Barnes Bullets Tipped TSX (.277, 130 Grain) for Unrivaled Hunting Performance

When it comes to ethical hunting and maximizing terminal performance, selecting the right projectile is paramount. Hunters frequently ask, "What is the most effective bullet for quick, humane kills on medium to large game?" or "Which bullet offers deep penetration and reliable expansion across a wide range of velocities?" For serious big-game hunters and precision reloaders, the answer often points directly to the innovative technology found in Barnes Bullets, specifically the Tipped Triple-Shock X (TTSX) series. Among these, the Barnes Bullets 30276, a .277 caliber, 130-grain TTSX Boat Tail projectile, stands out as a prime example of advanced bullet engineering designed to deliver consistent, devastating results in the field.

The Engineering Behind the Barnes TTSX: A Hunter's Edge

The Barnes TTSX is not just another hunting bullet; it represents a significant leap forward in bullet design, building upon the legendary performance of its predecessor, the TSX (Triple-Shock X). At its core, the TTSX features a 100-percent copper body, a critical distinction that offers several advantages over traditional lead-core bullets. This monolithic construction ensures virtually 100-percent weight retention upon impact, meaning the bullet doesn't fragment or lose mass as it penetrates, maximizing energy transfer and creating a longer, wider wound channel.

The "Tipped" in TTSX refers to the polymer tip, a strategic addition that enhances the bullet's aerodynamic profile. This tip is not merely for aesthetics; it significantly boosts the ballistic coefficient (BC) compared to the original TSX, allowing for a flatter trajectory and superior energy retention at extended ranges. For hunters engaging distant targets, this improved BC translates directly into greater accuracy and a more potent impact. Furthermore, the polymer tip initiates rapid and consistent expansion, even at lower velocities often encountered at long range or when targeting closer animals with lower initial impact speeds. This combination of a re-engineered nose cavity and the polymer tip ensures that the bullet opens up quickly and predictably, forming four razor-sharp, double-diameter cutting petals.

Key Innovations and Benefits for the Modern Hunter

What makes the Barnes TTSX, particularly the 130-grain .277 version, a top choice for discerning hunters? It’s the meticulous combination of features designed to deliver ultimate terminal performance and reliability:

• 100% Copper Monolithic Construction: Eliminates lead, making it environmentally friendly and compliant with lead-free hunting regulations in various regions. This also prevents core-jacket separation, a common issue with traditional bullets, ensuring maximum penetration.
• Multiple Rings Cut into the Shank: These grooves reduce pressure in the barrel, allowing for higher velocities while maintaining excellent accuracy. They also act as relief bands, managing friction and heat during bore travel.
• Polymer Tip:
  • Enhanced Ballistic Coefficient (BC): Improves downrange velocity, reduces wind drift, and flattens trajectory, crucial for precision long-range shots. The quoted BC of .392 (G1) for the 130-grain .277 TTSX is excellent for its weight class.
  • Instant Expansion: The tip acts as a wedge, driving into the re-engineered nose cavity upon impact, initiating rapid and consistent expansion into those four devastating cutting petals.
• Virtually 100% Weight Retention: Unlike lead-core bullets that can shed significant weight, the solid copper TTSX retains almost all of its original mass. This translates to deeper penetration through hide, muscle, and bone, reaching vital organs with maximum energy.
• Double-Diameter Expansion: Once expanded, the TTSX creates a wound channel approximately twice its original diameter. This wide, destructive path, combined with the sharp cutting petals, ensures rapid energy transfer and maximum tissue damage, leading to quicker, more humane kills.
• Boat Tail Design: The boat tail base further contributes to the bullet's aerodynamic efficiency, reducing drag and improving stability in flight, especially at longer distances.

These attributes collectively contribute to the "dead-right-there" performance Barnes bullets are renowned for, minimizing tracking and ensuring a swift, ethical harvest.

Real-World Applications: Where Does the .277 130 GR TTSX Shine?

The .277 caliber, 130-grain Barnes TTSX is an exceptionally versatile bullet, making it a favorite among hunters who pursue a range of game with rifles chambered in popular cartridges like the .270 Winchester.

Ideal Game Applications:

• Deer Hunting (Whitetail, Mule Deer): The 130-grain weight provides ample energy and expansion for clean kills on all sizes of deer, even at extended ranges. Its deep penetration is particularly beneficial for quartering shots.
• Elk Hunting: While some hunters might opt for heavier bullets for elk, the 130-grain TTSX's ability to retain weight and penetrate deeply makes it highly effective. The consistent expansion ensures vital organ disruption on these tougher animals.
• Antelope & Medium Game: For lighter-skinned game, the TTSX delivers devastating hydrostatic shock and rapid energy dump, ensuring quick incapacitation without excessive meat damage if shot placement is precise.
• Black Bear & Other Medium Bears: Its robust construction and deep penetration are well-suited for the thicker hide and bone structure of bears.
• Lead-Free Zones: In areas where lead-free ammunition is mandated, the all-copper TTSX is not just a compliant choice but a superior performing one, offering terminal performance that often surpasses traditional lead-core bullets.

Common Questions Answered:

• "Is the Barnes TTSX good for long-range hunting?" Absolutely. The improved ballistic coefficient and flat trajectory of the TTSX, especially the 130-grain .277, make it an excellent choice for shots out to several hundred yards, maintaining velocity and energy where other bullets might falter.
• "Does the TTSX expand reliably?" Yes, the polymer tip and re-engineered nose cavity are specifically designed to initiate rapid and consistent expansion across a wide velocity window, from high-impact speeds up to significant distances where velocity has dropped.
• "How does it perform on bone?" The solid copper construction and weight retention allow the TTSX to punch through bone (like shoulder blades) without deforming or fragmenting significantly, ensuring it continues its path to vital organs.
• "Why choose a monolithic copper bullet over traditional lead?" Monolithic copper bullets like the TTSX offer superior weight retention, deeper penetration, more consistent expansion, and are lead-free. This often translates to more humane kills and less meat damage from fragmentation.
• "What is the effective range of the 130-grain .277 TTSX?" While specific ranges depend on the rifle, cartridge, and shooter, this bullet is highly effective within typical hunting ranges of 0-400 yards and beyond for experienced marksmen due to its excellent BC and reliable expansion threshold.

The Reloading Perspective: Crafting Precision Ammunition

For handloaders, the Barnes 30276 TTSX offers exceptional consistency and precision. The robust construction and consistent manufacturing tolerances make it a favorite for developing highly accurate loads. When handloading with TTSX bullets, it's important to consult specific reloading data, as their solid construction often requires different load densities and seating depths compared to traditional lead-core bullets of similar weight. The cannelure (a groove around the bullet's shank) provides a reliable point for crimping, ensuring consistent neck tension and preventing bullet setback under recoil.

Handloaders can fine-tune their loads to optimize velocity and accuracy for their specific rifle, ensuring maximum performance from this premium projectile. The .242 sectional density indicates a relatively high density for its weight, contributing to its penetration capabilities.

Technical Specifications: Barnes Bullets 30276

Understanding the detailed specifications is crucial for both hunters and reloaders to match the bullet to their needs and equipment.

Feature	Specification
Brand	Barnes Bullets
Model	Tipped TSX
Caliber	.277
Weight	130 Grain
Bullet Type	TTSX Boat Tail
Tip Material	Polymer
Core Material	Copper Solid
Jacket Material	Copper Solid
Quantity	50 Per Box
Recommended Usage	Hunting
Ballistic Coefficient	.392 (G1)
Sectional Density	.242
Cannelure	Yes
SKU	30276
UPC	716876277759

In conclusion, the Barnes Bullets 30276 Tipped TSX is a benchmark in hunting bullet technology. Its unwavering commitment to deep penetration, virtually 100% weight retention, and rapid, devastating expansion makes it an unparalleled choice for hunters seeking the utmost in ethical performance and reliability in the field. Whether you're pursuing deer, elk, or other medium-to-large game, this .277, 130-grain TTSX bullet provides the confidence that comes from using a projectile engineered for clean, quick, and humane kills.