Let’s Talk About Barnes Bullets 30266 TSX 270 Caliber .277 140 GR TSX Boat Tail 50 Box
For decades, Barnes has been synonymous with innovation in bullet technology, and their TSX (Triple-Shock X-Bullet) line is a testament to their commitment. The Barnes Bullets 30266 TSX 270 Caliber .277 140 GR TSX Boat Tail 50 Box represents a high-performance, all-copper bullet designed for exceptional penetration, controlled expansion, and devastating terminal performance on big game. It’s the kind of ammo that can make or break a hunt, and with a price tag of $55.79 for a box of 50, knowing exactly what you’re getting is crucial.
My quest for the perfect .270 load led me to the Barnes TSX. I was facing a recurring issue: inconsistent penetration on larger game like elk and mule deer when using traditional lead-core bullets.
Upon unboxing the Barnes Bullets 30266 TSX, I was immediately impressed by the sleek, uniform appearance of the solid copper projectiles. The boat tail design and precisely formed hollow point exuded quality, hinting at the performance to come. They felt substantial in hand, a clear indicator of the solid copper construction.
Compared to Nosler Partitions and Federal Trophy Bonded Tip, both popular choices in the .270 caliber, the Barnes TSX stands apart with its lead-free, monolithic design. I picked Barnes because of the promise of consistent weight retention and superior penetration on tougher game. Initial excitement was high, tempered by the knowledge that solid copper bullets sometimes require careful load development to achieve optimal accuracy in a particular rifle.
Real-World Testing: Putting Barnes Bullets 30266 TSX 270 Caliber .277 140 GR TSX Boat Tail 50 Box to the Test
First Use Experience
My first range session with the Barnes TSX was at my local outdoor range, under typical sunny, mild conditions. I was eager to see how these bullets performed out of my trusty Weatherby Vanguard .270. I wanted to validate the accuracy claims and get a feel for their recoil characteristics.
Performance was surprisingly good, even with my initial load development. After some adjustments, I achieved sub-MOA groups at 100 yards. There were no immediate issues, though I noted that the rifle required thorough cleaning after firing the all-copper bullets.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, including a dedicated elk hunting trip, the Barnes TSX has proven to be exceptionally reliable. These bullets have consistently delivered deep penetration and impressive wound channels. There were no signs of fragmentation, even after hitting heavy bone.
I meticulously clean my rifles after each range session and hunting trip, and I’ve noticed no unusual wear or copper fouling in the barrel. The consistent performance of the TSX has given me significantly more confidence compared to my previous experiences with lead-core bullets. This bullet truly shines when it comes to weight retention and consistent expansion on larger game.
Breaking Down the Features of Barnes Bullets 30266 TSX 270 Caliber .277 140 GR TSX Boat Tail 50 Box
Specifications
The Barnes Bullets 30266 TSX 270 Caliber .277 140 GR TSX Boat Tail 50 Box features a .277 diameter, 140-grain bullet of boat tail hollow point (BTHP) design. The bullet has a sectional density of 0.261 and comes in a box containing 50 bullets, all proudly made in the USA from 100% copper. This all-copper construction is the cornerstone of its performance, ensuring near-perfect weight retention and deep penetration.
These specifications translate directly into enhanced terminal ballistics. The 140-grain weight offers a good balance of velocity and energy for .270 caliber rifles, suitable for a wide range of game animals. The boat tail design improves ballistic coefficient, reducing drag and increasing downrange energy.
Performance & Functionality
The Barnes TSX performs exceptionally well in its intended role as a hunting bullet for medium to large game. Its accuracy is excellent when properly loaded, providing consistent groups at various ranges. The bullet consistently expands upon impact, creating a large wound cavity while maintaining nearly 100% of its original weight.
The TSX bullets exhibit a few minor drawbacks. Copper fouling can be more pronounced than with traditional jacketed bullets, requiring more frequent barrel cleaning. However, the benefits of consistent performance and deep penetration far outweigh this minor inconvenience. The TSX consistently meets and often exceeds expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The TSX bullet’s design is simple yet effective. The all-copper construction is robust and reliable. The boat tail design aids in aerodynamics, and the hollow point ensures rapid expansion.
The bullets are easy to handle during reloading. No significant learning curve is required for experienced reloaders.
Durability & Maintenance
The solid copper construction ensures excellent durability. These bullets do not fragment upon impact, minimizing the risk of lead contamination in game meat. Proper barrel cleaning is essential to prevent copper fouling.
The TSX bullets are designed to last, provided they are stored in a cool, dry place. I have observed no degradation in performance over time when adhering to standard reloading practices.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Barnes TSX bullets themselves do not require any specific accessories. However, precise reloading requires quality reloading dies and a reliable reloading press. Many hunters also experiment with different powder types and charge weights to fine-tune accuracy for their specific rifles.
These bullets are compatible with most .270 caliber rifles. The use of high-quality optics can enhance accuracy potential.
Pros and Cons of Barnes Bullets 30266 TSX 270 Caliber .277 140 GR TSX Boat Tail 50 Box
Pros
- Exceptional penetration: The solid copper construction ensures deep, straight-line penetration, even through bone and dense tissue.
- Consistent weight retention: Retains nearly 100% of its original weight, maximizing energy transfer to the target.
- Reliable expansion: The hollow point design provides consistent and reliable expansion upon impact, creating a large wound channel.
- Lead-free construction: Environmentally friendly and reduces the risk of lead contamination in game meat.
- Excellent accuracy: Delivers consistent and accurate performance when properly loaded.
Cons
- Copper fouling: Can cause more copper fouling in the barrel compared to traditional jacketed bullets, requiring more frequent cleaning.
- Price: Slightly more expensive than some lead-core alternatives.
Who Should Buy Barnes Bullets 30266 TSX 270 Caliber .277 140 GR TSX Boat Tail 50 Box?
The Barnes Bullets 30266 TSX 270 Caliber .277 140 GR TSX Boat Tail 50 Box is perfect for hunters seeking maximum penetration and consistent terminal performance on medium to large game, such as deer, elk, and moose. It’s also an excellent choice for hunters who prioritize ethical harvests and want to minimize lead contamination. This bullet is well-suited for reloaders who demand precision and consistency in their ammunition.
Hunters primarily targeting varmints or smaller game at long ranges might find other bullet designs better suited to their needs. Those on a tight budget might find lead-core bullets more economical. A quality reloading setup is a must-have for optimal performance.
Conclusion on Barnes Bullets 30266 TSX 270 Caliber .277 140 GR TSX Boat Tail 50 Box
The Barnes Bullets 30266 TSX 270 Caliber .277 140 GR TSX Boat Tail 50 Box represents a top-tier hunting bullet that delivers on its promises of exceptional penetration, weight retention, and reliable expansion. While it may require more diligent barrel cleaning and comes at a slightly higher price point than some alternatives, the consistent performance and ethical benefits make it a worthwhile investment.
The $55.79 price is justified by the bullet’s quality and performance. It offers excellent value for serious hunters who prioritize consistent, ethical kills and demand the best from their ammunition.
I wholeheartedly recommend the Barnes TSX to any hunter seeking a premium, high-performance bullet for their .270 rifle. If you’re looking to upgrade your .270 ammunition and experience the benefits of solid copper bullets, grab a box of Barnes TSX and prepare for more confident and ethical hunts.