I'm thinking about trying these out in my .308 and .222, is there anything special about them or am I better off sticking with Sierra? I read that the 1000 yard 50BMG record was set with Barnes Solids, but how do they perform in the calibers I'm using?
Thanks

i have used the barnes XLC in 308. i liked them. penetration is excellent. if you don't get the coated bullets make sure you start low in your powder shcarge and work up carefully. the longer bearing surface on those copper bullets tend to boost pressures. the bullets with the coating actually have less pressure.

--KJ

The Barnes X bullets have an excellent reputation for accuracy and terminal ballistics. For pretty much any real world situation they are offer better barrier penetration than SMK's.

http://snipersparadise.com/tsmag/jan04.htm

Jimro

Jimro

"...The Barnes X bullets have an excellent reputation for accuracy and terminal ballistics.."

No flame as I have never shot them but everything I have read is that loaded length is critical and that accuracy is so-so. Remember they are a hunting bullet designed to stay together when shooting through the hide, guts and bones of tough animals. I agree with the terminal ballistics part. In fact The American Rifleman had an article last year about Barnes.

Also, if they were really accurate the 90% of the shooters at places like Camp Perry would be using them instead of Sierra.

My .02

Jerry

Sorry Jerry, should have specified that they are plenty accurate as compared to other premium hunting bullets, you are correct that X bullets are not "match" bullets.

On that note I've had good luck with Nosler Ballistic tips as a very accurate hunting bullet. Spendy little suckers tho.

Jimro

I have been wanting to try some Nosler Ballistic tips, but I have just not gotten around to it. Ahh some many bullets - so little time.

Jerry

I found the Barnes to be extremely accurate in my 22-250. They are a hunting bullet however and not cheap. I've found Nosler Partition bullets to be a very good hunting bullet, (a little weak in the accuracy department though) For long range the Barnes would have to offer a lot over Sierras to make it worth my while though. Just my expeirence, it doesn't mean you might not find out different.