110gr "Black Tip" TSX Performance

[jonconsiglio]

While I'm typically a diehard 5.56 shooter and hunter, I've been working with a 9" AAC 300blk for work and defensive use, of course it fills a hunting role as well. My primary reason for going with this rifle is that I wanted 14.5" 5.56 performance (or better) from a 9" barrel since much of my time is spent in vehicles and buildings.

Took down a hog last night with the blackout. AAC 9" barrel using Munch520's Leupold VXR Patrol 1.25-4x20. Hit him from about 70 yards on his right side and destroyed his spine above his shoulders. He was kicking around for a just a bit with only his front legs, so I fired a finishing head shot from my same location. That shot entered the left side go his head behind his ear and opened up the right side of his head, removing about half of his brain and a piece of skull.

I was using factory Barnes 110gr Vor-TX Black Tip. It would have been traveling at roughly 1,940 fps at 70 yards with an expansion threshold of roughly 300 yards. The damage was more than I've seen from Black Hills 50gr TSX, Barnes 55gr Vor-TX (TSX) and SSA 70gr TSX fired from much closer distances, though I'm 100% confident those 5.56 loads will kill big hogs just as dead.

9" AAC 300blk sitting on my Noveske lower.



Initial shot that broke (destroyed) the spinal cord



Initial shot, spinal cord damage



Finishing shot, entrance wound



Finishing shot, exit wound

[C-grunt]

Hot damn!

[SkyPup]

I am using the Barnes 130 grain TSX in my 7.62mm handloads and it is nothing to sneeze at, the hogs never knew what hit them. Have not recovered a bullet yet as they normally pass through, but I keep looking to get one to document how well they work...

[jonconsiglio]

I am using the Barnes 130 grain TSX in my 7.62mm handloads and it is nothing to sneeze at, the hogs never knew what hit them. Have not recovered a bullet yet as they normally pass through, but I keep looking to get one to document how well they work...

Yeah, there was no chance of recovering these as well. I've never recovered a 5.56 TSX either and I've killed a good number of them with those. Not near as many as you have, but definitely a good handful.

I'm very impressed with this little gun.

[TriggerTX]

@jonconsiglio

How do you like that Leupold, is that one with a sub/super reticle?

I purchased the same upper and plan to use it on some hogs when I get back home to Texas for a bit, suppressed and unsuppressed, and can’t decide on an optic. I have a T1 to throw on there but am considering getting something in at least a 4 power that has built in holdovers for both loads of ammo. Been looking at both of Browes offerings along with Leupold and another, can’t remember. I do have a 3x mag for my T1, but am worried if I start switching between subs and sonics I'll start missing, and I hate that.

[rjacobs]

VXR Patrol does NOT have 300BLK specific hold's unless they have a newer model out that I am not aware of.

I have a VXR Patrol that I know the dial "downs" you could say between subs and supers. Im zero'd for my sub load because I use them WAY more often and then I dial down for the supers.

Ive never liked using somebody else's pre chosen holds for anything.

[TriggerTX]

Ive never liked using somebody else's pre chosen holds for anything.

I'm trying to find a good reason or recommendation to get a bc scope, but like you mentioned the shooter seems to be limited to a select ammunition.

Is the reticle set up for a 16 or 9in barrel, and for what load of ammunition and what if that’s not the load I want to shoot?..

I realize though I'm not going to find the perfect optic with such variation.

[TriggerTX]

I sure wish there was a way to dial a rifle like a 300 blk out shooting subs and supers in and build a reticle to match the dope you want.

Off to the drawing board.

[jonconsiglio]

I sure wish there was a way to dial a rifle like a 300 blk out shooting subs and supers in and build a reticle to match the dope you want.

Off to the drawing board.

I'll post back shortly with more info. With a 50 yard zero using black tip, you'll have POA/POI at 50 and around 115 yards. Not all that far off from a 10.5" 5.56 with 70gr TSX. Now, at 150, you'll be just under 1.5" low, 170 yards about 3" low and at 200 yards, about 6.5" low.

So, using something like the Leupold 1.25-4 (which munch520 left with me after he came down last week), I can easily hold off a little or just dial just under a mil of elevation for a 200 yard shot.

I really need a laser range finder. I am very confident in this set up and would have no concerns about taking a 250 yard shot, maybe even 300 if we're talking smaller hogs, but that's pushing it. I'd basically stay within the same ranges as I would my 14.5" 5.56 using 70gr TSX. 200 yards is fine, maybe 250. Beyond that, a few things have to be going right for me to attempt to take an animal.

Also, at least here in south Texas, it's pretty unlikely that we need to take. Shot beyond 100 or 150 yards. Typically for me it's well under 100 yards.

I've always hunted hogs with a T1. This is the first time I've gone with a low powered variable, but I love it and it gives me confidence at farther ranges. I have no doubt I'll hit a hog at 200 from this rifle with a T1, but I might not get as precise of a shot as I can with the Leupold.

Some time next year, if all goes right, I'll look at picking up a Leupold MK6 1-6 that I can swap around between rifles.

[drh2687]

Jon,

I'll be moving to Houston when I return from AFG in a few months. I know that Houston is not equal to Corpus, but do you have any recommendations on where I need to go to find some hogs? I've been trying to get into hunting them for a few years, but have not lived in a location where there were very many piggies.

Thanks!

--David