Let’s Talk About Barnes Bullets 30289 TSX 7mm .284 140 GR TSX Boat Tail 50 Box
The Barnes Bullets 30289 TSX 7mm .284 140 GR TSX Boat Tail 50 Box represents a significant advancement in bullet technology, offering reloaders a premium option for hunting and precision shooting. These bullets, manufactured by Barnes, are designed for optimal expansion, deep penetration, and consistent performance, making them a top choice for ethical and effective game harvesting. Their solid copper construction and boat tail design promise accuracy and reliability, distinguishing them from traditional lead-core bullets.
I was looking for a reliable, lead-free bullet option for my 7mm Remington Magnum rifle, primarily for elk hunting in areas with lead restrictions. I wanted a bullet that would expand reliably at various ranges and provide the deep penetration needed for larger game.
Upon receiving the Barnes Bullets 30289 TSX 7mm .284 140 GR TSX Boat Tail 50 Box, I was immediately impressed by the consistent quality and clean finish of each bullet. The boat tail design was precisely formed, and the hollow point appeared perfectly symmetrical, hinting at the meticulous manufacturing process.
Compared to Sierra GameKing and Nosler Partition bullets I’ve used in the past, the Barnes TSX promised lead-free performance and potentially better weight retention. I was curious to see if the all-copper construction lived up to the hype.
My first impression was excitement mixed with a touch of skepticism; I was eager to test their performance but also aware that all-copper bullets can sometimes be finicky to load and get to shoot accurately.
Real-World Testing: Putting Barnes Bullets 30289 TSX 7mm .284 140 GR TSX Boat Tail 50 Box to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Barnes Bullets 30289 TSX 7mm .284 140 GR TSX Boat Tail 50 Box at my local shooting range, reloading them into my 7mm Rem Mag with varying powder charges to find the optimal load. I focused on accuracy at 100, 200, and 300 yards.
During a particularly windy day at the range, I noticed the boat tail design seemed to help stabilize the bullets, maintaining a decent level of accuracy despite the challenging conditions. The Barnes bullets performed consistently across different powder charges, showing promise for a relatively easy load development process.
The bullets seated easily and consistently, and the reloading process was straightforward. I did need to experiment a bit more than usual to find the “sweet spot” for accuracy, typical of all-copper bullets.
Initially, I was pleased with the velocity consistency, but achieving sub-MOA accuracy took some fine-tuning of powder charge and seating depth. There were no major issues, but it was clear that these bullets required careful load development.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of range sessions, I’ve found a load that consistently produces sub-MOA groups with the Barnes Bullets 30289 TSX 7mm .284 140 GR TSX Boat Tail 50 Box. The bullet’s performance remained consistent even after multiple firings and cleanings.
I haven’t noticed any significant wear and tear on the bullets themselves; they maintain their shape and integrity, even after being loaded and reloaded multiple times (neck sizing only). Cleaning the barrel after shooting Barnes TSX bullets is crucial to remove copper fouling, but I’ve found that a good copper solvent makes the process relatively easy.
Compared to my previous experiences with lead-core bullets, the Barnes TSX bullets offer superior weight retention and consistent expansion. They seem to provide more reliable penetration on game.
Breaking Down the Features of Barnes Bullets 30289 TSX 7mm .284 140 GR TSX Boat Tail 50 Box
Specifications
The Barnes Bullets 30289 TSX 7mm .284 140 GR TSX Boat Tail 50 Box boasts several key specifications. The projectile caliber is .284, suitable for 7mm rifles. The bullet weight is 140 grains, offering a good balance of velocity and energy for medium to large game.
The bullets feature a hollow point (HP) boat tail (BTHP) design, promoting rapid expansion and improved ballistic coefficient. They have a sectional density of 0.248, indicating good penetration potential. Each box contains 50 bullets, and they are made entirely of copper.
The Barnes TSX bullet is manufactured in the USA, ensuring high quality control. The 100% copper construction means no lead contamination in game meat, a significant benefit for ethical hunters. The boat tail design aids in long-range accuracy by reducing drag and improving stability.
These specifications matter because they directly impact the bullet’s performance in terms of accuracy, expansion, penetration, and ethical hunting practices. The all-copper construction ensures consistent weight retention and expansion, leading to quick, humane kills.
Performance & Functionality
The Barnes Bullets 30289 TSX 7mm .284 140 GR TSX Boat Tail 50 Box excels in its ability to deliver consistent expansion and deep penetration. I experienced reliable expansion at various distances when testing in ballistic gel.
The bullet’s accuracy is excellent once the optimal load is developed, consistently producing sub-MOA groups at 100 yards. The primary strength is its ability to retain virtually all of its weight upon impact, maximizing penetration. A slight weakness is that these bullets can be more sensitive to seating depth and powder charge variations compared to lead-core options.
The Barnes TSX bullets meet and exceed expectations in terms of terminal performance and ethical hunting. They offer a reliable and effective solution for hunters seeking lead-free ammunition.
Design & Ergonomics
The bullet’s design is simple and functional, with a streamlined boat tail and a precisely formed hollow point. The all-copper construction feels solid and well-made.
The boat tail design enhances the ballistic coefficient, making it more aerodynamic and less susceptible to wind drift. There is a slight learning curve when reloading all-copper bullets, as they can be more sensitive to load development.
Durability & Maintenance
The all-copper construction of the Barnes Bullets 30289 TSX 7mm .284 140 GR TSX Boat Tail 50 Box ensures excellent durability. With proper care and storage, these bullets should last indefinitely.
Minimal maintenance is required beyond cleaning the rifle barrel regularly to remove copper fouling. The bullet itself requires no special maintenance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Barnes Bullets 30289 TSX 7mm .284 140 GR TSX Boat Tail 50 Box doesn’t require any specific accessories beyond standard reloading equipment. They are compatible with a wide range of 7mm Remington Magnum rifles and reloading components.
These bullets can be further optimized with different powder types and primer combinations to fine-tune accuracy and velocity. The Barnes TSX bullets are compatible with most standard reloading dies and tools.
Pros and Cons of Barnes Bullets 30289 TSX 7mm .284 140 GR TSX Boat Tail 50 Box
Pros
- Excellent Weight Retention: The 100% copper construction ensures virtually all of the bullet’s weight is retained upon impact, leading to deeper penetration.
- Consistent Expansion: The hollow point design provides reliable and consistent expansion across a wide range of velocities.
- Lead-Free: Environmentally friendly and safe for consumption of game meat.
- High Accuracy: Once properly loaded, these bullets deliver exceptional accuracy, capable of sub-MOA groups.
- Ethical Hunting: The combination of expansion and penetration results in quick, humane kills.
Cons
- Load Development: All-copper bullets can be more sensitive to load development than lead-core options, requiring more experimentation.
- Copper Fouling: All-copper bullets tend to leave more copper fouling in the barrel, requiring more frequent and thorough cleaning.
Who Should Buy Barnes Bullets 30289 TSX 7mm .284 140 GR TSX Boat Tail 50 Box?
The Barnes Bullets 30289 TSX 7mm .284 140 GR TSX Boat Tail 50 Box are perfect for hunters who prioritize ethical hunting practices and are seeking a lead-free bullet option. They are also well-suited for reloaders who enjoy fine-tuning their loads for maximum accuracy and performance.
Hunters operating in areas with lead restrictions will find these bullets to be an invaluable option. Anyone looking for a bullet with excellent weight retention and deep penetration should consider the Barnes TSX.
Someone new to reloading or who prefers the convenience of factory ammunition might find the load development process for these bullets to be challenging. Hunters primarily targeting smaller game may not need the extreme penetration offered by these bullets.
A quality copper solvent is a must-have accessory for maintaining optimal accuracy with these bullets. Careful attention to seating depth and powder charge is essential for achieving the best results.
Conclusion on Barnes Bullets 30289 TSX 7mm .284 140 GR TSX Boat Tail 50 Box
The Barnes Bullets 30289 TSX 7mm .284 140 GR TSX Boat Tail 50 Box is a premium bullet option that delivers exceptional performance in terms of accuracy, expansion, and penetration. While they may require more effort during load development, the results are well worth the investment for hunters seeking a lead-free and ethically responsible solution.
The price of $58.59 for a box of 50 is justified by the superior quality, consistent performance, and ethical benefits of these bullets.
I would wholeheartedly recommend the Barnes Bullets 30289 TSX 7mm .284 140 GR TSX Boat Tail 50 Box to any serious hunter or reloader seeking a top-tier lead-free bullet. Step up your game with Barnes TSX and experience the difference in performance and peace of mind.