matt85
AH legend
My own personal requirement for Barnes bullets is an impact speed of 2000fps or greater. I would use a ballistics calculator to determine my maximum range based off this requirement.
The Barnes Vor-TX 168 grain TTSX factory ammo is consistent ammo. My last 10-round test about a month ago resulted in an average MV of 2,779 fps from a .30-06 24 inch barrel.I used factory loaded 168s in my 30-06 on one hunt and handloaded for another in Namibia with approximately the same speed (Barnes claims 2800 on their Vor-TX ammo). Zero issues with eight animals if memory serves me right. Two were kudu, one gemsbok and a zebra for the bigger stuff. Nothing went more than a couple steps.
According to Barnes the 168 has a better ogive for the 30-06 and 308, while the 165 is more for the 300 mags. But if it shoots well, don't change it.
I’ve shot factory 150s out of my Ruger mark 2 at around 3000 to 3050 depending on which box. I feel like losing that much velocity for 15 more grains isn’t helping things out. I know that my experience with copper is the faster the better. Often times I feel like they’re more devestating then soft point lead rounds under 150 yards. However beyond 300 yards they tend to lack much in the expansion department. My experiences have been with deer and black bear.I’m loading some 165 grain TTSX ,for my wife’s 30-06 for our upcoming trip. They are shooting great! They are running at about 2700fps @ muzzle. Is this fast enough?
Plains game up to Kudu.