.338 Federal and the Barnes 160 gr. TSX???

[Lawful Larry]

I always felt that the larger and heavier .338 bullets may be a little too heavy for the Federal round. Barnes has a 160 grain TSX bullet and I finally spent a sizable amount of cash for 50 bullets ($45).

I am having a hard trime finding any data for this bullet. Barnes has only two listings for RL7 and AA2230. I am familiar with the reloader powders, but not the AA2230 powder. I have tried to find some of the RL7 in my local area, but to no avail.  i havde found some data on IMR 3031, Win 748 and H322.  the H322 has a respectable performance compared to the other two powders.

Has anyone found any other data or worked up some loads using other powders?

Thanks!!!!!

[Thebear_78]

I think you are better off shooting the 185gr TSX out of the 338 federal.  The 160s are just too short and stumpy, with thier poor BC you have already caught up to them with the 185s within a couple hundred yards.  I can vouch for the 185 TSX being a good game bullet.  My buddy built a ultra light mountain rifle in 338 federal.  Based off a model 7 remington, came in at a smidge under 5lbs with leupold 3-9 compact scope.   His 15 yr old son shot a decent moose last year with it and the 185gr TSX at 2700fps.   SHot the bull through the shoulders at 65 yards, bullet broke both shoulders and came to rest half out of the hide on the other side.  Bullet fell out while skinning the moose.  Picture perfect bullet performance, nice petals and 100% weight retention.  I think he was using H322 powder in his loads.

[Lawful Larry]

Interesting thoughts on the 185 gr.  I have  not yet tried them  or the Nosler 180 gr.  Iwas going to try the H322 powder on the 160 gr. TSX.  But I will try the 185 gr.  I is amazing that the 185 will do 2700 fps.  That is what the 160 gr. bullets are doing from what I have researched so far.  I would have thought the 160 would have been a lot faster then what I have read about.  I think the fastest I have found is 2900+ fps. using RL #7. 

I should be about to make it to the range  next week and hopefully I will have a range report.  Thanks for the reply Bear.