Hornady 95 grain SST or Barnes 85 Grain TSX

[slowr1der]

Have any of you used both of these bullets on deer, or similar sized animals? If so, how did each perform. I've been shooting the SST's out of a .243 for a couple of years now. I really have been pretty happy with them for the most part. They are pretty cheap which is nice, I get consistent sub-moa groups with them, and they seem to drop deer pretty well. I will say, most deer I've shot with them have run a few yards, but for the most part, it's been under 25 yards. I really don't have any complaints.

However, I've read a lot of complaints online, which I should mention that I've not experienced. However, many people seem to love the TSX's. I'm wondering if it's worth paying double the price for the bullets to switch? I'm curious if it's really going to be that much difference in performance on deer sized game? Should I stick with the SST's or should I give the TSX's a try?

I ask this because I'm getting ready to order some more bullets, and need to decide which to order.

 

[boltgunluvr]

Re: Hornady 95 grain SST or Barnes 85 Grain TSX

I don't have any experience with the TSX, but check your twist before you make any changes. If you have 1 in 9, 243s really shine in the 95-100gr range. Some swear they can shoot 105s well, but I've never witnessed it. If you have 1 in 10, <95gr could work out well. I'm pretty simplistic and adhere to "if it ain't broke, don't fix it." Use what the gun likes. For 243 Win, if one has the twist for heavier bullets, by all means, take advantage of it because its an overbore cartridge. Btw, some rifles prefer flat base bullets over boat tail.