Accuracy Barnes-X

I´ve heard bad things about the accuracy of barnes-X bullets and about manufacturing problems in the past. Is this still true? I wonder if I should use them in a weatherby accumark rifle in 338-378 w. or 340 w.

Regards

can't complain about the accuracy I've gotten in 6mm. in bullet weights from 85 to 95 grains, they print less than 3/4 min. of angle in my .243. early production had some problems, but that's been ironed out years ago. fouling can be a problem if you're not starting with a surgically clean barrel. they're terminal performance is impressive.

My 338/378 did not like the Barnes X, but some guns do. also when I started using 460 brass my groups got better. the only difference was a little tighter fit on the necks. I noticed they would chamber without turning down and tried it. worked great but I'm not sure why. Nosler 250s do the trick for me. with 100 grains hodgen 4831

Alex,

They never had bad accuracy as a rule. There were a couple of undersized lots, but sizing was not a perennial problem. The problem was that people didn't understand the relationship between projectile length and rifling twist. Most publications relate bullet weight to rifling twist (i.e., a 165gr .308 bullet requires a 1-10' twist for stibilization). This works when the materials are all the same, such as guilded lead. However, Barnes are a dirivative of bronze, and therefore much lighter than lead or lead-core bullets. The practical issue is that Barnes are long-for-weight, requiring faster twists that a lead or lead-core bullet of the same weight (i.e., a 125gr Barnes 308 bullet requires a 1-10' twist for stabilization).

Go ahead and use them. They are great hunting bullets (though not my favorite).

George Bill Clinton: He'd kill for the Nobel Peace Prize

i use the 185 gr boattails in my .338win mag...it has become my favorite hand load...as soon as i use up my supply of bullets i will be buying their coated bullets...XLC...i think...i will also start handloading My 260Rem. with the Barnes X this summer...they are both Rem Model 700's....don't ever let anyone tell you lighter bullets wont work in a 338....the deer and caribou i have taken will beg to differ......i would not hesitate to use the .338 round on Elk or Moose!....Just my experience.

How about the recoil feeeling of your 338/378? I´ve heard that the brake is very efficient on a Weatherby Accumark. In Europe I am hunting erverything with my 308. Win. Would you recommend a 338/378 as an all purpose gun for North America? Theoretically you can load it down to 338 Win (right?). I wouldbe very pleased to use the Barnes XBullet because I suppose that other bullets will desintegrate too early at short distances (where I also plan to use this long range-gun). Are you hunter ? What is your experiences while huning / shooting this gun?

Thanks for answering!

Alexander