Barnes TSX 85 Grain Loads

[Uncle Norm]

One of our major landowners is going lead-free, so its time for this old dog to learn some new tricks.
I shall soon be in possession of a few Barnes TSX 85 grain 6mm bullets for my .243, so I need to start the process of developing a load for deer.
One of our DMG members has kindly shared his current load with me, so not entirely on a blank sheet, however he has a stash of Varget, I have a small amount of Varget but no ongoing supply. I also have some H414. My usual powder for 85 grain Speer lead, is N160.
I had a look at the Hodgson site which gives:- H414 38.4 to 41.7 grains for 3,165 fps from a 24 inch barrel. Varget 31.3 to 36.5 for 3,121 fps from a 24 inch barrel.
I need just over 3,000 fps for 1.700 ft/lbs. My rifle is a Sako 75 Finlite, 20''.
If any member has real world experience with using the TSX 85 grain 6mm with Varget or H414, I would appreciate some information of loads and field results please.
Similarly, information on loads with Viht powders or other readily available brands.

 

[Sinistral]

Viht data is online for this (load #8).

Rifle reloading data | Handloading | Rifle calibers | Centerfire Rifle bullets | Reload your own ammo - Vihtavuori

Vihtavuori offers rifle reloading data for numerous calibers and bullets for match and hunting purposes. Never exceed maximum loads.

www.vihtavuori.com

 

[Firefly]

I use 42gr VN160 with this bullet. Used it for two seasons now to great effect on fallow.

 

[Bowland blades]

Winchester have just released a varget equivelent that doesnt come under the ban

 

[Uncle Norm]

I use 42gr VN160 with this bullet. Used it for two seasons now to great effect on fallow.

Thank you. Do you know what muzzle velocity you are getting please?

 

[Uncle Norm]

Viht data is online for this (load #8).

Rifle reloading data | Handloading | Rifle calibers | Centerfire Rifle bullets | Reload your own ammo - Vihtavuori

Vihtavuori offers rifle reloading data for numerous calibers and bullets for match and hunting purposes. Never exceed maximum loads.

www.vihtavuori.com

Thank you. Looks like the N160 at 3,189 fps from a 23'' test barrel may make the 1,700 ft/lbs in my Finnlite.

 

[.25-06]

Thank you. Looks like the N160 at 3,189 fps from a 23'' test barrel may make the 1,700 ft/lbs in my Finnlite.

Looks fast enough that it'll not ask for a second

 

[maximus otter]

Winchester StaBALL Match is touted as being very similar to Varget:

Winchester StaBALL Match

Winchester® StaBALL™ Match is a temperature-insensitive, double-base, BALL® Powder, stable in extreme-hot or -cold conditions. This powder provides optimal loading density in cartridges appropriate for the burn speed, which is ideal for high-BC heavy for caliber bullets in 223 Remington, 224...

shop.hodgdon.com

maximus otter

 

[Firefly]

Thank you. Do you know what muzzle velocity you are getting please?

3350 fps

 

[Bowland blades]

Thank you. Looks like the N160 at 3,189 fps from a 23'' test barrel may make the 1,700 ft/lbs in my Finnlite.

if i was buying i would go just a tad faster

 

[Uncle Norm]

3350 fps

Blimey! That's quick.

 

[Uncle Norm]

A faster powder than N160 or faster MV ?

if i was buying i would go just a tad faster

 

[Firefly]

Blimey! That's quick.

Yes it is and it works very well.

 

[Bowland blades]

A faster powder than N160 or faster MV ?

faster burning powder your tickling the edge of N160s niche , it will work none the less

 

[Uncle Norm]

Loaded a ladder test set from 42 grains to 44 grains (N160) in half grain increments. 42.5 grains of N160 gave an average of 3,012fps, so just over 1,700 ft/lbs muzzle energy.
They shot a 1'' group at 100 meters from my Sako 75 Finnlight with a 20'' fluted barrel.
43 grains increase mv by just over 100 fps with no signs of excess pressure. 43.5 and 44 grain loads not fired. Viht manual states maximum charge as 46 grains, so plenty of room to increase velocity if necessary.
Now to load 20 x 42.5 grains and test on Muntjac and Roe, for starters.

 

[jimsim]

I have just done load development with the yew tree tlr 80 grain N160 worked very well .5moa and under with all the powder charges tested I stuck to 43grains thats getting 3170fps with a bartlin 22inch barrel, N140 has also been very good up to 80 grain for me

 

[Bowland blades]

i feel n160 is a bit slow for the application suggested , i might think n150 ? i use it very sucessfully with 100 grain TTSX in the 260 rem 3300 fps never had a pressure issue and n160 in the 120 grain version . 85 is about switch out time from n160 in the 243 win ( i shot 243 for a couple of decades btw) but we had more american powders then ) check out the data and see what you think - Drive those TTSX fast and by gosh do they kill well !

 

[Uncle Norm]

i feel n160 is a bit slow for the application suggested , i might think n150 ? i use it very sucessfully with 100 grain TTSX in the 260 rem 3300 fps never had a pressure issue and n160 in the 120 grain version . 85 is about switch out time from n160 in the 243 win ( i shot 243 for a couple of decades btw) but we had more american powders then ) check out the data and see what you think - Drive those TTSX fast and by gosh do they kill well !

Thank you. My other rifle is a .260 Rem too. My load for that is Sierra 120 grain Pro-Hunter and N160 for 2,750 fps. I plan to get the .243 sorted before tackling the .260.
I have some Nosler Expansion to try in the .260.

The N160 is doing fine for now and I have a fair bit of it. I don't have any N150 or N550, so reluctant to buy a tub at present.

I shot a Roebuck this morning with the .243 TSX 85 grain/42.5 grains N160. Broke a rib going in and another on exit. Blew out some lung tissue and left a good blood trail. Ran for 15 yards, then collapsed stone dead. I am very pleased with the load at present.
Will certainly bear your advice in mind as matters progress.

 

[Bowland blades]

Thank you. My other rifle is a .260 Rem too. My load for that is Sierra 120 grain Pro-Hunter and N160 for 2,750 fps. I plan to get the .243 sorted before tackling the .260.
I have some Nosler Expansion to try in the .260.

The N160 is doing fine for now and I have a fair bit of it. I don't have any N150 or N550, so reluctant to buy a tub at present.

I shot a Roebuck this morning with the .243 TSX 85 grain/42.5 grains N160. Broke a rib going in and another on exit. Blew out some lung tissue and left a good blood trail. Ran for 15 yards, then collapsed stone dead. I am very pleased with the load at present.
Will certainly bear your advice in mind as matters progress.

I am basically extrapolating my knoledge of the 243 with lead bullet weights , which i shot and loaded for around two decades and what i have found with the ttsx 100 / 120 .