Suggestions for Lead Free Hunting Ammo

[TN2shot07]

One of my model sevens loves the factory 120 ttsx’s, nothing high bc about them but deer don’t like them much.

 

[brownbear932008]

I shoot the Barnes TTSX 120s in my 7mm 08 and they flat out work.

 

[Elktrack]

Found them easier to load, but also since they expand better at lower velocities figured that extra margin was beneficial especially with non magnums.

Makes sense. I’ve never tried the LRX but I am considering it. They offer it in a weight I want in the LRX but not in the TTSX.

 

[texwest44]

I've tried just about every commonly available copper bullet over the years (Barnes TTSX, Hornady CX, Winchester Copper Impact, Browning BXS, Federals with Barnes TSX, Federal Power Shok copper, a couple others), and the TTSXs give me the best groups generally speaking. The Federal Premiums with TSX rounds grouped really well, but were harder to find locally. My dad's old Remington rifle from the 60s (I forget the model number) seemed to prefer the Winchester Copper Impacts more than anything, weirdly enough.

Try a few and see which one your rifle prefers. Hard to know without doing some test shooting.

 

[jimh406]

Barnes are probably the best for factory loads.

 

[Jnasa]

For loaded ammo I’d see what is available locally. Try a couple different types. I really like Barnes for reloading. My wife’s rifle didn’t shoot the factory ammo well though. Hornady outfitter ammo with their CX did shoot well though.

I’d suggest making sure your bore is clean. Some monos don’t group well when shot in a barrel fowled by cup and core.

 

[Redmt]

I’d suggest making sure your bore is clean. Some monos don’t group well when shot in a barrel fowled by cup and core.

One thing I found about any copper is that it doesn't like to follow anything but copper.

 

[Jbotto]

I’ve been a Barnes guy through and through. I slipped up during the Covid shortages and ran out of my favorites and had to switch. I switched all of my rifles except my primary .30-06 back to Barnes. For the .30-06, I’m using Nosler E-tips. They are accurate enough in this rifle but the performance has been great on game!

I reload so I buy bullets and not ammunition, but if you watch Nosler.com frequently enough they throw factory seconds on great sales for ammunition and bullets alike. You might just be able to find a load your rifles like. At least with the bullets I’ve bought as Factory Seconds, I confirmed with customer service that they were just blemishes and performance would remain the same.

Barnes TTSX, LRX, and Nosler E-tips is where my recommendation goes to.

 

[Wolfshead]

I would also suggest that you go light for caliber for your rifle.
120s instead of the 140s. You’ll get great speeds and their weight retention is so much better than lead.
I live in that state next to yours, that is offering the $60 rebate, and I’ve begun making the transition as I’m certain that it won’t be long until we go lead free.
I shoot mostly a 308 and I’m handloading Barnes ttsx.
I’m shooting the 130 grain and getting a muzzle velocity of 3170 ave.
I’m similar to a 270 in speed and how flat they shoot.
I limit my shooting to 300 yards, so they will get there pretty quick.

 

[F250]

Thank you all for responding. I knew there was a lot of experience among the members here. I appreciate you sharing that knowledge. I just ordered a box of 120 gr. Barnes TTSX and a box of 140 gr. Nosler E- Tips. My wife shoots a Browning X-Bolt. and I shoot a Bergara Hunter. We will start the process.

 

[MaddH]

Weatherby Select is loading Hammers in some calibers. I shooter them in my 28 Nosler and love them