barnes xlc bullets in 130 grain for a 308

[robk]

i am looking for a place where i can buy some of the xlc barnes x bullets for reloading and where it won't cost an arm and leg. if anyone can let me know of a place where the price isn't upwards of 40 dollars i would greatly appreciate it.
thanks
rob k

[DesertRam]

"Barnes X" and "inexpensive" don't go together  I just checked Graf and Sons - they have them for $30.99.  Of course you'll have to pay the $4 handling, but if you get a couple of items, it's worth it.

I think I'd stay away from the XLCs in favor of the new TSXs.  They're a buck cheaper and in my experience they're easier to shoot accurately.  I've shot them in three guns so far and none has been difficult to find a very accurate hunting load for.  Although Barnes claims differently, I foresee the eventual demise of the XLC (and maybe the X) as TSXs become more popular.[/url]

[Squeeze]

I have also found the TSX much easier to find consistent load combinations for, than the
XLC.  Barnes just came out with a 130 gr. TSX .30 cal bullet, so there is one in that
weight.  I use the 130 gr XBT bullets, in my Striker, and as soon as I work out my issues
with my new .308 Win Encore pistol barrel, I will work up a 130 gr. TSX load, for that.
If I keep the Striker, I will be working 130 gr TSX loads up for that, too.
 
My experience with comparisions of XLC, and TSX, are with the 165-168 gr.  .30 cal
loading for a 300 WSM, and 100 gr. loads, for a .25-06 Rem.
 
I struggled to find a 1 MOA load, with a 165 XLC, bullet, and eventually said,  
"Good enough" to a 1.25 MOA load combo.  On my first test groups, with 168 gr. TSX  
bullets, I had one group .75 MOA, and another .85 MOA.  I have yet to get back to
tweaking this first TSX load combination, so I don't know just how good I can get,
 but it sure was easier to get to sub MOA, with TSX bullets, in my Howa 1500 300 WSM.
 
The same experience happened with load development for 100 gr. loads, for my  
Tikka .25-06 Rem.  The 100 gr. XLCs, after much experimentation, got to 1 MOA.
The first test groups, of 100 gr. TSX bullets, went sub MOA, and I had that load  
quickly dialed in to .75 MOA.  I believe I can even do better than that, if I tried  
a few different powders.
 
Unless your gun REALLY likes 130 gr XLC's, I would seriously consider TSX bullets
over XLC bullets, if for nothing else, for the ease of finding consistent loads.
 
Squeeze

[robk]

thanks then i will go either to the triple shock or i may go with the accubond from nosler in a 165 to 180 grain for big animals. i will try the tsx but i have a great load for 150 grain nosler ballistic tips and i am shooting .065 to .075 moa groups and i feel like for lighter animals like deer and antelope and even black bear i should be okay. i just popped a mouflon and dropped him in his tracks so i am happy there and i also have a good soft point in 150 grain but the ballistic tips have always been my number one shooter. but if they do what i have heard and ban lead bullets in the future i am sure other companies will do what barnes has done
thanks for all the help and advice
rob k