Barnes Bullets 6.5mm 120 gr TSX Boat Tail: The Ultimate Monolithic Hunting Projectile (SKU: 30244)

For the serious hunter and precision reloader, the quest for the perfect bullet is a perpetual journey. It’s about more than just hitting the target; it's about ethical harvesting, unparalleled terminal performance, and consistent accuracy. Enter the Barnes Bullets 6.5mm .264 120 grain TSX Boat Tail (Triple-Shock X) bullet, a meticulously engineered projectile designed to meet and exceed these demanding criteria. Available in boxes of 50 at leading retailers like DEGuns, this bullet represents a pinnacle in lead-free hunting technology, offering a solution for those who prioritize both performance in the field and environmental responsibility.

Why Choose a Monolithic Copper Bullet for Hunting?

The landscape of hunting ammunition has evolved significantly, driven by advancements in material science and a growing awareness of environmental impact. Traditional lead-core bullets, while effective, can fragment upon impact, potentially leaving lead particles in game meat and the environment. This is where monolithic copper bullets like the Barnes TSX shine.

• Environmental Responsibility: Lead-free projectiles mitigate environmental concerns associated with lead deposition in hunting grounds. This is particularly crucial in regions with restrictions on lead ammunition, making the Barnes TSX an indispensable choice for compliant and conscious hunters.
• Superior Weight Retention: Unlike lead-core bullets that can shed significant weight through fragmentation, the Barnes TSX is constructed from a single piece of copper. This all-copper design ensures near 100% weight retention upon impact. Why is this critical? Maximum weight retention translates directly into deeper, more consistent penetration, ensuring the bullet reaches vital organs even on large or heavily boned game.
• Controlled Expansion: The TSX bullet is engineered for controlled, uniform expansion. Upon impact, the nose peels back into four sharp-edged petals, creating a devastating wound channel. This reliable expansion, regardless of impact velocity, means the bullet performs predictably across a wide range of shooting distances and game sizes.
• Reduced Meat Spoilage: Because the TSX expands without fragmentation, it typically causes less localized damage to surrounding tissue compared to heavily fragmenting lead-core bullets. This often results in cleaner wound channels and less spoiled meat, a significant benefit for hunters who value the quality of their harvest.

Unpacking the Barnes TSX Technology: Precision Engineering for Peak Performance

The Barnes TSX is not just an all-copper bullet; it's a testament to innovative bullet design. Its distinctive features are the result of decades of research and development aimed at overcoming the challenges associated with monolithic projectiles.

One of the most notable features of the TSX bullet is its multiple, precisely engineered rings cut into the bullet shank. These grooves, often referred to as "relief bands" or "pressure rings," serve several critical functions that directly translate into improved shooting performance:

• Reduced Pressure (for Higher Velocity Loads): As a solid copper bullet travels down the bore, friction can lead to increased pressure. The relief bands provide channels for the displaced copper, effectively reducing bearing surface and, consequently, bore pressure. This allows reloaders to achieve higher velocities within safe pressure limits, maximizing the bullet's inherent ballistic potential.
• Improved Accuracy: Reduced friction and uniform bearing surface contribute to more consistent bullet travel down the barrel. This minimizes erratic yaw or wobble, leading to tighter groups and enhanced accuracy. For hunters taking long-range shots or competitive shooters seeking every advantage, this consistency is paramount.
• Less Copper Fouling: Copper fouling in rifle barrels can degrade accuracy over time and requires diligent cleaning. The relief bands reduce the contact area between the bullet and the rifling, significantly mitigating copper buildup. This means more shots between cleanings and sustained accuracy throughout a shooting session or hunting trip.

Beyond the relief bands, the Boat Tail design further enhances the bullet's aerodynamic efficiency. A boat tail is a tapered base on the bullet that reduces drag in flight. This design allows the bullet to retain velocity over longer distances and provides a higher ballistic coefficient (.381 for the 120 gr TSX). A higher BC means less bullet drop and wind drift, making it an excellent choice for extended-range hunting scenarios.

The Hollow Point tip of the Barnes TSX is specifically designed to initiate rapid, controlled expansion upon impact. Unlike some hollow points designed purely for varmint hunting that might fragment, the TSX's hollow point acts as an initiator, forcing the robust copper petals to peel back in a predictable manner, creating that desired broad wound channel.

The Versatile 6.5mm Caliber: A Perfect Match for the 120 gr TSX

The 6.5mm (.264 diameter) caliber has seen a resurgence in popularity, becoming a favorite among hunters and sport shooters alike. Its inherent ballistic efficiency, manageable recoil, and excellent performance on a wide range of game make it an ideal partner for the 120 grain Barnes TSX.

• Optimal Weight for 6.5mm: The 120 grain weight is considered a sweet spot for many popular 6.5mm cartridges. It strikes an excellent balance between speed and bullet mass, delivering sufficient kinetic energy for effective terminal performance without being overly heavy to cause excessive recoil or trajectory drop at practical hunting distances.
• Suitable Cartridges: The Barnes 6.5mm 120 gr TSX is an outstanding choice for reloading a variety of 6.5mm cartridges, including:
  • 6.5 Creedmoor: Widely popular for its mild recoil, superb accuracy, and effective long-range capabilities, the 6.5 Creedmoor paired with the 120 gr TSX offers an ethical and high-performance hunting combination for deer, antelope, and even elk at moderate ranges.
  • .260 Remington: A classic wildcat that preceded the Creedmoor, the .260 Rem also benefits immensely from the 120 gr TSX, delivering similar performance in a cartridge that fits short-action rifles.
  • 6.5 Grendel: While typically optimized for lighter bullets, a 120 gr TSX can be effective in specific 6.5 Grendel loads, particularly for larger game than usually targeted with the Grendel, if velocities can be maintained.
  • 6.5 PRC (Precision Rifle Cartridge): For those seeking higher velocities and extended range capabilities, the 6.5 PRC propels the 120 gr TSX with impressive speed, making it suitable for larger game and longer shots in open terrain.
  • 6.5x55 Swedish Mauser: A venerable cartridge known for its accuracy and game-taking ability, the 6.5x55 Swede pairs exceptionally well with the 120 gr TSX for traditional hunting applications.

Real-World Applications and Hunter's Edge

What problem does the Barnes 6.5mm 120 gr TSX solve for hunters? It provides a reliable, ethical, and high-performance solution for those who demand the best from their ammunition.

• Ethical Hunting: For the responsible hunter, quick, humane kills are paramount. The TSX's deep penetration and controlled expansion ensure rapid energy transfer and disruption of vital organs, leading to swift takedowns. This minimizes animal suffering and reflects a deep respect for wildlife.
• Versatility in the Field: Whether pursuing whitetail deer in the timber, pronghorn on the plains, or elk in the mountains, the 120 gr TSX in a 6.5mm cartridge offers a versatile option. Its ability to penetrate deeply on larger game while still expanding reliably on smaller animals makes it a true all-around hunting bullet.
• Confidence in Challenging Shots: The inherent accuracy of the TSX, combined with its high ballistic coefficient and predictable terminal performance, instills confidence in hunters, especially when faced with less-than-ideal angles or longer shot distances. Knowing your bullet will perform as designed is invaluable.
• Reloading for Consistency and Economy: Handloading your own ammunition with Barnes TSX bullets allows for custom tailoring of loads to your specific rifle, optimizing accuracy and velocity. It also offers a cost-effective way to practice more frequently and ensure a consistent supply of premium hunting ammunition.

Understanding Key Ballistic Coefficients and Sectional Density

The provided specifications highlight two crucial ballistic indicators:

• Ballistic Coefficient (BC) of .381: As mentioned, this indicates the bullet's aerodynamic efficiency. A higher BC means the bullet sheds less velocity and resists wind drift better, leading to flatter trajectories and improved accuracy at longer ranges.
• Sectional Density (SD) of .246: Sectional density is a measure of a bullet's mass in relation to its diameter. It's an important indicator of a bullet's penetrating capability. A higher SD generally correlates with deeper penetration. For a 120-grain monolithic copper bullet, a sectional density of .246 is excellent, contributing to its proven deep penetration performance (28% deeper than lead-core bullets of similar weight).

Reloading with Barnes TSX: Tips for Optimal Performance

When handloading the Barnes 6.5mm 120 gr TSX, attention to detail is key to unlocking its full potential.

• Load Data: Always consult up-to-date reloading manuals for specific powder charges, primer types, and overall cartridge lengths (OAL) recommended for Barnes TSX bullets in your chosen 6.5mm cartridge. Barnes provides comprehensive load data, and resources like DEGuns can often assist with general reloading inquiries.
• Seating Depth: Monolithic bullets often prefer a slight "jump" to the lands (the rifling in the barrel). Experimenting with seating depth, typically starting with the bullet seated slightly off the lands (e.g., .050" to .100" jump), can significantly improve accuracy. Due to the all-copper construction and relief bands, Barnes bullets are generally less sensitive to seating depth variations than traditional lead-core bullets, but tuning is still beneficial.
• Powder Selection: Medium-burn-rate rifle powders are usually ideal for 6.5mm cartridges with 120-grain bullets. Powders that fill the case well and offer consistent ignition are preferred.
• Case Preparation: Ensure consistent case length, properly sized cases, and uniform primer pockets for best results. Annealing case necks can also improve consistency and extend case life.

In summary, the Barnes Bullets 6.5mm .264 120 gr TSX Boat Tail is more than just a component; it's a commitment to superior performance and ethical hunting. Its innovative all-copper design, featuring unique relief bands, delivers unmatched penetration, near-perfect weight retention, controlled expansion, and exceptional accuracy. For reloaders and hunters seeking a lead-free, high-performance option for their 6.5mm rifles, this bullet stands out as a premier choice. You can find these essential reloading components, along with a wide array of other shooting supplies, conveniently available at DEGuns, your trusted source for quality firearms and ammunition.

Product Specifications & Features

Feature	Detail
Brand	Barnes Bullets
Model	TSX
Caliber	6.5mm
Bullet Diameter	.264
Bullet Weight	120 gr
Bullet Type	TSX Boat Tail
Bullet Tip	Hollow Point
Core Material	Copper Solid
Cannelure	Yes
Ballistic Coefficient	.381
Sectional Density	.246
Recommended Usage	Hunting
Quantity	50 Per Box
SKU	30244
UPC	716876264414