Copper Bullet performance and reloading

falcnr · #1 03-09-2022, 02:16 PM

Hey folks,
I'm thinking of switching to reloading for copper bullets this spring. Barnes and possible Hornady GMX / CX offerings. I'm drawn by the greater weight retention, lack of lead fragments and theory that you can shoot lighter (flatter) bullets with similar terminal performance.

No prior experience with copper projectiles but plan trying load for my 6.5cm, 25.06, 7.08 and 30.06.

I hear one should bullet seat at least 20 thou off the lands but any other advice, tips in reloading for them ? My powder selection is sparse but may have RL 15, IMR 4831 or Superperformance.

thanks in advance.
Mark

catnthehat · #2 03-09-2022, 04:32 PM

With Barnes bullets I start them at the top of the first driving band and go from there, regardless of the cartridge I am loading .The GMX bullets I have tried shoot very well when seated deeply, too.
I have been told by some that that is too deep, but
accuracy at 200 meters and 500 meters does not lie
Cat

teledogs · #3 03-09-2022, 04:45 PM

I went light (120gr) & fast in my 7-08. Accurate & deadly!

elkhunter11 · #4 03-09-2022, 05:04 PM

I have been shooting monometal bullets for many years, I start with a jump of .050", and accuracy has been very good, as has performance on game.

Nova316 · #5 03-09-2022, 05:24 PM

I start with a 50thou jump, drop a weight bracket. For my 284win I shoot the 145gr lrx over the 168gr bergers. Get them as fast as you can.
Currently shooting the 145gr lrx at 3100fps and dropped all my animals within 10 yards.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CE2232Wp...dium=copy_link

falcnr · #6 03-09-2022, 09:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by teledogs

I went light (120gr) & fast in my 7-08. Accurate & deadly!

This is interesting and what i was hoping to see. thx

falcnr · #7 03-09-2022, 09:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elkhunter11

I have been shooting monometal bullets for many years, I start with a jump of .050", and accuracy has been very good, as has performance on game.

GTK thanks

falcnr · #8 03-09-2022, 09:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nova316

I start with a 50thou jump, drop a weight bracket. For my 284win I shoot the 145gr lrx over the 168gr bergers. Get them as fast as you can.
Currently shooting the 145gr lrx at 3100fps and dropped all my animals within 10 yards.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CE2232Wp...dium=copy_link

Thats awesome !

DrQuack · #9 03-11-2022, 08:35 AM

I've used Barnes TSX and TTSX bullets for years. Use without reservation. They not only perform fantastically on game, but I have found them to be incredibly accurate. Being a longer bullet for weight, some of my seating depths have been controlled by magazine length.

DiabeticKripple · #10 03-11-2022, 09:35 AM

i try to seat 0.050" off to start, as per Barnes recommendations.

As said above, drop 1-2 weight classes for better performance. Im going to 145gr LRX in my 7mm RM. I have been shooting the 120gr TTSX and had great performance on game and paper.

catnthehat · #11 03-11-2022, 09:53 AM

Agree, light for caliber sure does work with the monometals, however as light as I can find for the .303 Brit is 150 TSX'S, so that is what I use in my Ruger simgle shot . I can run it at higher than normal pressures though , so it shoots flat enough and hits very hard

Haven't recovered a bullet yet in anything from very close to the outer teaches of my set up

Cat