Thread: Barnes seating depth

I am about to try some 50gn Barnes TSX in my 223 and seem to remember seeing somewhere that they like to be seated 50 to 100 thou off the land for best accuracy. Anyone have any experience with this?

Yes. YMMV. You just gotta try it.

I load Barnes in 243, 270, 30 and 375 cals. Yes to being seated off the lands for desired accuracy. Start at 50 thou and if necessary vary depth deeper until you find what works.

Thanks. The main reason I am asking is because the rifle seems to have a short throat so getting the bullet even 10 thou off is eating into powder space using AR2206H. I know I have a few options (different powder, lengthen throat) but I would like to see how they go on game before I make any major changes.

You won't have issues. 2206h 25.1grns fits easy as with still wiggle room. I just seated to same as everything else and they are great.

Originally Posted by Micky Duck

You won't have issues. 2206h 25.1grns fits easy as with still wiggle room. I just seated to same as everything else and they are great.

Do you know what velocities you are getting? What barrel length?
To get 10 thou off the lands 25gns just fits without being compressed.

I wouldn't be too concerned about compressing it a bit.
My 308 barnes load is full to top of brass with 2206h so pretty heavily compressed with no issues.
You could also use a drop tube that helps stack it in there better.

Seat them to top cannelure. Running 53gr Barnes TSX in a Tikka . VERY ACCURATE.

Originally Posted by TeRei

Seat them to top cannelure. Running 53gr Barnes TSX in a Tikka . VERY ACCURATE.

Thanks. That's about where they are to be 10 thou off the lands.

They go bang,hit where aimed and kill stuff,I couldn't care less what velocity is lol.

Originally Posted by Micky Duck

They go bang,hit where aimed and kill stuff,I couldn't care less what velocity is lol.

Hard to calculate bullet drop at distance if you don't know. I guess you keep distances short if it just goes where you aim.

Yip under 200 with .223 or I don't shoot. I much much happier under 150 with .223 and are happy with living with that. I know one day I will have to let good animal walk away due to my limits..but I'm happy with that too. I like them to die quick and to be certain that's going to happen before I squeeze off.

The TSX isn't much good at any distance where you need to care about drop anyway

But they sure are up close lol.

@TeRei. What sort of distance are you using the 53gns to on game?