Attn. Medium Bore Barnes Fans

[Patriot_1776]

It seems it was inevitable.  The new Barnes MRX bullets are soon to be available for us reloaders.

For starters, they will be released in these calibers: 270, 7mm., .308, and .338.

No doubt there will be more later.  

Read It Here


-Patriot

[killdeer]

REDHAWK! :blaster:

[Coyote Hunter]

My .300 Win Mag and .308Win TSX loads will get converted to MRX as soon as they become available.  As will my loads for the .257 Roberts if they ever make .257's available.

[RaySendero]

What's MRX?

[Patriot_1776]

Ray Sendero wrote:

What's MRX?

I don't know whether you're asking what it means, or what it is.  So just to be sure I answer you correctly, I'll post both.


It stands for "Maximum Range X bullet."  

In addition to the TSX design, it has a tungsten-type material for a rear core; this means more rearward weight in the bullet, which in turn offers better overall bullet stability.  Since it is made of a hard material, it is less likely to "squeeze" out of the bullet when striking tough game or heavy bones.  Although, I don't think that has ever happened with rear lead cores often found in partitions.  Don't get me wrong, I love their bullets; but I think they're going a little too far with the "good material" involved in this bullet.  It just seems to me a tungsten-type material used in these things would equal plenty of $$$ coming out somewhere.  I might stick with 100% weight in copper if and when I do my hunting.  

The other feature is a blue plastic tip to yield better BCs.


-Patriot

[Redhawk1]

REDHAWK! :blaster:

You know I am going to try them. I will try them in my 300 Win Mag and my 338 Win Mag.    :-D  :-D

[kudzu]

Has anyone gotten a price on these things yet.  There will only be 20 bullets per pack. NOT a good sign.

[kudzu]

Well, it's funny that I asked. I just got my new Midway Master Catalog out of the mail. Just as I thought. The 270,7mm and30 cal are 18.99 per 20 bullets.  The 338 are 19.99 per 20.

[Coyote Hunter]

Don't get me wrong, I love their bullets; but I think they're going a little too far with the "good material" involved in this bullet.  It just seems to me a tungsten-type material used in these things would equal plenty of $$$ coming out somewhere.  I might stick with 100% weight in copper if and when I do my hunting.  

The other feature is a blue plastic tip to yield better BCs.


-Patriot

It turns out the MRX’s have about the same length as a TSX.   The Delrin tip adds length, the tungsten core reduces it again.  Its very ikely I’ll try to find a MRX load that shoots like my TSX loads (and any other loads I can build that shoot to the same POI), practice with the TSX’s and hunt with the MRX’s.

The thing I like about the MRX’s is I’m more confident they will expand.  Had a bad experience with XLC’s on antelope a few years back.

[nomosendero]

Yes, Coyote Hunter, the MRX is supposed to expand more predictably &
do so at an impact velocity of 200 FPS lower than the TSX can. Your idea
of sighting in and a little practice with the TSX is a good one if the POI is the same & there is a good chance it will be. Most of us have Varmit or 308 type rounds to shoot volume with anyway.

[rickt300]

Well until I hear glowing reports of perfect bullet performance for at least ten years and they don't go thru several evolutions of change then cut the price to a more reasonable 50 cents a bullet MAYBE I'll try em. I am just not a solid copper plastic capped hollow point fan.

[Redhawk1]

Well until I hear glowing reports of perfect bullet performance for at least ten years and they don't go thru several evolutions of change then cut the price to a more reasonable 50 cents a bullet MAYBE I'll try em. I am just not a solid copper plastic capped hollow point fan.

Don't count on the price to come down. The Barnes X is still a high priced bullet. But for us Barnes bullet users we don't need all your requirements to try the new bullet.  I go from personal experience, what others tell me. I like to make my own informed decision.

[jro45]

Well I hope they work out for everyone. Myself I don't use barnes Bullets.

[nomosendero]

Good point, Redhawk.  I value the opinions of those who use TSX bullets,
their views are based on experience & facts, therefore the only opinions
worth considering on this topic. I think that is true of everything that I
buy except basic commodities.

I have heard so many times how someone tried the old X bullet & it fouled
too much or it wasn't accurate. Some rifles liked them & some did not. So
what?
That has zero relevance to the TSX. The TSX is NOT the same bullet & shoots good in MOST rifles & it is just an improved bullet, sorry.
I still use lead core bullets for most of my shooting but when I use TSX
bullets, it is because they are BETTER for that application or group better than other bullets or I would use not use them.

Never have I seen so many negative comments from people who don't
use the product. The nice thing is that no one has to use them.

[Patriot_1776]

dancoman wrote:

Well, it's funny that I asked. I just got my new Midway Master Catalog out of the mail. Just as I thought. The 270,7mm and30 cal are 18.99 per 20 bullets. The 338 are 19.99 per 20.

Wow, that's pretty expensive.  That equals $0.95 and $1.00 per bullet, respectively.  The TSXs are much less, according to my Midway Mast. Catalog.  The TSXs run almost %50 less in cost.  For example, you can get .308, 180gr. TSX BT for $27.99 per box of 50.  That equals respectively $0.56 per bullet.  Seems to me there is alot of extra money going for the material, the technology, the advertising, or likely all the above.  Try to understand my point of view; it just seems to me there comes a point where they ask too much money for a product.  It must come to a point to where it gets to be too much.  What if Barnes came out with a solid gold bullet, with the best expansion, the best flight characteristics, proven scientifically to not foul any barrel, and the best weight retention.  Now, they are asking $250 for a box of 5.  Would anyone here pay $50.00 per bullet, for the sake of the best thing out there?  I know it is hypothetical, but take those points into consideration.  Just how much is too much for you guys?  :grin:

nomosendero, I agree with you about your points made.  I really think the TSX is an excellent hunting bullet, with regards to my limited experience on paper with it.  Have proven to be very accurate out of my 300 Wthby.  I haven't found it to foul anymore than most other standard bullets I've shot.  Even if they foul a little more, it sure comes out easily.  Just a few patches less I might need to use.   :wink:


-Patriot

[nomosendero]

Patriot_76

Yes, the cost does enter the picture somewhere, & that is a matter for each shooter to decide. If the MRX gives me value added, I will use them
on a limited basis & if they don't, I will not, to me it is that simple.

When you go on a out of State hunt, the bullet price is not a big factor. For
example, when we go to Wyoming on our Mule Deer/Antelope hunts, it
is about 1,100-1,200 miles from here in AR. If we eat 1 extra meal on the
trip during those 8 days, this would approx. equal the difference that we
would spend between std. bullets or premium bullets, in the overall trip
price this is very irrelevant. In our trip last October, no one mentioned
what we had spent in bullets, but we sure did notice the difference in gas
prices on this hunt.  :eek:

[longwinters]

I think most of us have to draw the line somewhere and this is where I draw it.  I don't mind paying a little more for top of the line bullets, but for me the question is; is it that much better for my purposes than what I already use.  I have not shot these so I cannot say, but since the Accubonds, Partitions and , at least on paper so far, the Triple Shocks are doing everything I ask of them I doubt that i will pay a dollar a bullet.  Really for that matter my Sierras do just fine also.

For me, no matter what the bullet, I will go thru 150 bullets working up loads, shooting from 0-300 yds etc... till I feel extremely confident.  No doubt part of this is that I just like to shoot, and I want to shoot the bullets and loads that I will hunt with.  Even with Accubonds and Partitions (2nds) I can do this for $40.00 in bullets.  When I compare it to $150.00 it just is not going to happen.  But I will look forward to reading what you guys that go this route say and if they really did do anything better than what you were shooting.

Long

[kombi1976]

I'm with longwinters.
If you think the MRXs will be expensive where you are it's nothing to how much the XLCs and TSXs already cost here in Oz.
I'm talking AUD$70 to $80 for pack of 50 in standard cals. :eek:  
O.k., so they're a premium bullet, but can buy Woodleighs in standard cals for $34 per 50 and if they're good enough for African plains game and dangerous game there certainly good enough for anything here! :wink:
As far as that tip goes, I don't doubt it aids expansion but they're also hopping on the Ballistic Tip/V-Max bandwagon which look pretty. :roll:
Don't get me wrong.
I'm sure they're great but I can spend my money better. :|

[rickt300]

I think bullets like the TSX and MRX appeal either to the guy that takes low percentage shots which require especially deep penetration, the guy that wants to use the most modern majic bullet for the cool factor, possibly the guy that is not an especially good shot and wants something to make up for it in the form of a percieved of as better bullet, someone hung up on especially hig velocities or just fill in the blank. After my original experiences with the first whiz bang gizmo bullets; the ballistic tips and Barnes X's it is hard for me to go from what has always worked to complicated bullet designs that may not.

[Redhawk1]

I think bullets like the TSX and MRX appeal either to the guy that takes low percentage shots which require especially deep penetration, the guy that wants to use the most modern majic bullet for the cool factor, possibly the guy that is not an especially good shot and wants something to make up for it in the form of a percieved of as better bullet, someone hung up on especially hig velocities or just fill in the blank. After my original experiences with the first whiz bang gizmo bullets; the ballistic tips and Barnes X's it is hard for me to go from what has always worked to complicated bullet designs that may not.

You are so off base it is not even funny. I challenge you to any shooting event, and I am so confident that I will out shoot you. I shoot year around and I pride myself on making great shots and my accuracy is number one. To make a bold and STUPID statement like you did is ludicrous. Just because you don't like the product does not make other that like it a poor shot or think it is a magic bullet.  Frankly I could care less what other think about what I shoot, I only care about the performance and what works for me. I also could careless what you shoot, as long as it works for you. I don't see the need to put down others or criticize others choices. Does it make you feel like a big man to sit on your computer and try to belittle others just because you don't agree with them. I am sure you would not like people making comments about your choices and throw out allegations of your shooting ability.

One word comes to my mind (Troll)

[The Sodbuster]

Patriot_1776 offered

it has a tungsten-type material for a rear core; this means more rearward weight in the bullet, which in turn offers better overall bullet stability

I may be way off here, but instinctively it seams to me that more forward weight would improve bullet stability.  If you've ever thrown anything like a spear or javelin, you know that a weight-forward projectile flies better and farther than a weight rearward one.  But a spear isn't a bullet and spears don't spin.  I reckon bullet companies must know what they're doing and my instincts are wrong.  They wouldn't sell many bullets if they keyholed targets all the time.  I got to thinking about this recently when I saw an illustration of Winchester's new premium ammo bullet with the plastic-tipped copper front and lead rear.

[handirifle]

rickt300
That's a pretty blatant statement cause there are times when all that penetration is really needed.  If one is hunting animals in dense brush where tracking might be difficult or impossible, or if one is hunting an animal you want to anchor on the spot then having a bullet that you KNOW will blow through BOTH shoulders is a great benefit.

In addition, if hunting with a light caliber for game animal the extra penetration is a must.  For example, hunting elk or black bear with a 243 (for whatever reason) anyway, hopefully you get the idea.

Even if one is using an '06 for elk and you know you only get ONE elk hunt and this might be the only shot you'll get on this lifetime hunt, it's nice to know there is no doubt about taking that shoulder shot on that big bull.

Sure, other bullets will do it, but every little bit of extra confidence builder makes it that much easier to just concentrate on making the perfect shot and not worry if the bullet will do it's job.

Besides, if someone WANTS to use them, why should you care??

[Patriot_1776]

Sodbuster wrote:

Patriot_1776 offered

Quote:
it has a tungsten-type material for a rear core; this means more rearward weight in the bullet, which in turn offers better overall bullet stability


I may be way off here, but instinctively it seams to me that more forward weight would improve bullet stability. If you've ever thrown anything like a spear or javelin, you know that a weight-forward projectile flies better and farther than a weight rearward one. But a spear isn't a bullet and spears don't spin. I reckon bullet companies must know what they're doing and my instincts are wrong. They wouldn't sell many bullets if they keyholed targets all the time. I got to thinking about this recently when I saw an illustration of Winchester's new premium ammo bullet with the plastic-tipped copper front and lead rear.

I know it sounds odd at first, but here is a quote taken directly from the second paragraph after the list of features on that web page:

"The denser-than-lead tungsten core moves the MRX bullet’s center of gravity rearward, producing optimum ballistic performance, maximum penetration and the same exceptional accuracy Triple-Shock Bullets are famous for. A heavy tungsten core surrounded by a controlled-expanding all-copper body means game-dropping performance no lead-core bullet can match. Unlike soft lead cores that fragment or squeeze out under pressure, the tough MRX tungsten core retains its shape on impact, maintaining bullet integrity."


As for rickt300's comment, I too feel it is just a remark to try and goad those of us who prefer to use Barnes bullets for hunting purposes.  I don't know for what reason he made those statements, but I know for sure they aren't geared towards friendly discussion nor in an attempt to search for more information about Barnes' bullets.  The idea of insinuating that those of us who use these bullets can't shoot crap, and try to make up for it in bullet penetration, is completely off the mark and over the deep end.  Perhaps in that opinion, one may as well say those who hunt elephants and other dangerous African game are the poorest shots in the world; hence because they need to use rifles with such immense power.


-Patriot

[kombi1976]

There's little doubt that rikt300's post has jerked a few chains out there and it possibly could've been couched a little better.
But the first 2 words are important:

I think

Cut off those and it becomes seriously inflamatory but with them he's just offering his opinion.
And I've gotta fess up.
Purty lookin' bullets have sucked me in in the recent past. :oops:
Sliding a round loaded with a slick new bullet with the promise of some voodoo-like performance into the chamber feels funky and does give you a boost if you aren't as experienced......say like me.
Mind you there are plenty of amazing shooters I know who are happy to spend a mint on projectiles which they say are super accuratre, can do everything you want upon impact & also make you a cuppa and feed the dog.
And I'm not going to argue with them.
Anyhow, Rehawk, I just thought it was a pretty extreme reaction from you as I haven't seen anything like it before.
No offence meant.

[rickt300]

Ouch! Certainly the fancy bullets appeal to the types I mentioned and also to the hardcore shooter and reloader that is looking for something special to whom cost is no factor. The first absolute bullet failure I experienced was with a Barnes X 225 grain bullet out of my 338. The lack of expansion led to a long tracking job and a recovery event that reached epic proportions. Any Speer or Hornady bullet available at the time would have done a better job. Then to watch over the years constant "improvements" being made, well I'll take a heavy Speer or Nosler partition for the tough stuff. On to more important topic material, the shooting match. We actually live too far from each other to just go out and shoot rocks at extended ranges but I am up for any reasonable solution to the original challenge.

[Redhawk1]

Anyhow, Rehawk, I just thought it was a pretty extreme reaction from you as I haven't seen anything like it before.
No offence meant.

kombi1976, if you do a little research on these forums, you will find a few Barnes bullet bashers here and take every opportunity to put down others choices, so if I seem to have a pretty extreme reaction you are correct. I just get sick of peoples comments that are uncalled for and add no value to the thread.

rickt300, what bullets do you use? Why do you use them? Do they work for you?
Answer these questions and you will know why we chose to use what we do. There is no right or wrong here.

[Redhawk1]

On to more important topic material, the shooting match. We actually live too far from each other to just go out and shoot rocks at extended ranges but I am up for any reasonable solution to the original challenge.

On a better note, I don't think it really matters. My proof is in my trophy room and in the field. The number of one shot kills and the ease of finding my game where the lay or dead in there tracks. I know my ability and frankly have nothing to prove to you.

[longwinters]

I try to never make assumptions about someone based on what they shoot, how they shoot or probably even why they shoot.  I may do so concerning politics, religion and sexual preference, but never about guns and bullets.

Long

[rickt300]

What bullets do I use. In my reloading room there are more than 5000 bullets of different makers including some Barnes bullets. Most are Hornady, around 3000 of them.  The only bore diameters I don't have a good selection in are .257 and .375 at least thru .458 caliber. I have had good to excellent results with virtually all of them if I used them at velocities they were designed for and I have seldom felt the need for more penetration but a couple of times would have liked a bit more expansion. I am not going to shoot any animal via Texas heart shot no matter what and though I have a few of my trophies hanging on the walls at my place I don't really feel they represent my shooting ability but more so adventures I have partaken in. Enjoy shooting your Tungston cored, copper hollowpointed plastic tipped bullets. I just can't see any special need for them

[Redhawk1]

I can see we are going no where with this conversation, so I am done here.   :bye:

"Never argue with a fool others may not know the difference."