Barnes VOR-TX (TSX) - Which Weight Best for Penetration?

[HGM22]

I see Barnes makes VOR-TX (TSX) bullets in 55, 62, and 70 grain. My questions are:

1. Do they all function in a standard AR15? The 70 grain seems like it might be kinda long.

2. Which weight would be best for penetration?

3. Would you recommend a different load for barriers?

 

[Corn-Picker]

The TSX is a hunting bullet, it's made to deform and mushroom to destroy soft tissue. It certainly holds together better than any other hunting bullet, but it will mushroom and slow rapidly in a barrier. I'd go with one of the standard mil-spec FMJ loads if I were concerned with barrier penetration.

 

[justin22885]

corner picker is right.. hunting bullets are not the best choice for penetration, you want FMJs, especially M855 with the penetrator if you can get them, or a different caliber entirely

 

[The Big D]

corner picker is right.. hunting bullets are not the best choice for penetration, you want FMJs, especially M855 with the penetrator if you can get them, or a different caliber entirely

You can get them no problem.

http://www.natchezss.com/5-56-62gr-fmj-green-tip-120-pk.html

 

[HGM22]

From what I've read the M855 and M193 aren't great against things that aren't metal or sheetrock.

I was thinking having something that penetrated light barriers (sheet metal, brick, auto glass, etc.) might be helpful in certain scenarios. Though its unlikely to ever have to use them, much less have the time to switch mags to the barrier blind ammo, its still something I'd like to have just in case. I could also use them for deer hunting I believe.

I've read the Barnes TSX will mushroom if it hits a soft target, but that if it hits something hard like glass it will shed the petals and its base will punch through like a wadcutter.

What I don't know is if the TSX is best (or at least very good (for .223/5.56)) at penetrating intermediate barriers, or if something like Federal T556TNB1 would be better.

Also, of the three different weights of TSX (55, 62, and 70 grain) which one is best for penetrating barriers.

Finally, since copper is relatively less dense than lead, if the 70gr. projectile will feed in an AR15.

 

[HGM22]

No one?

 

[meanmrmustard]

I haven't fired them into a barrier, but I do have experience with the 55 gr.

Back in 2012 or 13, I took a large whitetail doe at roughly 180 yards with a Zastava Mini Mauser, Burris 3x9, and the little Vor Tx. Now, most will tell you that a small varmint caliber would not do this, but having fired the cartridge extensively for over a decade, I felt confidence.

The round penetrated the deer, quartering away, at the fifth rib back and exited the offside two ribs back. No bullet recovered. So, as a testimonial to penetration, I think any of the 3 have soft tissue well covered. As for barriers, I dont know.