Switching caliber for hunting all copper?

[fivefeezy]

I just started loading 130 grain Barnes TSX in .308. I'm still working up the load. At low powder levels it had the same point of impact as 150 grain Core Lokt. As I'm increasing the charge, the point of impact is going up quite a bit.

[FishnHunt]

6.5 CM 120 ttsx or 127 lrx
270win 130 ttsx
30-06 168 ttsx

The faster they go, the better they work.
If you plan on doing any longer shots past 500 yards make sure they are traveling at least 1800 FPS which their minimum to expand. That’s why I went with 168 ttsx over 150 as it retains its velocity little further and I want to cover my basis.

[Duck Killer]

The way I understand it is that if your sidearm is for personal protection only while hunting it can have lead in it. I was going to olay it safe anyway and bought some copper Lehigh Extreme Penentrators for my 10mm, not even thinking about the fact that they don't expand. Doh!

90% chance of getting a ticket. No lead at all. Even in side arm.

[edgerly779]

^^ Not what dfw says. Did you read the law? Have you ever been checked or asked?

[Spyder]

10mm lead free is near worthless. Not enough case capacity with the longer bullets to get any velocity out of them. I have not played with the other two yet, though plan to work on a 44 load this winter.

[Spyder]

90% chance of getting a ticket. No lead at all. Even in side arm.

100% wrong.

[FlyingShooter]

90% chance of getting a ticket. No lead at all. Even in side arm.

I am not sure why people keep getting this wrong. The law is clear and easy to read/understand. Quit spreading FUD and go read the law.

[desert dog]

Is anybody moving up to a larger or faster caliber for hunting all copper this year? Any concerns with a lighter, slower expanding all copper bullet?
If you reload, have you switched the grain weight for all copper?

You are confused on bullet weights and velocity for a given cartridge. Lighter bullets will go faster, heavier bullets will go slower.

It is common practice to go lighter and faster when making the switch to copper because;

1) Copper bullets (like the Barnes) retain near 100% of their weight, unlike most Cup-and-core Lead bullets that only retain 60% of their weight in real-world hunting conditions. Basically, you don't have to use heavier bullets to compensate for lost mass on impact.

2) Because copper is harder than lead, for given sectional density, the copper bullet requires more velocity to expand. For normal hunting cartridges like 25-06, 6.5mm, 270, 308, 30-06, 7mm - this really doesn't matter inside of 300 yards.


A 100gr TTSX leaving the barrel at 3300 fps really makes a believer out of anyone who sees the results on deer-sized game.

* For 22-250, I shoot the 55gr TTSX
* For .25 calibers, I shoot the 100gr TTSX
* For 6.5, I shoot the 127gr LRX
* For 270, I like the 129gr LRX
* For .308, I shoot the 150gr TTSX
* For 30-06, I shoot the 168gr TTSX
* For 300 Magnums, I shoot the 175gr LRX
* For 338, I shoot the 250gr LRX
* For 375, I shoot the 270gr LRX
* For 416, I shoot the 350gr TSX
* For 458, I shoot the 450gr TSX

All great bullets as long as you keep the velocity on impact higher than you would with your typical lead bullet.

[Bisley]

10mm lead free is near worthless. Not enough case capacity with the longer bullets to get any velocity out of them. I have not played with the other two yet, though plan to work on a 44 load this winter.

You might want to check the PREX line from Maker Bullets. They have a 140gr & a 90gr that might fill your needs. They are super friendly to deal with on the phone & very willing to help. I'm sure the 90gr will be short enough, and strong enough, but if you prefer heavier I'm sure they can give you an OAL over the phone. I have heard they will do some custom orders too, but have not confirmed it.

[Spyder]

You are confused on bullet weights and velocity for a given cartridge. Lighter bullets will go faster, heavier bullets will go slower.

Slower expanding, not slower velocity, is how I read what he wrote.

[Spyder]

You might want to check the PREX line from Maker Bullets. They have a 140gr & a 90gr that might fill your needs. They are super friendly to deal with on the phone & very willing to help. I'm sure the 90gr will be short enough, and strong enough, but if you prefer heavier I'm sure they can give you an OAL over the phone. I have heard they will do some custom orders too, but have not confirmed it.

Regardless of bullet maker, there is not enough space in the case to put enough powder in to make 10mm velocities. 10mm lead free, unless loaded with some obscenely expensive heavier than lead alloy bullet, is no better than a lead bullet 40 of similar weight.

10mm is a great round, I love it, shoot a lot of it. But it ain't good for hunting in CA anymore.

[NATEWA]

https://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=1533623

I have not loaded any yet but purchased Barnes and Hornady. Waiting on the Nosler blems to be in stock.

[tsmithson]

[Sub95]

Been reloading copper for 10 years now.

308, 168gr, 300 rum, 180gr, 30-06 168gr, 243, 80gr. All get Barnes TTSX.

I load overall length to magazine length, minus A few thousand.

I weigh every bullet and only use the the stated weight of the bullet.
Just got some 180gr 30cal Barnes ttsx, the weights wen't from 178.-182gr.

I will make 5 rounds for each 0.5gr powder charge weight to max, and shoot through a Chronograph to see the spread In the speed, and check grouping.
The one with the best grouping and less spread In fps Is what I will use for hunting. Never had a problem with one shot, one kill.

This Is what I have found that works In these rifles.

[Divernhunter]

Those big HP 200gr 44mag HP bullets really work and will penetrate
In the 30-06 you will be better off with 130-150gr TTSX bullets and in the 300mag 150gr TTSX bullets.