Barnes 145 lrx enough for elk?

LaVec

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Feb 16, 2018
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Do you guys think that the 145LRX is enough? I used to shoot the 160 TSX but hoping for a better BC. Any advice appreciated. I'm using a 7 STW and an Accumark. Hunting CO. Thanks!!!
 
This my opinion, for what it's worth. The 7 STW is designed for and capable of long distance shooting....if you go with the lighter bullet, particularly for elk, you are unnecessarily handicapping a fine long distance cartridge!

I'd seriously take a look at the 168 grain LRX. If it doesn't use up too much of the case capacity, due to bullet length, though starting out slower....will likely catch up with and pass the lighter bullet at longer ranges. Also, a heavier bullet when taking fairly large big game.....is never a bad thing!

There is a 7 STW group on this forum, and they may be able to give much better information than I. memtb
 
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I plan to use the 140ttsx in my 7STW. With a MV of 3450 and 99% weight retention its plenty capable. Plug the numbers into a balistic calculator (180 berger vs. 140ttsx). The smaller bullet gives up very little to 1K. Check the twist in your rifle, mine is 1:9 and didnt like the 175 accubond lr.
 
The reason I started this thread is that although I really loved the 168 LRX and it's BC, I've read in the 7Stw thread that it won't be stabilized in less than an 8 twist bbl. Mine is a 10 twist Memtb, I agree with your comments.Maybe I should try to find a handful of 168s and try them. Every rifle is different!! If unsuccessful, I know the 145 LRX is fine. Thanks for all the help folks!!
 
The reason I started this thread is that although I really loved the 168 LRX and it's BC, I've read in the 7Stw thread that it won't be stabilized in less than an 8 twist bbl. Mine is a 10 twist Memtb, I agree with your comments.Maybe I should try to find a handful of 168s and try them. Every rifle is different!! If unsuccessful, I know the 145 LRX is fine. Thanks for all the help folks!!
Stick with the 145, the 168 will not like that slow twist. 145 is plenty for Elk.
 
There is absolutely no reason not to use the Barnes 140gr TSX or 145 LRX... This bullet fried from a 7-08 will completely penetrate elk. The 145 LRX has a higher BC of .486. Surpasses many 160 C&C bullets. The 145 fired at 3300 fps with a 250 yd zero, +1.9 @ 100yd. Only down -2.77 @ 300 & only down -26.78 @ 500. This bullet will give complete penetration on mature elk. If two are standing side by side you will kill both. I've been hunting since I was old enough to do so. 74 now. The overwhelming amount of deer & elk I have taken over the years has been under 200yds. Long range shooters is where I have seen most animals wounded & lost. It seems every one is talking about long range shots & totally ignoring off hand close shots.. A big problem I see with hunters in general is their inability to make an accurate off hand shot. If you hunt elk you will encounter animals at close range. More than you think. Some times shots thru small openings are required. You should be able to place all your shots in 5" to 6" "at least" off hand at 100yds... Being able to place accurate off hand shots can make the difference between bringing home game or not. Most of the hunters I encounter are so out of control with wild emotions their shots are scattered every where with close in off hand shots. Remember, your brain has to be in control squeezing off shots. Not your out of control emotions jerking the trigger. I have put hunters on close range elk only to have them shoot wildly & miss every shot. Just for comparison I use Barnes mono's in my 6.5's on elk. Take elk every year & have yet to recover one of these bullets.
 
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I used the 140 TTSX out of a 7mm Rem Mag. I brought home my first bull with it. My original plan was to go with a heavier bullet but my local gun shop was all out. Turned out to be just fine. As always said, shot placement is more important that bullet weight. Go for it.
 
I used the 140 TTSX out of a 7mm Rem Mag. I brought home my first bull with it. My original plan was to go with a heavier bullet but my local gun shop was all out. Turned out to be just fine. As always said, shot placement is more important that bullet weight. Go for it.
 
Thanks again guys. I truly appreciate the great advice. Hespco, I tell my friends who will come on this hunt that it's FAR more important to be able to hit an 8" circle quickly from any ragged rest ( or offhand) than to be able to shoot 0.5" groups from a bench! Thanks again all!!!
 
Thanks again guys. I truly appreciate the great advice. Hespco, I tell my friends who will come on this hunt that it's FAR more important to be able to hit an 8" circle quickly from any ragged rest ( or offhand) than to be able to shoot 0.5" groups from a bench! Thanks again all!!!

I'm sorry I'm late on posting. I live Co and I've hunted lot of years here and take few bull elk and deer. I'm 77 and that does't mean because I'm older I'm expert on hunting. We do have game here and if I see some shooting elk and it's wounded he has to make reasonable attempt to track and kill animal he wounds. It's a felony here if he doesn't. So now someone tell you about wounded/lost animals that he knows about and did nothing about it. Now you get story about LRH. Here is what he post "Long range shooters is where I have seen most animals wounded & lost." He seen but does nothing.

Now he is expert in what and whats true, they should get him off this site
 
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