Barnes Triple Shock 165 gr

[adgunner]

Shot this bear in the spring with Barnes Triple Shock in Fed Premium. 75 Yds broadside hit the lung behind the shoulder but could not find the exit at the time. We quartered it, froze it and recently went to grind for sausage. Bullet had come through the shoulder on the opposite side of the entrance wound and was just between the fat and hide. After passing through the lungs and the opposite shoulder absolutely no expansion. I've heard about this with Barnes bullets but until now had never seen it. Anybody else have this experience?

 

[BonUm16]

Thread 'When the good stuff doesn't work!!!'

Aug 5, 2025

I know this post will stir up controversy. Many will disbelieve what I'm about to say, others will say my ammunition is slow and things like that, because I know you Americans love these bullets, but... I'm going to share here a few years of experience using monolithic bullets for big game hunting!

In almost 10 years of guiding hunting safaris in African countries, examining, collecting, and recording everything I can about hunting bullets and their actual performance against resilient African wildlife, I've discovered that monolithic expanding bullets, even the highest quality ones, when...

• Crishuntbrasil
• Replies: 101
• Forum: Firearms & ammunition

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[K-man]

Sometimes when a tsx hits at a hard angle, the tip "folds" over itself and the bullet doesn't open. That looks exactly like your situation. You got great penetration but no mushroom. I personally prefer the tipped ttsx for just that reason. Glad your recovery was simple. Thanks for posting.

 

[Divernhunter]

I have seen that with the tsx bullets. I use the TTSX or LRX and have never had that happen. The tip makes the difference.

 

[RedTag]

Thanks for sharing. What cartridge?

 

[Divernhunter]

Quite a number-257R,25-06, 257W,30-06,338Fed,338Win mag,6.5X55,264wi mag,6.5X300W,7-08,308win.
I have taken game with all of them. Some in Africa and some in different states of the USA. All have been one shot kills with little to no tracking.

 

[adgunner]

Thanks for sharing. What cartridge?

.30-06

 

[BryceM]

Well, the only time you’ll recognize this type of failure is when you recovered the animal……so in a way it was good enough, this time.

I suspect the angle of impact and tip fold over is the correct explanation.

 

[NDWoods]

Just the tip

I do buy LRX when available but I have never had that happen with TSX. I know it does happen though and appreciate you sharing. It is very informative to see what happened to the nose of the bullet.