least the power of a 30-06, they could achieve that power with a .308 Win (assuming no signs of over pressure) using an XLC coated bullet. But with the XLC obsolete…apparently, no can do. Thanks for any feedback.
Greg
However, I was looking at Barnes load data for the old XLC and it appears that one advantage of this bullet has not been equaled by the TSX: the ability to launch bullets at higher velocities. For example, looking at the older Barnes load data (as copied into Load Books) for .308 Winchester, the maximum load for a regular 180 grain X bullet for H380 is 47 grains, resulting in 2,472 fps – nothing spectacular (I’m assuming 24 inch barrel). But, the maximum load with the same bullet and powder with the XLC coating is 53.0 grains for 2,786 fps. That’s quite a big difference. The same load data shows, for a 180 grain XLC bullet for .308 Win: 52.0 grains of AA2700 for 2,782 fps, and 50.5 gains of Win 760 for 2,698. I have not seen similar powder loads and velocities for the TSX bullet.
Does anyone know if my observations are correct, or is it reasonable, for example, to work up to 53 grains of H380 behind a 180 gain TSX bullet in a .308?
The significance of this observation is that if one had an opportunity to hunt moose or brown bear and wanted at least the power of a 30-06, they could achieve that power with a .308 Win (assuming no signs of over pressure) using an XLC coated bullet. But with the XLC obsolete…apparently, no can do. Thanks for any feedback.
Greg
