Max range for Barnes 110 grain TSX expansion from a 300 BLK?

[dpete]

As the title says, what would the maximum range be for a 110 grain Barnes TSX (not TTSX or TAC-TX) to expand fully from a 300 BLK 16" barrel? In the woods we have up here I've never shot a deer past 100 yards and that only once. Most are inside 50 yards. The TAC-TX bullets are impossible to find for reloading so I'm considering the TSX instead. How would they perform in a 300BLK for the ranges I would be shooting?

[kLewis]

Well, the round leaves a 16" barrel at about 2250 fps. It has a published ballistic coefficient of 0.289. The expansion threshold is about 1300 fps. So, plug the first two numbers, along with bullet daimeter (.308) and grain weight (110), into your favorite ballistics calculator, and see when the velocity hits 1300 fps. In this case, that's at about 380 yards.

No guarantees, you get what you pay for.

[thopkins22]

The TAC-TX bullets are impossible to find for reloading so I'm considering the TSX instead.

Doesn't answer your question but I sincerely doubt there's any difference between the TSX and the Tac-X, and likewise I doubt there's any difference between the TTSX and the Tac-TX.

I could be wrong...but I'd wager money on it.

[bzdog]

My understanding is the TAC-TX is optimized for 300 BLK and has a lower expansion threshold of 1300 fps. My understanding is the other, similar projectiles have a higher expansion threshold.

-john

[dpete]

Well, the round leaves a 16" barrel at about 2250 fps. It has a published ballistic coefficient of 0.289. The expansion threshold is about 1300 fps. So, plug the first two numbers, along with bullet daimeter (.308) and grain weight (110), into your favorite ballistics calculator, and see when the velocity hits 1300 fps. In this case, that's at about 380 yards.

From what I have found, the TAC-TX will expand down to 1300fps, and the TTSX down to 1800fps(I think, its been a few days since I saw the numbers). I haven't been able to find info for the TSX, but with the info you provided I'll look it up. Thanks

[Nightvisionary]

There is a lot of confusion in this thread, probably due in part to the fact Barnes makes at least six 110 grain bullets in .308 caliber. The Barnes Black tip Tac TX (part # 30811) has a minimum expansion threshold of 1400 FPS. The Barnes Tac X SBR (Part # 30834) has a minimum expansion threshold of 1500 FPS. All other Barnes bullets including the TSX (part # 30835) that the OP asked about have a minimum expansion threshold of 1900-2000 FPS which is similar to most standard cup and core hunting bullets. The 110 grain bullets generally get about a 2400 FPS muzzle velocity. I get 2500 FPS from Barnes TTSX (#30871). To answer your question OP the TSX bullet with a MV of 2400 FPS through a 16 inch 300 Blackout barrel will drop to 2000 FPS at about 125 yards and 1900 around 150 yards. Unless you are using the Barnes Blacktip, SBR bullets, or possibly the Nosler 125 BT I would limit shots on medium game to 100-125 yards. Any other bullet is likely to act as an FMJ past that range.

Im getting out of the 300 Blackout for this very reason.

You may find this link helpful. http://www.300blktalk.com/forum/view...?f=128&t=88445

[dpete]

I just picked up a supply of Barnes Vortex blacktips for hunting. I've never shot a deer much past 125 yards in my life so the 300BLK limitations won't be a problem.

[bzdog]

So, uh, why would you pick the TSX over the Tac TX for a 300 BLK application, anyway?

-john

[bzdog]

Im getting out of the 300 Blackout for this very reason.

I don't understand your statement considering Barnes' data:

http://www.barnesbullets.com/blog/20...rnes-products/

Suggests expansion at 300 yards with the Tac TX. Is that insufficient for your application or are you looking for rifle wounding profiles in addition to expansion at longer ranges?

-john

[Nightvisionary]

I don't understand your statement considering Barnes' data:

http://www.barnesbullets.com/blog/20...rnes-products/

Suggests expansion at 300 yards with the Tac TX. Is that insufficient for your application or are you looking for rifle wounding profiles in addition to expansion at longer ranges?

-john

The Barnes bullet is the magic bullet for the 300 Blackout. I purchase very little factory ammunition and load practically everything I shoot. Unfortunately Barnes has been unable or unwilling to supply these bullets in any consistent numbers since the bullet was released over two years ago. These bullets cost about 75 cents each. They have only been making just enough to supply their own Vor TX line of ammunition and a few boutique ammo manufacturers. The reloaders that have received bullets from back orders recently report gaps between the tip and the bullets so reloaders seem to be getting the seconds although paying for firsts.

In October 2013 Barnes announced a February 2014 release of a new 120 grain Blacktip with a 1350 FPS minimum expansion velocity. Many of us Blackout shooters wondered how Barnes was going to be able to supply a second Black tip bullet when they have never been able to come anywhere close to meeting demands for the 110 grain version. The February release date came and went. Then they said late February, then early march, then late March, now it's late April. With Barnes you just don't know. Sometimes I don't think Barnes knows. I was hopeful the new Nosler 125 Accubond would be a good substitute but in my tests it acted as a FMJ at 200 yards/1800 FPS.

So to answer your question. If I have rely on a single expensive bullet from a single manufacturer that has been unable to deliver that bullet in anything close to consistent numbers then that cartridge is a no go. Barnes only operates it's production line 1 shift 4 days a week so the current situation that has now lasted for years is not going to improve. ATK has no plans to produce a supersonic bullet or loading for the Blackout aside from it's single subsonic load, Winchester is staying out of the 300 Blackout game as is Wolf. That is a huge part of the industry that has no intention of getting into the 300 blackout business. For those reasons it's time for me to move on.