The following images, features, and specifications, are particularly for the Barnes Triple Shock X-Bullet – NOT live ammunition – in .30 caliber (.308) with model number 30351. Other variants of the bullet are discussed later in the write-up.
TSX Bullet Images
Barnes TSX Features
- .30 caliber
- 168 grains bullet weight
- TSX boat-tail bullet type
- 100% copper construction
- Accu-Groove technology for improved accuracy and reduced fouling
- No fragmentation
- Rapid expansion
- Maximum weight retention
- Exceptional terminal performance
- 28% deeper penetration than lead-core bullets
- Unmatched accuracy
- Reduced barrel fouling
- Can be safely loaded to higher velocities
- 50 rounds per box
- Designed for hunting
Want to purchase Barnes TSX Bullets right away? Get Barnes Triple Shock 308 bullets from any of the following trusted retailers:
Prefer already loaded Barnes 308 ammo? Use these links instead:
Barnes Triple Shock Bullet Specifications
Manufacturer | Barnes |
Model/Series | TSX |
Model Number | 30351 |
Bullet Type/Style | Triple Shock X Boat Tail Hollow Point (TSX-BTHP) |
Caliber | .30 Caliber |
Bullet Weight | 168 Grain |
Core Material | Copper |
Jacket Material | Copper |
Diameter | 0.308 in. | 7.82 mm |
Ballistic Coefficient | 0.404 |
Cannelure | Yes |
Lead-Free | Yes |
Packaging | Box |
Bullets Per Box | 50 |
Boxes Per Case | 10 |
Firearm Fit | Rifles |
Best Cartridge Fit | .308 Winchester, .30-06 and .300 Weatherby |
Application(s) | Hunting |
Barnes TSX Description
Introduced in 2003, the TSX Bullet with its 100% copper construction and innovative design offers all the lethal effectiveness of the time-proven X Bullet, and more, making it not just one of the most accurate and dependable hunting bullets available, but also Barnes’ most popular hunting bullet.
One feature unique to the Barnes TSX Bullet is the multiple grooved rings cut into the bullet shank. Precisely engineered, these rings function as relief valves as bullet metal flows under pressure while traveling down the bore. So, rather than flowing from the front to the base of the bullet, the copper material expands into the grooves.
This clever rings feature or Accu-Groove technology of the Barnes TSX alters barrel harmonics to improve accuracy significantly; it also results in lower pressures and reduced copper fouling because less bullet area comes in contact with the bore. And thanks to reduced pressures, TSX ammo can be safely loaded to higher velocities.
Due to its all copper construction, the Barnes Triple Shock delivers a bullet that is lighter when compared to lead core bullets, and this is the reason why it is able to deliver higher velocities, flatter trajectories, and less recoil.
No fragmentation, rapid expansion, 28% deeper penetration than lead-core bullets, maximum weight (nearly 100%) retention after penetration, and devastating terminal performance; these are what Barnes TSX Bullets with their solid copper core and jacket offer in addition. This is the reason why, for many shooters, they make for the best hunting ammo.
Its surer and deeper penetration can also be attributed to the construction which features a specially engineered nose cavity that peels back into four sharp-edged petals that cut through game. At both high and low velocities, this meticulously designed Barnes TSX nose cavity expands to twice the bullet’s diameter almost immediately after impact, making the bullet as deadly on longer shots as it is at point blank range.
Our focus .30 caliber TSX Bullet with a .308 diameter weighs 168 grains and comes in the Boat-Tail (BT) style; and BT as well as Flat-Base (FB) designs of this bullet series have a sleek profile and precision heel radius.
That the TSX has proven to be one of the most accurate and dependable hunting bullets on the market is a fact countless shooters have confirmed. More than 20 years of copper bullet experience went into the USA-made Barnes TSX Bullet, which is recommended by big game guides around the world.
Read the “…Additional Information” section further below for more insight into other aspects of the Barnes TSX.
TSX Ammo for Sale
As of time of writing, our focus Barnes Triple Shock 308 bullets cost about $31.65 per box of 50; however, prices of Barnes TSX Bullets can range from $27.99 to 78.99 depending on caliber, bullet weight, etc.
From any of the authorized dealers below, you can purchase as many boxes as you wish of what, to many, are the bullets which make the best 308 hunting ammo:
If you’d rather purchase already loaded Barnes 308 ammo, use the following links instead:
Remember that if it is currently not in stock at any of these recommended dealer platforms, you can as well choose to backorder the Barnes TSX ammunition, or opt in to be notified when it is back in stock.
Also, be sure to check the “…Variants” section further below for other configurations of the Barnes Triple Shock to consider.
TSX Bullet Additional Information
Load Data
Loading data for the TSX appears in the new Barnes Reloading Manual #4, and is also available online. Go here to find load data for your preferred cartridge.
Bullet Seating
Its recommended that you seat all-copper TSX Bullets .030 inch to .070 inch from the lands, starting at .050 inch off the lands. These bullets typically deliver better accuracy when seated off the lands and grooves (the rifling in the barrel).
168-Grain vs. 165-Grain .30 Caliber Barnes TSX Bullets
So what is the difference between the 165 gr TSX and 168 gr Barnes TSX? The ogive geometries for these bullets differ.
Designed for cartridges with short magazines such as the .300 WSM and .300 Win Mag, the 165-grain TSX incorporates a shorter tangent ogive in the nose profile.
Best suited for cartridges such as the .308 Winchester, .30-06 and .300 Weatherby, the 168-grain TSX BT, on the other hand, has a secant ogive which lengthens the nose profile and has shown superb accuracy downrange.
The 168 gr Barnes TSX Bullet offers the best of both worlds as it’s also a premium hunting bullet that delivers exceptional terminal performance.
Barnes TSX Reviews
In support of the assertion that they make for the best hunting ammo, here’s a little bit of what shooters like you have said about Barnes Triple Shock X-Bullets in different configurations:
“Very accurate bullet. Loaded with IMR 4064 out of a 30-06 is one of the best deer rounds ever. They act like they were just struck by lightning!”
“Accurate hunting bullet with devastating performance on game.”
“Great Bullet the 70gr TSX in my Colt M4. With TAC powder at 24.0 in LC Brass and CCI 41 primers. Harvested several caribou with 5.56 using this bullet. Stays together penetration is excellent . Highly Recommended.”
“Love these projectiles, easy to load and always accurate.”
“I had been loading Nosler BTs but the meat damage was so bad I wanted to try something else. 85 gn in my 243 group really well. I just got my first deer with these and it was as quick a kill as I’ve ever had. 80 yard brisket shot and the deer never moved. Minimal meat damage. Perfect. Very happy with the switch.”
More reviews of the Barnes TSX follow:
“Loaded to 2800+ fps in my 338 Win mag caliber Remington 700, I get excellent accuracy consistently, haven’t used it yet on game but judging other caliber Barnes bullets I have used on game to date I expect the bullet to perform well. I just need to do my part.”
“I hand-load .22-250 thru 470NE and have Utilized Barnes for several years and their performance was always outstanding from deer to musk ox and duiker to eland. Switched from Barnes to ELD-X and was extremely underwhelmed in terms of performance on a recent African safari and a Spring Brown Bear Hunt in Alaska yet again ELD-X was disappointment. Going back to a bullet that I have never been disappointed in their performance.”
“have used triple shocks since they have come out. best bullet out there. always my first choice.”
“I have been reloading for a long time and have tried several different bullets. I find that the Barnes Triple-Shock works great. They have good stopping power for a multitude of game like Elk, Caribou and Whitetail Deer. I can hold a tight group at 100 to 300 yards with no trouble. I have not had occasion to shoot any farther than this but would not hesitate to take a longer shot if the opportunity presents it’s self.”
“Excellent bullets! I shot a moose in New Brunswick with the Barnes 250 grain TSX bullets in my .338 Winchester Magnum that I’d hand loaded, dropping the moose within 60 yards. I lent my rifle to the outfitter who also had drawn a moose tag, as he went hunting after all the hunters in camp had tagged out on their moose, and he was successful in harvesting a large bull moose at 204 yards with one shot, on the last day of the season, dropping it in its tracks! Excellent penetration with devastating results inside the animal and small entry hole, with slightly larger exit.”
Remember you can buy the best 308 hunting ammo from these dependable sellers of the Barnes TSX:
If you’d rather purchase already loaded Barnes 308 ammo, use the following links instead:
Barnes TSX Bullet Variants
Barnes Triple Shock 308 Win bullets are of course offered in various weights, including 150 gr, 165 gr, and 168 gr.
Other calibers (such as .45-70, .458., .375, 8mm, 7mm, .30-30 Win, .270, .25, .22, etc.) are also offered in a variety of weights (including 70 gr, 100 gr, 130 gr, 140 gr, 180 gr, 250 gr, 270 gr, 300 gr, and even 500 gr) to suit a wide range of shooting applications.
Already loaded TSX ammo are offered by well-known brands like Federal Premium, DoubleTap Ammunition, Black Hills, Weatherby, and so on.
Visit this page to view a selection of the most commonly available Barnes Triple Shock X Bullets, as well as live ammunition.
Barnes TTSX
The Barnes Tipped TSX, as its name suggests, is basically the Barnes TSX with a polymer tip added for enhanced aerodynamics.
This blue tip boosts ballistic coefficient (BC) and initiates expansion; the re-engineered nose cavity enables faster expansion and delivers devastating terminal performance.
Barnes TSX vs TTSX
Comparing side-by-side a TSX Bullet with a TTSX one of the same caliber and weight, one will notice differences in height/overall length, overall aerodynamic design, cannelure positioning, hollow point and expansion channel sizes, etc.
TTSX Bullets, for example, tend to have larger hollow point and expansion channels. Sectional densities (SD) may be the same in some instances, but, as mentioned earlier, TTSX’s have an enhanced BC due to their polymer tip.
On this page linked above, you’ll also find in different calibers and weights, the most commonly available Barnes TTSX ammo.