Apologies for the late reply, but I will give you the reason why I feel there are better tools for Buffalo than TSX/TTSX. Firstly, I have to state that it is in no way a reference to dependability of the TSX/TTSX argument. There is no doubt that Barnes are one of the leading bullet manufacturers in the world, and the TSX and TTSX has proven themselves many times over.
Will they kill a Buffalo, absolutely. Do I think there are better tools for the job, yes. My opinion is simply based on my experiences and not the law as far as hunting Cape Buffalo is concerned.
I have guided many, many hunters onto Cape Buffalo, and I am sure there are a few PH's here that have guided more Buffalo than I have, but I will give you my personal experience. I have guided hunters taking Buffalo with rifles ranging from .375 to .505 Gibbs and everything in between.
Not one of these rifles, loaded with premium softs, had pass throughs. We actually shoot Buff(Bulls) in groups, quite regularly, and continue to do so, loaded with a conventional soft. Can I do this confidently with a rifle loaded with a TSX/TTSX? Not a chance. ( I am only referring to Buffalo Bulls)
Last year, proved my point exactly, taking a Buffalo standing broadside, loaded with Barnes TSX in .375H&H, with a complete pass through, after breaking the near shoulder. Did the bullet open, or not? I don't know. Does it matter? Barnes are made to penetrate, and out penetrate conventional softs at that, whether they open or not. Barnes' whole selling point is focussed on penetration.
There were other Buff around, with quite thick vegetation all around our target bull. How can we be sure there was not an unseen Buff 5 or 10 yards behind the bull that we shot? We don't, and we still don't know that for sure.
Like I said. TSX/TTSX has its place, it's horses for courses, but you better put your bullet in the correct place, because body trauma is not their virtue. If I'm paying for an animal as soon as it's wounded from a poor shot, I would rather want as much body trauma as possible, with plenty of coagulated blood giving me the best chance at recovery.
If I'm not mistaken, I think the legendary John Sharp shares the same sentiment regarding the TSX on Buffalo. Maybe
@tarbe can chime in, since he hunted with John recently.
Take Care,
Marius Goosen