Barns 80grn TTSX BT .243 calibre

[wytonpjs]

I use IMR4350 but once it's all gone I'll be taking a look at the link above

Sadly, used up all of my IMR4350 which was my powder of choice for this bullet but developed a IMR4895 load (I now have stocks that will see me out) that is just deer legal (1744 ft lb) in a 20" barrel and is very suitable for summer roe and muntjac. If I hadn't found the IMR4895 I was going to use N135 (see other threads on here)

 

[wytonpjs]

For those using Barnes TTX have you had any problems with the rounds pencilling? I had a mate shooting them through a 6.5mm (factory load) and they just weren't expanding and often ricocheting out the other end!

80gr TTSX at ~ 50mm IIRC - only 2 every recovered!

Post in thread 'The solid copper forum.'

Aug 4, 2025

Been using Barnes TTSX exclusively for the last 7 years in my 20” barrels: 80gr in the .243 (Sako 75 shortened), 110gr in the .270 (Browning X-Bolt 22” and now Tikka T3X 20”) and 130 gr in .308 (Tikka T3X and Sako S20). I haven’t lost an animal yet in over 300 shot. I won’t be going back to lead.

Some expansion shots recovered - VERY few in 6 years! 80gr TTSX (.243) on the left and 130gr (.308) on the right.

• wytonpjs

• 

 

[devon deer stalker]

80gr TTSX at ~ 50mm IIRC - only one every recovered!

Post in thread 'The solid copper forum.'

Aug 4, 2025

Been using Barnes TTSX exclusively for the last 7 years in my 20” barrels: 80gr in the .243 (Sako 75 shortened), 110gr in the .270 (Browning X-Bolt 22” and now Tikka T3X 20”) and 130 gr in .308 (Tikka T3X and Sako S20). I haven’t lost an animal yet in over 300 shot. I won’t be going back to lead.

Some expansion shots recovered - VERY few in 6 years! 80gr TTSX (.243) on the left and 130gr (.308) on the right.

• wytonpjs

• 

I dropped a red pricket yesterday with the above, did the business
Only a small butchers weight 64kg but minimal carcass damage

 

[Scipio]

I dropped a red pricket yesterday with the above, did the business
Only a small butchers weight 64kg but minimal carcass damage

Weidsmannsheil! how fast was it going mate, and how did the bullet travel through the red? What i am asking, albeit indirectly, is just how fast can we send these non frangible non leads, without bruising a lot of meat ? ,D

 

[devon deer stalker]

Weidsmannsheil! how fast was it going mate, and how did the bullet travel through the red? What i am asking, albeit indirectly, is just how fast can we send these non frangible non leads, without bruising a lot of meat ? ,D

I have never chrono it, book says 3200 from memory, as for bruising, thats a question for the game dealer on the red, but on fallow/roe it's been minimal

 

[Scipio]

I have never chrono it, book says 3200 from memory, as for bruising, thats a question for the game dealer on the red, but on fallow/roe it's been minimal

Hello Devon, and thanks for answering . Ok, that is good to hear .-)

 

[Rob-E]

I emailed Barnes 6 years ago about load data for the 243 ttsx and was told this below

Mark,

You can use “other” (lead core or monolithic) bullet load data when loading a Barnes Bullet of equal (or close to) weight. Just be sure to start at the minimum starting load and work up from there in half grain increments watching for signs of pressure such as, a sticky (hard) bolt lift when ejecting the fired case, ejector mark on the case head stamp or flattened/leaky primers. Once you notice any of the pressure signs then you will want to lower the charge about half a grain or so to where no pressure signs are present, and that would technically be “YOUR” rifle's max load. The load data published by all of the companies is just a reference point/guideline to safely start out at the minimum charges.

Vihtavuori load data at Reloading data | Handloading | Rifle, handgun & shotgun loads | Relo data | Reloading safety - Vihtavuori most likely has load data for an equal weight bullet.


Chase Young
Consumer Service/Tech Support
Barnes Bullets, LLC
38 North Frontage Road | PO Box 620 Mona UT 84645
Phone 435-856-1150 | Fax 435-856-1040
chasey@barnesbullets.com

I’m just starting my reloading journey and I’m facing the same issue. Using the above as an example I can take the Hornady CX 80g load data and start at 36.7gr of Viht N160g? And work up? Horndays max data is 43.7gr to get 3100fps