.300 Win Mag Federal Premium 200 Grain, Terminal Ascent vs 200 gr ELD‑X Precision Hunter

[rockquarry]

I don't know what "all around" means. Elk, bears, moose?

In Indiana, it coyotes and white tails. Honestly it doesn't really take a lot to kill either.

But if I was after the big critters, I wouldn't use an ELDX. Not a fan of Barnes on animals, either. There's a big difference between putting a hole into something, and putting a hole THROUGH something.

Me, I'd do a Nosler Partition. Tried and true.

I like the Nosler Partitions and have tried them in many rifles. I expect accuracy as well as reliable performance on game from any bullet I use, but I've found good accuracy with the Partition bullets happens in about 50% of my rifles. I've not had any accuracy problems with Barnes bullets and the few that I've recovered (all from bull elk) have mushroomed into a textbook/ advertisement-type form with all petals intact. Retained weight has been close to 100%. They leave a fairly narrow would channel like a Partition and kill just as well with penetration being about the same.

If there is a disadvantage to Barnes bullets, it lies with velocity as they need it to work as designed. However, I've found adequate velocity is achievable even in the .308 when using weights of up to 168 grains and at distances of 300 yards and beyond.

 

[Joe.G]

Maybe I'll give the TTSX a shot in 180. Sure does get pricey trying out different rounds.

 

[rockquarry]

Maybe I'll give the TTSX a shot in 180. Sure does get pricey trying out different rounds.

It may be pricey, but it's worth the money and effort to get best performance and best accuracy. If I was starting out doing load development with Barnes, I'd try a TTSX and the regular TSX and and go with the one that shoots best. Also consider going to a lighter weight Barnes than what you would with conventional jacketed bullets.

 

[grip frame]

Maybe I'll give the TTSX a shot in 180. Sure does get pricey trying out different rounds.

The precision hunter ELDX is not a very stout bullet. For all around use in a .300 magnum if larger animals than deer will be on the agenda, I recommend a tougher bullet. Terminal Ascent, Hornady outfitter CSX, Barnes, Swift scirocco