Introduction
The world of hunting cartridges is vast and varied, a landscape of calibers and bullet designs constantly evolving to meet the demands of hunters. Amidst this dynamic environment, the 7mm-08 Remington has carved a solid reputation, a cartridge known for its versatility, manageable recoil, and impressive effectiveness. But what happens when you combine this proven cartridge with a premium bullet known for its exceptional performance? This article delves into the synergy of the 7mm-08 Remington and the Barnes TTSX 140-grain bullet, exploring its capabilities and whether it truly lives up to the claim of being the ultimate hunting round.
The 7mm-08 Remington, a necked-down .308 Winchester case, offers a compelling balance of power and shootability. Its popularity stems from its ability to efficiently take down a wide range of game animals with relatively mild recoil, making it a favorite for both experienced hunters and those new to the sport. It’s a cartridge that bridges the gap between smaller calibers suitable for deer and larger calibers suitable for elk.
The Barnes TTSX (Triple Shock X) bullet, on the other hand, has become synonymous with terminal performance. Unlike traditional lead-core bullets, the TTSX is constructed entirely of copper, offering exceptional weight retention and deep penetration, essential factors for achieving clean, ethical kills. The sleek design, with its polymer tip and unique expansion characteristics, further enhances its effectiveness. This article will focus on this potent combination, examining the 140-grain Barnes TTSX bullet in the 7mm-08 Remington cartridge, analyzing its ballistics, and exploring its real-world performance.
Understanding the 7mm-08 Remington
The 7mm-08 Remington’s roots trace back to the late 1970s, when Remington introduced it as a cartridge designed to offer a blend of performance and efficiency. The cartridge’s parent case, the .308 Winchester, is a well-established and respected round known for its accuracy and versatility. By necking down the .308 case to accept a 7mm bullet, Remington created a cartridge that maximized the ballistic efficiency of the 7mm bullet diameter.
The 7mm-08 Remington quickly gained popularity. Its moderate recoil makes it comfortable to shoot for extended periods, and its accuracy potential is exceptional. This combination of factors makes it well-suited for a variety of hunting situations, from open plains to thick forests. The 7mm bullet diameter offers a high sectional density, providing excellent penetration and wound channels on game.
The 7mm-08 is a versatile cartridge. It excels in taking down deer, antelope, black bear, and similar-sized game. With careful bullet selection and proper shot placement, it can even be used ethically on elk and other larger animals. The choice of bullet weight significantly impacts performance. Lighter bullets, in the 120-grain range, often excel at flatter trajectories, offering less wind drift at extended ranges and making the cartridge effective for long-range shooting and varmint control. Heavier bullets, like the 160-grain and 175-grain options, offer increased sectional density and kinetic energy, making them suitable for larger game or for hunting in windy conditions.
The Barnes TTSX Bullet: A Deep Dive
The Barnes TTSX bullet is a testament to innovative bullet design. This solid-copper bullet represents a departure from the conventional lead-core construction. Constructed entirely of copper, the TTSX bullet offers benefits not found in traditional designs.
The core concept behind the TTSX is controlled expansion and maximum weight retention. The bullet features a hollow cavity, or a “scalloped” tip, which is enhanced by a polymer tip that initiates expansion upon impact. The design facilitates rapid expansion, creating a larger frontal diameter that maximizes energy transfer and creates a significantly larger wound channel. The expansion helps to slow down the bullet and transfer its kinetic energy more effectively, leading to a devastating wound cavity.
One of the most significant advantages of the TTSX is its near-perfect weight retention. Unlike lead-core bullets that can shed weight upon impact, the TTSX typically retains nearly all of its original weight. This ensures deep penetration, even through bone and thick hide. The TTSX bullet is designed with multiple driving bands. These bands, designed around the shank of the bullet, minimize friction in the barrel and help ensure consistent bullet performance.
The polymer tip on the TTSX is a critical component. It enhances the bullet’s ballistic coefficient (BC), leading to a flatter trajectory and reduced wind drift, especially at longer ranges. The tip also initiates expansion upon impact, ensuring consistent and reliable mushrooming.
The choice to use solid copper construction also makes the TTSX compliant with hunting regulations in some areas that restrict the use of lead-core bullets due to environmental concerns. The elimination of lead eliminates the risk of lead fragment contamination in the meat. The Barnes TTSX bullet has built a reputation for excellent terminal performance. The combination of rapid expansion, deep penetration, and near-perfect weight retention makes it a highly effective bullet for hunting a wide variety of game. The TTSX consistently outperforms lead-core bullets in terms of penetration and weight retention, resulting in a more effective wound channel and quicker, cleaner kills.
The 7mm-08 140 Grain Barnes TTSX: Ballistics and Performance
The fusion of the 7mm-08 Remington and the 140-grain Barnes TTSX bullet creates a formidable hunting combination, one that leverages the ballistic efficiency of the 7mm-08 with the terminal performance of the TTSX.
While muzzle velocity varies based on factors like barrel length, powder choice, and the specific load, the 7mm-08 Remington with the 140-grain TTSX bullet typically yields a muzzle velocity of approximately 2,700 to 2,900 feet per second (fps). A longer barrel might increase that number slightly.
The trajectory is crucial to understanding the performance of the 7mm-08. When zeroed at 200 yards, the bullet drops roughly five to seven inches at 300 yards. The bullet delivers impressive energy at various ranges. At 100 yards, this bullet will generate around 1,900 to 2,000 foot-pounds of energy, adequate for all kinds of medium sized game. At 300 yards, this energy still reaches around 1,300 to 1,400 foot-pounds, which is still substantial, which means that the bullet will offer impressive knock-down power.
The Barnes TTSX bullet, known for its low drag design, minimizes wind drift. At 300 yards, a 10 mph crosswind might push the bullet off course by approximately 5-7 inches. This makes the bullet a very stable and predictable choice for those hunting at longer ranges.
In the field, the 140-grain Barnes TTSX in the 7mm-08 excels. Hunters consistently report rapid expansion and deep penetration, creating a devastating wound channel that leads to quick and humane kills. The TTSX’s ability to retain weight ensures that it continues to penetrate even through bone and muscle, reaching vital organs and maximizing effectiveness. Many hunters have used this combination to successfully take down deer, antelope, and similar-sized game. The consistent performance of the TTSX bullet, combined with the moderate recoil of the 7mm-08, gives hunters confidence in their shots. Some have reported that the bullet creates an immediate impact upon the game. The ability of this bullet to expand quickly offers an undeniable advantage in any hunt.
The combination has also shown excellent accuracy potential at the range, giving the hunter an additional advantage in the field.
Choosing the Right Load and Rifle
The 7mm-08 Remington offers several variables to the shooter. The selection of the right load and rifle is crucial for achieving optimal performance.
Choosing the right load for the 7mm-08 and the 140-grain TTSX requires careful consideration. The barrel length and twist rate of the rifle are crucial factors. A standard twist rate of 1:9.5 inches will usually work well with the 140-grain bullet. The powder choice is also critical. Several powders are well-suited for this combination, offering excellent accuracy and velocity. Varget and Hodgdon H4350 are some of the most frequently recommended powders for this combination. Both powders provide excellent accuracy and consistent performance. Proper loading techniques are critical for safety. Follow the loading data provided by the powder manufacturer to develop safe and accurate loads. Proper primer selection is also important, match the primer to the powder and the rifle.
The choice of rifle can influence the performance of the Barnes TTSX bullet. Bolt-action rifles are typically the best choice. These rifles offer excellent accuracy, reliability, and ease of use. Rifles with a good trigger are critical. The trigger provides a clean break, which is a huge advantage for hunters, as it minimizes shot disturbance.
The choice of optics is also crucial. A scope with appropriate magnification and a reticle designed for hunting will enhance the shooter’s ability to acquire the target quickly and accurately. Consider scopes with ballistic drop compensation (BDC) turrets or reticles that allow for precise holdover at various ranges.
Pros and Cons of the Barnes TTSX 140 Grain in 7mm-08
This round offers a blend of benefits and considerations.
Pros:
- Exceptional Penetration and Weight Retention: The all-copper construction ensures the TTSX bullet retains its weight, and penetrates deep.
- Excellent Terminal Performance: Rapid expansion creates a wide wound channel.
- All-Copper Construction: It meets the regulations in some areas where lead is restricted.
- Good Accuracy Potential: Hunters find this to be an accurate combination.
Cons:
- Higher Cost: Solid copper bullets are usually more expensive than standard lead-core bullets.
- Load Development: Optimal accuracy can require careful load development.
- Requires proper twist rate: Requires certain twist rates to perform properly.
Conclusion
The Barnes TTSX 140-grain bullet, in the 7mm-08 Remington, presents a compelling option for the hunter seeking a highly effective and versatile round. Its ability to penetrate deeply, expand rapidly, and retain weight delivers devastating terminal performance on a wide variety of game animals. The 7mm-08 Remington offers a fantastic cartridge and combination. For hunters seeking an effective round with manageable recoil and a track record of success, the 140-grain Barnes TTSX in the 7mm-08 Remington is certainly worthy of consideration.
Carefully selecting a rifle, developing an accurate load, and practicing at the range will further optimize performance. This combination provides a compelling option for hunters. The TTSX is a reliable round, the 7mm-08 is a powerful choice.
Disclaimer
Always prioritize safety when handling firearms and reloading ammunition. Follow all safety rules and procedures. Before reloading, consult reliable sources of reloading data and adhere to the guidelines provided by powder and bullet manufacturers. Seek guidance from a qualified gunsmith or experienced reloader for any questions related to reloading or firearm maintenance.
References
Barnes Bullets Website
Hodgdon Powder Company Website
Reloading Manuals (e.g., Nosler Reloading Guide)
Ballistic Data Websites (e.g., Hornady Ballistics Calculator)
