Barnes X-bullet data
Does anyone have any suggestions on loading the older style Barnes X-bullet with out the driving bands? I will be loading for 30-06, and the bullets are 165 gr XBT. I plan on using either H4350, IMR 4350, or W760. Any response will be most helpful.
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From my Barnes Reloading Manual #1, copyright 1992.
They used Remington cases, Federal 210 primers, and a Shilen 26" test barrel.
For a 165 grn bullet there are no 4350 loadings. There is however one for the W760.
Starting load is 52.0 grns with a vel. of 2608, Max. is 56.0 grns with vel. of 2858.
The rear of the book has a drop table for different velocities and the 165X bullet at a muzzle vel. of 2800. I'll try and post a pic of the chart for you.
AJ0 -
laylandad,
From the Barnes Reloading Manual #2:
H-4350 = min. 53.0 gr. (2721 fps)/ max. 57.0 gr. (2926 fps)
IMR-4350 = min. 53.0 gr. (2692 fps)/ max. 57.0 gr. (2895 fps)
As with all reloading, remember to chant the mantra:
Start low, working up slowly, watching for signs of pressure.
It's also very helpful to use a chronograph to keep tabs on the velocity.
Best.0 -
Also be SURE to seat the bullet at the Barnes recommended 0.050" off the lands. The book data is based on that, and seating them closer can raise pressures. 0 -
laylandad,
Actually, the distance of 0.050" from the lands is a suggested starting place not an absolute position. Barnes recommends a range which can be significantly different based on your chamber design and load.
Note that I have found the sweet spot for one particular Barnes bullet/barrel/chamber combination to be as far as 0.120" from the lands. These are called variables for a reason.
From the Barnes Website:
"Do I seat TSX bullets .030 inch to .070 inch from the lands, starting at .050 inch off the lands, as recommended with other X-style bullets?
Yes. All-copper TSX Bullets typically give better accuracy when seated off the lands and grooves (the rifling in the barrel)."
"Do I seat MRX bullets .030 inch to .070 inches off the lands and grooves, as I do with TSX bullets?
Yes. We recommend seating MRX bullets .030 inch to .070 inch off the lands. A good starting point is .050 inch off the lands."
Varmint Grenades:
"How far off the lands and grooves should I seat Varmint Grenades?
Because of the Varmint Grenade's gilding metal jacket and copper-tin composite core construction, this bullet produces the best accuracy results when seated off the lands and grooves .020."
In General:
"2) Because TSX Bullets are all-copper, they have different pressure characteristics compared to conventional jacketed bullets. In our lab, we have experienced best pressures and accuracy when TSX Bullets are seated .030 - .070 off the lands (the grooves or rifling in a barrel.) The majority of the time, we've seen optimum accuracy when bullets are seated .050 off the lands, so start there. Then move backward or forward in .005 - .010 increments to find the "sweet spot" for your particular rifle."
Best.0 -
Thank you, good sir. I summarized out of laziness. 0 -
As we all have done on occasion... [;)]
Best.0 -
Thanks for all the good info. I will post the loads that I use, as well as group size. 0
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