Barnes VOR-TX 168gr or 180gr for black bear and elk?

E

ezmiraldo

New member
Hi guys! I've settled on using copper Barnes-loaded factory ammo for my hunts next year (I'm using savage 111 trophy/hunter chambered in 30-06). But I can't decide whether to go with the 168gr or 180gr ttsx round. I will be testing both types in my rifle soon, and assuming my rifle is equally accurate with both, which would you recommend? I'll be making shots at 50-300 yards, with black bears and elk being the biggest critters I will be targeting. I'll also hunt deer - but I guess, if a round is good 'nuff for elk and bear, it should take care of deer just fine, right?

Here's some ballistic info on each cartridge (sorry, couldn't find sectional densities):

Barnes® VOR-TX® TTSX 168gr
B.C. .470
100 yards speed/energy 2607/2535
200 yards speed/energy 2421/2188
300 yards speed/energy 2244/1878
400 yards speed/energy 2073/1604

Barnes® VOR-TX® TTSX 180gr
B.C. .484
100 yards speed/energy 2516/2531
200 yards speed/energy 2340/2189
300 yards speed/energy 2170/1883
400 yards speed/energy 2008/1612
 
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Barnes bullets work best when they impact FAST. A 130 gr bullet will give you complete penetration on any of those animals at reasonable ranges. Unlike traditional bullets they don't need weight to get their penetration. The downside to all copper is that they are not the best long range bullet. Once bullet speed drops off they are not as effective. But if you choose carefully most will get you to 400 yards.

Traditional bullets lose 30%-80% of their weight as soon as they hit hide. A 180 gr lead bullet will only weigh around 130 gr at most after it hits. A copper bullet that starts at 130 gr will still weigh 130 gr after impact and do about the same damage.

I'm loading 130's in my 308 @ 3050 fps and would have no doubts about it working on any of those animals. The biggest mistake hunters make with copper is trying to load the same bullet weights they would traditionally use. Then they complain about no expansion and animals running after being hit.

I'd use 150's in a 30-06 and save 165's and 180's for the magnums. You really need 3000 fps at the muzzle with copper bullets. If the impact speed is under 2200 fps expansion is poor. The heavier bullets would work in your 30-06 at closer ranges where they are still going fast. The 165's might be a viable option for the bigger stuff on your list, but might not be as good on deer. The 180's are too heavy for any of your uses. 150's are the best compromise in this case.
 
I agree with all three of you guys. If penetration and expansion is adequate with 168gr, I also gain a slightly flatter medium-range trajectory (gain about an inch at 300 yards) and slightly reduced recoil. Hopefully my savage likes 168gr barnes ttsx rounds...
 
Just came back from the range. The factory 168gr VOR-TX gave me two groups at 100 meters: 1.5moa (3 bullet holes within 1 inch of the group's center) and 0.25moa (3 bullets within quarter inch of the group's center). Needless to say -- I think I'm sticking with it. :) Just need to practice more now to improve my own consistency.
 
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Jmr40 is right, but my 30-06 likes the 168s, so I stayed with those.

Good to see that your rifle found a load it likes. Out to 300 yards, we should be fine.
 
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