Barnes TSX through a model 94 30-30

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Yosemite Steve

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Has anyone tried the TSX bullets in a lever action 30-30?

I have a can of 4064 and box of TSX and was going to play around with some loads. I'm hoping the TSX like the slower velocities. It seems like they would make a good hunting bullet. I don't see a lot of data floating around for IMR 4064 but it's in my old Speer manual. Would I be wasting my powder?
 
I think that IMR 3031 would be better suited for that 30.30 than IMR 4064. I use 4064 for my .308, .30.06 and .243. Check IMR's website for loading data.
 
No, but I'd like to hear how it works out for you. Most of the copper bullets rely on a lot of speed for expansion. Most don't work well below about 2000 fps impact speed. But the flat point bullet designed for 30-30 is probably better at slower speeds. I simply haven't heard anyone comment about using them.

The load data for copper bullets isn't the same as with conventional bullets. You really need data specific to that bullet. Barnes lists data on their website. Since copper is lighter than lead, bullets of the same weight are longer with more surface in contact with the barrel.

http://www.barnesbullets.com/files/2017/05/3030Winchester.pdf
 
When I used to hunt Ca pigs, the TSX 150gr bullet is what I used in my Mod 94 A/E.
I used Win 748 powder. I've only shot three pigs, two with that bullet. A couple of shakey steps and they fell right over. It's a good bullet for the 30-30.
The other pig was shot with a 170gr Hornady. Pig didn't like that one either. But, try 748. I never had much luck with 4064 in my 30-30.
 
Yeah. 748 seems to be what most people like for that gun. The bullets were given to my dad for the 3030 before he handed it all over to me. Barnes does not list 4064 as an option.
 
"...box of TSX..." What weight?
"...data floating around for IMR4064..." Isn't a typical .30-30 powder, there's lots of IMR4064 .30-30 data on Hodgdon's site, but not for a solid copper bullet.
Barnes shows data for their 150 grain TSX Flat nosed only. No IMR4064 tested. Solid copper bullets need solid copper bullet data. Don't use regular data. Isn't unsafe, but the velocities will be odd. A Max load of IMR3031 with a 150 grain Barnes bullet runs mid range for a lead cored 150. No IMR4064 tested by Barnes. Call 'em and ask.
http://www.barnesbullets.com/load-data/
 
Everyone uses a 24" barrel to do their testing. I wish they would use a more common barrel length... or offer data on different lengths.

A trend I am seeing is that this bullet, according to Barnes, is slower with all powders across the board when comparing to load data where a 150 grain lead or jacketed bullet is used. The drawback with 748 is that it is already a compressed load at max for a shorter bullet so it cannot fit enough powder for a faster load. Because this bullet needs 2000 fps. + and I have a 20" barrel and there is less case volume to work with would I not want a faster burning powder?
 
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"...150 gr..." Use the Barnes TSX FN data and you'll be fine. Oddly enough that's the only bullet on Barnes' site. Nowhere does Barnes say their TSX FN bullet needs any 2,000 + FPS.
"...Everyone uses a 24" barrel..." Usually isn't on a rifle either. Testing is usually done with a Universal receiver. It just means the velocity numbers will be different out of a regular 20" Win 94 barrel.
"...already a compressed load..." That's nothing to worry about. You'll note that all the Barnes tested loads are compressed except for H4198 and RL10X. However, it's because a solid copper bullet has to be longer than a lead cored bullet of the same weight due to the difference in density. A 150 grain TSX FN is 1.080" long. A Federal 150 grain RN is 0.905" long.
 
These have been calling my name for a while now. Im oh so tempted to load them in my 30-06 but i know they would be excellent in a 30-30 or 30-40 maybe an old 1903 springfield that you dont want to push to hard
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I loaded a few for my 30-06 but they hang up when chambering in my bolt action. The edge of the hollow point catches on the leading edge of the chamber. What I did shoot did not group well but I probably needed to do more tuning.
 
I loaded a few for my 30-06 but they hang up when chambering in my bolt action. The edge of the hollow point catches on the leading edge of the chamber. What I did shoot did not group well but I probably needed to do more tuning.
Good info. Mind me asking what kind of rifle you were using? Mines a savage 116 flat top reciever with a blind mag. Really long pointy bullets can get caught up just before the ramp. I suspect those might give me trouble if i load to the lands since the headspacing on this gun is so long
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Mine is a savage 110. I also wanted to seat them long. I figured out that the only way to get one to slide in nice would be to alter the magazine. I hope to try some of the tipped tsx 150s so i can seat them long. Are you sure you didn't mean that you have a long throat? Long headspacing would be bad. I'm assuming you meant jump to your lands.
 
Don't over think this regarding the 150 TSX FN in the 30-30. It was designed for that purpose. I run a wee bit more 748 than what Barnes calls for. My loads are not compressed. I've not had any pressure issues, easy to cycle and accurate. I've never shot for accuracy past 150 yards, as I won't shoot that rifle/cartridge past that. Those bullets work. Just do your own load testing so you're satisfied.
 
Yeah that's what i meant, dont know why i said headspace. Most of my loads for this gun have to be very long for the ogive to ne just off the bore and barely fit in the blind mag which is actually pretty long. Apologies on the failed quote aswell
 
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