I've got a real problem trying to load the 250 gr. Barnes TSX bullet. Neck tension is terrible; I'm able to rotate the bullet and push it into the case after seating it. I've talked to Barnes and RCBS about this and haven't been able to solve the problem. I've never had a problem using 250 gr. Nosler Partition bullets. I've cleaned and checked the size of the expander ball, which is within acceptable limits. I bought a Lee FCD but because of the powder level in the cases of the .338 and the length of the TSX bullet, the bullet is pushed back up before I'm able to crimp. When seating the bullet, the base seems to seat well, but as soon as I seat down in the ringed section, the pressure on the press handle becomes almost nonexistent. I'm seating the bullet .050 off the lands as recommended by Barnes. I've measured the bases and the ringed area and the ringed area may be a bit smaller in diameter, perhaps .001. It's hard to tell as it's such a minute amount.
I've loaded the TSX for 7mm-08 and never had a problem. Any suggestions?
Thanks, Doug in Alaska

I see the "ball" in Barnes court on this one. There is no reason for the base of the bullet to be larger than the shank? Access to a micrometer would be helpful so as to be able to report accurate measurements to them over the landline.

Cheezywan

This is not the only Barnes bullet with a diameter variance; some of the pistol bullets have a 1° taper to prevent case bulging.

I have a micrometer but the variance isn't much, just enough to cause a problem once I seat into the ring area. I'll call Barnes tomorrow. Do you guys know if Barnes is still making the standard X Bullet in 250 gr. for the .338? I didn't see it listed on their web-site.

They have the 200 gn in "closeouts", but not the 250.

E-mail Barnes : email@barnesbullets.com

They might have a source for the x-bullet or an answer for the TSX problem.

I'm hoping I can find a solution. My wife and I went to the range today and shot her 7mm-08 with the 160 gr. TSX bullets. Awesome, once again, the first three shots were in the same hole. She doesn't have much experience with a high power rifle and her groups were around 3 inches, which I think is more than adequate. The recoil didn't bother her too much but toward the end of the session she was starting to flinch slightly. I set her up with my 10/22 and she did an excellent job. I expect she will kill her first moose this year, she already has caribou under her belt.

I talked with Ty at Barnes again this morning; he has asked that anyone who is experiencing problems with the TSX and neck tension, please give him a call at 800-574-9200.

Thanks,
Doug in AK

Did he offer a solution?

Cheezywan

He suggested turning the expander ball down to .335. I received a new expander ball from the fine folks at RCBS, which measures .3365, the same diameter as the original. I'll use the old one and turn it down to .335; I really don't think this is going to make a difference.

The only real solution, in my opinion, was offered by RCBS. If I send five empty cases, three bullets and my resize die to them, they will custom build a die that will work for this bullet. I'm not going to invest the time, and money into this but will probably just go back to the Nosler Partition bullets. They have served me well for many years. I've already puchased a Lee FCD which didn't solve the problem.

I think that you are making a sound decision. Still, I wonder what RCBS would do? I wonder what Barnes would do if you sent them five cases, three bullets, and your die set for evaluation?

I can't make sence of the bullet base being larger than the shank?

Cheezywan

I'm not sure how RCBS would go about building a custom set of dies to remedy the problem. I suppose it would be expensive and to me it's just not worth the trouble.

Barnes measured bullets from the same lot and agreed, the ringed area is slightly smaller in diameter. They insist the brass should spring back after it's pulled off the expander die. I understand their theory but when the base of the bullet, which is the larger size, is seated, I would think it opens the neck back up.

I'm not bad mouthing Barnes. Their 160 gr. TSX bullets are a dream to shoot in the 7mm-08!

Barnes measured bullets from the same lot and agreed, the ringed area is slightly smaller in diameter. They insist the brass should spring back after it's pulled off the expander die. !

That is interesting. They are designed that way. To aid in centering with the bore?

Brass does spring back. How much would likely vary lot to lot. It seems odd that they would design a bullet that needs X amount of spring back :confused: ?

Cheezywan