TSX 400grain , 416 Remington for leopard

[M70375!]

Thanks for all the great insight on TSX for buffalo. Since I will also be hunting leopard and only taking one rifle, my 416 Remington , I am wondering what you all think about using the 400 grain TSX on leopard. I have read Dr Roberson, who says they won't expand enough. I so far have only shot one coyote with this load in the rib cage . I wish I would have pulled back the fur to see the exact size of the hole, but as it was it only looked like maybe the size of a quarter , the coyote dropped and got up and ran about 50 feet before giving up the ghost. a much different result from the 350 grain Speer hot core which completely removed the contents of his rib cage. I am thinking of using the Northfork 400 grain PP on the leopard if I can get them to group the same as the TSX.

 

[1dirthawker]

i think your idea on the north fork PP is perfect.

 

[PHOENIX PHIL]

I know I would not argue with Dr Robertson. I think you're wise to give the 400gr PP a chance. If you can get the 400gr SS version, you can expect to use the exact same load with same POI and accuracy.

 

[K-man]

The only time I don't recommend the TSX is for cats. Your alternate choice is much better, and even if it doesn't shoot to the same poi as the tsx, you will check your gun for the exact distance the blind is to the bait, so you can adjust. Good luck and tell us how it goes!

 

[Franco]

Going after leopard later this month, using my 450/400 double with custom loaded 400 Grain North Forks. I have not shot a test group yet.

 

[rnovi]

Going after leopard later this month, using my 450/400 double with custom loaded 400 Grain North Forks. I have not shot a test group yet.

Cutting it a little thin on the timeline there…maybe.

 

[BourbonTrail]

The NF PP’s would be my first choice, Nosler Partitions, my second. I shot a springbok at ~160 yards with a 400 gr NP, and I had a baseball sized exit hole. The PP’s are probably similar, but matching up to the NF SP’s (probably TSX also) is a benefit.

 

[meigsbucks]

On my first safari, I shot my buffalo and seven head of PG with the 400gr TSX out of a .416 Ruger at 2365 fps. It got the job done on everything from impala to kudu. However, expansion appeared to be minimal and everything but the zebra (DRT) traveled at least forty yards. I’ve never hunted leopard, but would prefer a faster opening bullet.
By the way, the performance of the TSX on the buffalo was perfect.

 

[Franco]

Cutting it a little thin on the timeline there…maybe.

I'll know for sure tomorrow.

 

[DLSJR]

I would not use a TSX on a leopard if I had any other option. I’ve had excellent results with TB Bearclaws & Nosler Partitions on leopards. They open quickly and exit too, so you get the best of both worlds, big expansion as well as an exit hole.

If I was going on another leopard hunt, I’d definitely try the Northfork Percussion Point bullet. It’s designed specifically for lion & leopard.

 

[Hunter-Habib]

Since you’re going after both leopard AND Cape buffalo, I would highly recommend employing a lead core bonded bullet instead of a monometal all copper one such as the Barnes TSX. The Barnes TSX gets my full endorsement for Cape buffalo hunting, but I am not confident in it’s expanding abilities when employed against the great cats (especially for broadside heart-lung shots that are taken when the animal is feeding on a bait or an a natural kill). Unless if your point of aim happens to be the shoulder bone/scapula itself.

My recommendation would be for 400Gr Federal Premium Trophy Bonded Bear Claws, Hornady DGX (Dangerous Game eXpanding) Bonded or Swift A Frames. Whichever of those that you can source.

 

[Fordy]

Gday m70375
Ok I hear that that the Barnes tsx won’t open adequately on the thin skinned stuff & I was once of that assumption also & proved it numerous times on all manner of critters considered lightweight especially on between the rib shots that don’t have a lot of resistance but eventually I cleared my head lol

I’ve not done the 416 so not 100% verified on that
but I do know it’s one that will work on the likes of other calibers on some of the extremely lightweight critters which a leopards a lot more than these guys

The only caveat is one must add wax or like to the hp cavity ( other hydraulic medium has been added / tried & worked also but I personally have mainly tested wax as it stays put & somewhat heat resistance but a fair few guys are using a hydraulic medium today to get pills( bullets ) to work better these days )

I guess it’s time to shut up & put up lol

Cheers