I've been reading a lot about Barnes TSX/TTSX bullets and I have heard that the TTSX is actually tougher than the TSX. I don't see how this could be if they're both made out of the same material, solid copper, and the TTSX has a bigger cavity. So is this true? What have your experiences with both?
Are Barnes TTSX Tougher than the TSX
- Thread starter MT2000
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Based on what I've read the original TSX worked well in calibers larger than 30. Smaller calibers often did not expand. The TTSX is designed to provide more reliable expansion in calibers .30 and smaller.
To the best of my knowledge that is the only difference. I've never seen any claim that one was any tougher than the other. Both give near 100% weight retention and usually complete penetration. As long as you use the right bullet and shoot them fast expansion seems good.
To the best of my knowledge that is the only difference. I've never seen any claim that one was any tougher than the other. Both give near 100% weight retention and usually complete penetration. As long as you use the right bullet and shoot them fast expansion seems good.
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Are Barnes TTSX tougher than TSX? My experience with the TTSX is that they are not tougher and they seem to perform the same on game from what I can tell. I feelthat the polymer tip will provide more rapid and reliable expansion on smaller calibers. The tip also makes from a bit better BC making for a flightier bullet on paper but the real world difference in trajectory is so small that it won't be noticed in the field.
I've had goos luck with Barnes X, TSX,TTSX and LRX bullets in general. They are my go to bullet on elk sized critters and up. They are not my first choice for light animals such as deer and antelope. I like something that opens a bit wider and easier for the little stuff. I good old Sierra Game King works great for deer and antelope at reasonable velocity.
As a side note;
I wouldn't go so far as to say the TSX "often" wouldn't open in smaller calibers but I have heard of it happening on rare occasion. I've shot multiple animals with a .308 caliber TSX and never had one fail to open I did have one partially open and make a 90 deg turn in an antelope once though.
I've had goos luck with Barnes X, TSX,TTSX and LRX bullets in general. They are my go to bullet on elk sized critters and up. They are not my first choice for light animals such as deer and antelope. I like something that opens a bit wider and easier for the little stuff. I good old Sierra Game King works great for deer and antelope at reasonable velocity.
As a side note;
I wouldn't go so far as to say the TSX "often" wouldn't open in smaller calibers but I have heard of it happening on rare occasion. I've shot multiple animals with a .308 caliber TSX and never had one fail to open I did have one partially open and make a 90 deg turn in an antelope once though.
Vern Humphrey
Member
The TTSX's chief advantage is a higher ballistic coefficient. The tip does contribute to opening up the bullet, especially in small calibers.
A common misconception is that the tip on the TTSX bullet causes the bullet to open up by being pushed rearward like a wood splitting wedge. As mentioned, the tip is only their to increase BC and prevent the hollow point from plugging up with hair or other matter. High speed camera work has shown that the tip typically separates from the bullet the instant the bullet makes contact with the target. Tim J. at Barnes believes that tip melts to some extent during flight.
Vern Humphrey
Member
That just about sums it up.
GJgo
Member
I only hunt food with TSX & TTSX. If you pull a TTSX tip you'll see that the cavity is quite generous. I compare that to my 30 cal TSX that have a cavity constricted sometimes down to .010" or less, inconsistent. I always uniform my TSX cavity with a .040" drill bit & since doing that I get more consistent expansion. For me they both work great as long as I keep my speed up & put them in the vitals.
Kachok
Member
I'll let you know soon, I just worked up an impressive 150gr TTSX load for my 30-06 running over 3050fps through the chrono and not even a hit of excess pressure. Should hit like a low end 300 win mag I'll let you know next time a hog dares step into the yard.
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