Barnes all around 06 round

NV_ARCH3R · Jun 14, 2018

I used to reload 20 years ago, and my 06 really liked the Barnes bullets. Made the move to archery, but broke out the rifle again lately. I don't reload anymore but am looking for a good "all around" Barnes round. Antelope to Elk\Bear. I 'm not one to shoot past 300 yds.

Laelkhunter · Jun 15, 2018

I use the 168 Barnes TTSX in my 30/06, but I reload. It is an excellent Deer, Elk, Bear round, and I plan to use it as a back-up Elk cartridge if my .340 Wby has a hiccup. There are several Factory loads that offer the 168 TTSX in their ammo, but I can't recall which ones. I'm sure someone will list several here in their replies.

shootbrownelk · Jun 15, 2018

I used to use the heavier Barnes bullets in my 30.06, the 180's and 165's but they retain most of their weight so I went to Barnes 150 gr. TTSX bullets, I can push them faster for more reliable expansion. I have some 130's that I have yet to try.

Laelkhunter · Jun 15, 2018

shootbrownelk said:
I used to use the heavier Barnes bullets in my 30.06, the 180's and 165's but they retain most of their weight so I went to Barnes 150 gr. TTSX bullets, I can push them faster for more reliable expansion. I have some 130's that I have yet to try.

Good point, I think the 150 TTSX would definitely work for OP also. I never really tried them, because I got 1/2 moa with the 168, I stopped there.

hank4elk · Jun 15, 2018

I was using the Federal Barnes 165's for years til they stopped offering them for sale.
1/2" MOA. Never had as good performance from 180's.
I like Barnes bullets. Excellent results .Think the 168's would be good too.Was going to try them & see how they work in my -06.

Went with Nosler Trophy AB's 5 yrs ago,1/2"MOA still & a bit more ummpf than the factory ammo I was using.

hank4elk · Jun 15, 2018

I was using the Federal Barnes 165's for years til they stopped offering them for sale.
1/2" MOA. Never had as good performance from 180's.
I like Barnes bullets. Excellent results .Think the 168's would be good too.Was going to try them & see how they work in my -06.

Went with Nosler Trophy AB's 5 yrs ago,1/2"MOA still & a bit more ummpf than the factory ammo I was using.
Don't think I would use a 150gr in my -06 for elk or bear,ever.

cahunter805 · Jun 15, 2018

If you want to use Barnes in the 06 I would start with the 168gr TTSX.

Washington Hunter · Jun 15, 2018

shootbrownelk said:
I used to use the heavier Barnes bullets in my 30.06, the 180's and 165's but they retain most of their weight so I went to Barnes 150 gr. TTSX bullets, I can push them faster for more reliable expansion. I have some 130's that I have yet to try.

My thoughts exactly.

Ben Lamb · Jun 15, 2018

I'm working up a 165 grain TTSX load for my 06. The 168 would be my next choice.

Rancho Loco · Jun 15, 2018

168 ttsx, imr 4350.

N2TRKYS · Jun 15, 2018

I've never understood why folks choose to shoot Barnes bullets and then choose the heavy bullets. The benefits of the Barnes is to drop down in weight. I would shoot the 130 grain in the Barnes.

Ben Lamb · Jun 15, 2018

N2TRKYS said:
I've never understood why folks choose to shoot Barnes bullets and then choose the heavy bullets. The benefits of the Barnes is to drop down in weight. I would shoot the 130 grain in the Barnes.

My 06 hated the 150's. It loves the 180 E-tips and we'll see how it does with the 165's.

So there's that.

N2TRKYS · Jun 15, 2018

Ben Lamb said:
My 06 hated the 150's. It loves the 180 E-tips and we'll see how it does with the 165's.

So there's that.

If I had a 30-06 that didn't shoot the 130 grain Barnes, I wouldn't shoot Barnes in that rifle.

Ben Lamb · Jun 15, 2018

N2TRKYS said:
If I had a 30-06 that didn't shoot the 130 grain Barnes, I wouldn't shoot Barnes in that rifle.

Vive la Difference.

HighDesertSage · Jun 15, 2018

I shoot the 165 TTSX's. Complete pass thru's on elk.

Tjay · Jun 15, 2018

If you are not reloading I would look at Barnes vortex ammo in 150 gr. and 168 gr. and go with the one that shoots the best.

Nosler also has E-tip ammo in 150 and 168 that might be something to try.

Laelkhunter · Jun 15, 2018

Ben Lamb said:
I'm working up a 165 grain TTSX load for my 06. The 168 would be my next choice.

Rancho Loco said:
168 ttsx, imr 4350.

I found the most accurate load out of my 30/06 with the 168 TTSX was with 55.0 grains of IMR-4350, Fed 210 primer. As stated in my earlier post it gets me 1/2 moa

NV_ARCH3R · Jun 15, 2018

Thanks all. I was leaning towards something around the 165/168 range. I find it hard to drop to the 130/150 when I think of bigger game. When I was hunting with the 06 it was generally recommended 150 for antelope, 165 for deer, and 180 for elk. With what I've been reading in the forum I thought the 165/168 Barnes would be just the ticket for an all around.

Gerald Martin · Jun 15, 2018

Tjay said:
If you are not reloading I would look at Barnes vortex ammo in 150 gr. and 168 gr. and go with the one that shoots the best.

Nosler also has E-tip ammo in 150 and 168 that might be something to try.

My '06 loves the 150gr. IMO the best compromise between expansion and penetration at factory ammo velocities.

GlockZ · Jun 16, 2018

i too use the Barnes 168 TTSX in my x-bolt, it's a great compromise between the 150's and 180's. so far i've experienced complete pass throughs on game at various distances. my rifle puts them downrange at 1/2 MOA, plus they leave the barrel at an average of 2945fps. can't ask for more than that. i haven't tried any other bullet either, no need to.

Barnes all around 06 round

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