165 gr Barnes TTSX For Elk

[DUKFVR]

I have a 300 WSM Kevin [Montour County Rifles] built me on here. It is DEADLY accurate with the Barnes 165 gr factory loadings. It that bullet good enough for bull elk out to 400 yards? I would think it would be fine ,but want to get some opinions from some of you that have killed more elk. I hate to go change things up ,but would be more than willing if I need a heavier bullet. THANKS!!

[Broz]

We take over a dozen elk evey year. No Barns bullets for me anymore. And that goes for the guys I am helping too. I got tired of tracking due to no expansion. Switched to Bergers and have not tracked one since.

Jeff

[gillettehunter]

I have used the TTSX for the last couple of years and have done well w/ it. I'm using a .300WSM w/ the 150 gr TTSX. Best accuracy of any bullet I've tried including Bergers. Last year I shot a mature [likely 3 1/2 yr old] cow at perhaps 150 yards. She went less than 40 yds. The yr before was a large 5X5. Hit him at less than 200 yards. He went perhaps 75 yds. I have textbook expansion w/ the TTSX.
Now they don't have the BC of the Bergers, but they will hold together better. I had a bad experience 5 yrs ago w/ the Bergers and have been reluctant to use them again. Lots on this forum wouldn't use anything but the Bergers.
Check out the forums at Africahunting.com. The PH's seem to like the Barnes bullets. Comments are that hitting the animal on the shoulder works well w/ the Barnes bullets. Rest assured if you do your part the 165 will be fine.
They have worked for me. Others will have different preferences and experiences. Bruce

[Magnumitis]

It should prove to be a deadly combination. No track job will be required.

[Tikkamike]

Originally Posted by Elkoholic307

It should prove to be a deadly combination. No track job will be required.

im with this guy but I would try the 180 if it doesnt shoot as well you can always go back to the old load and itll be the exact same, the extra weight of the 180 will serve you well. 165 is pretty light for caliber so you wont get as good of penetration as you will with the bigger bullets. I have killed lots and lots of elk and have seen the 180 first hand anchor a cow at well past 700 yards

[rooster740]

I have shot a bunch of elk with the 150 and 168 grain tsx out of a 308Win. A hand full were between 400 and 500 yards. Last year I blasted two cow elk with the Barnes bullets out of my 300 WM. As of lately I am trying a few Bergers for their slicker design, but the Barnes bullets have yet to let me down.

[Timber338]

Originally Posted by DUKFVR

... It is DEADLY accurate with the Barnes 165 gr factory loadings.

I think you said it yourself... sounds like you've got a whole lot of confidence in the Accuracy of the 165 TTSX. Accuracy and confidence in that accuracy are huge.

As long as you're using a premium bullet, if you put that bullet in the right place the chances of a long track are pretty slim. You'll find all of us on this sight split hairs regarding everything technical, and there will always be guys who have had failures with one of the premium bullets. When that happens they lose confidence in that particular bullet and switch to another. I've done it myself. It's all part of the fun.

With an all copper Barnes I think the 165 will work fine well beyond 400 yards for elk, and you'll get good velocity and a nice flat trajectory out to 400 yards. Is the 180 better for elk? Maybe. I would hunt with whatever you feel is more accurate. But you would have fun trying to figure out which one shoots better!