Let’s Talk About Barnes Bullets 30264 TSX 270 Caliber .277 130 GR TSX Boat Tail 50 Box
The Barnes Bullets 30264 TSX 270 Caliber .277 130 GR TSX Boat Tail 50 Box represents a commitment to consistent performance and humane kills. Manufactured by Barnes, these bullets are designed for hunters who demand deep penetration and reliable expansion in the field, offering a lead-free alternative. The boat tail design and copper construction promise accuracy and ethical hunting.
I needed a bullet that could reliably penetrate thick-skinned game at moderate ranges in my .270 Winchester rifle. My concern was achieving ethical, one-shot kills on deer and potentially larger game while minimizing meat damage. Lead-free regulations in some hunting areas were also a consideration.
Upon opening the box, I was immediately struck by the sleek, uniform appearance of the bullets. The copper construction felt solid, and the boat tail design looked precisely formed, indicative of high-quality manufacturing. They felt heavier than comparable lead-core bullets of the same weight.
I considered Nosler AccuBond Long Range and Federal Trophy Copper. I chose the Barnes TSX because of its reputation for consistent penetration and expansion, even at lower velocities. Its all-copper construction also appealed to my desire for a lead-free option.
I was excited to try these bullets because of Barnes’s reputation and the positive reviews I had read, hoping they would deliver the accuracy and performance I needed for ethical hunting. I had a feeling that this product would not disappoint.
Real-World Testing: Putting Barnes Bullets 30264 TSX 270 Caliber .277 130 GR TSX Boat Tail 50 Box to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Barnes TSX bullets at my local shooting range, a controlled environment with distances ranging from 100 to 300 yards. The weather was clear and mild, with a slight crosswind.
The Barnes TSX bullets performed remarkably well in these conditions. I was able to achieve consistent sub-MOA groupings at 100 yards with my tuned .270 Winchester.
The loading process with the Barnes TSX was smooth and efficient.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, including multiple range sessions and a deer hunting trip, the Barnes TSX bullets have proven to be remarkably consistent and reliable. I’ve fired approximately 100 rounds of hand-loaded ammunition with these bullets so far.
There are no signs of deformation or accuracy degradation with these bullets. Cleaning my rifle after using these bullets seems to be easier than with lead-core bullets.
Compared to my previous experiences with lead-core bullets, the Barnes TSX offers significantly deeper penetration and more consistent expansion. This gives me greater confidence in achieving ethical one-shot kills.
Breaking Down the Features of Barnes Bullets 30264 TSX 270 Caliber .277 130 GR TSX Boat Tail 50 Box
Specifications
The Barnes Bullets 30264 TSX 270 Caliber .277 130 GR TSX Boat Tail 50 Box boasts the following key specifications:
Caliber: .270 Caliber – This dictates the rifles the bullet is compatible with.
Bullet Weight: 130 grain – A common weight for .270 caliber offering a balance of velocity and energy.
Bullet Type: Boat Tail Hollow Point (BTHP) – The boat tail design improves ballistic coefficient for flatter trajectories, while the hollow point ensures rapid expansion.
Sectional Density: 0.242 – This affects the bullet’s ability to penetrate through tissue and bone.
Material: Copper – This lead-free construction is environmentally friendly and promotes deep penetration.
Quantity: 50 Bullets – A standard quantity for reloading.
These specifications are important because they directly impact the bullet’s performance in terms of accuracy, penetration, and expansion. The copper construction and hollow point design work together to ensure an effective and ethical hunting experience.
Performance & Functionality
The Barnes TSX bullet is designed for optimal performance in the field, focusing on deep penetration, reliable expansion, and consistent accuracy. Its boat tail design enhances its ballistic coefficient, reducing drag and improving flight stability.
The Barnes TSX bullets consistently meet and exceed expectations. The consistent expansion and deep penetration give me confidence that the bullet will perform as designed, even on larger game.
The bullet’s primary strength lies in its ability to retain nearly all of its weight after impact, resulting in deep, straight-line penetration. However, due to its monolithic copper construction, it may require higher velocities for optimal expansion compared to lead-core bullets.
Design & Ergonomics
The Barnes TSX bullet features a sleek, aerodynamic design with a boat tail shape and a precisely formed hollow point. The solid copper construction feels robust and well-made, assuring the user of its high quality and durability.
The Barnes TSX bullet is designed for reloaders and is quite user-friendly, and does not require any special tools or techniques. However, due to the bullet’s length, it might be necessary to adjust the seating depth to ensure proper feeding and chambering in certain rifles.
Durability & Maintenance
The all-copper construction of the Barnes TSX bullet ensures excellent durability and resistance to deformation. It is expected to maintain its integrity even after penetrating thick bone.
The Barnes TSX bullet is lead-free, which reduces fouling in the barrel and simplifies cleaning and maintenance. Regular cleaning and proper storage will extend the life of these bullets indefinitely.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Barnes Bullets 30264 TSX 270 Caliber .277 130 GR TSX Boat Tail 50 Box does not come with additional accessories since it is just the bullet itself. However, it is highly customizable through handloading.
Handloaders can adjust powder charges, seating depths, and crimp styles to optimize the bullet’s performance for their specific rifle and hunting conditions. The Barnes TSX is also compatible with a wide range of reloading components, such as different powders and primers, making it a versatile choice for reloaders.
Pros and Cons of Barnes Bullets 30264 TSX 270 Caliber .277 130 GR TSX Boat Tail 50 Box
Pros
- Consistent and deep penetration due to its solid copper construction and weight retention.
- Reliable expansion with its strategically designed hollow point, ensuring humane kills.
- Lead-free, making it environmentally friendly and compliant with regulations.
- Excellent accuracy due to its boat tail design, improving ballistic coefficient and flight stability.
- Versatile, suitable for a wide range of game animals, from deer to elk, in the .270 caliber.
Cons
- May require higher velocities for optimal expansion compared to lead-core bullets, potentially limiting its effectiveness at longer ranges or in lower-velocity cartridges.
- More expensive than traditional lead-core bullets, which may be a factor for high-volume shooters.
Who Should Buy Barnes Bullets 30264 TSX 270 Caliber .277 130 GR TSX Boat Tail 50 Box?
The Barnes Bullets 30264 TSX 270 Caliber .277 130 GR TSX Boat Tail 50 Box is perfect for ethical hunters who prioritize clean kills and deep penetration. It is also ideal for those who need to comply with lead-free hunting regulations.
Hunters targeting medium to large game, such as deer, elk, and hogs, will benefit most from the bullet’s performance. Anyone looking for a high-quality bullet who prioritize terminal performance and ethical hunting should buy these.
This product may not be the best choice for casual target shooters looking for inexpensive ammunition. Those who prioritize extreme long-range shooting may find other bullet designs with higher ballistic coefficients more suitable.
A chronograph to measure bullet velocities and a reliable reloading manual are must-have accessories for achieving optimal performance. A quality scope is also recommended to fully exploit the accuracy potential of these bullets.
Conclusion on Barnes Bullets 30264 TSX 270 Caliber .277 130 GR TSX Boat Tail 50 Box
The Barnes Bullets 30264 TSX 270 Caliber .277 130 GR TSX Boat Tail 50 Box offers exceptional performance for hunters demanding ethical, deep-penetrating shots. Its lead-free construction, reliable expansion, and excellent accuracy make it a top choice for serious hunters.
The price is justified by the bullet’s consistent performance, environmental benefits, and ethical implications. It’s a premium bullet that delivers premium results.
I would highly recommend the Barnes TSX bullets to any hunter who values ethical hunting, deep penetration, and lead-free performance. It’s a worthwhile investment for those who want to ensure clean and humane kills in the field. Consider purchasing this bullet for your next hunting adventure.