Barnes TSX .350 Legend 170 Grain Ammunition Review

After the Test: My Review of Barnes TSX Bullet .350 Legend 170 Grain FN FB Pistol Ammunition

The Barnes TSX Bullet .350 Legend 170 Grain FN FB Pistol Ammunition promises unmatched accuracy, reduced barrel fouling, and increased velocity for the .350 Legend platform. These all-copper bullets are designed for hunters who demand the utmost in dependability and terminal performance. Barnes has a long-standing reputation for quality, so I was eager to see how this ammunition lived up to the hype.

My primary reason for seeking out this ammunition was for deer hunting in areas with restrictions on using bottleneck cartridges. The .350 Legend has emerged as a popular straight-walled option in these regions, and I was looking for a premium bullet that could deliver consistent and ethical kills. I was looking for something that would perform consistently on whitetail at ranges out to 200 yards.

Unboxing the Barnes TSX Bullet .350 Legend 170 Grain FN FB Pistol Ammunition, I was immediately impressed by the clean, uniform appearance of the bullets. The all-copper construction looked robust, and the flat nose design suggested reliable feeding in a variety of firearms. The packaging was sturdy and protected the ammunition well.

I compared these to Winchester Deer Season XP .350 Legend 150 grain and Hornady American Whitetail .350 Legend 170 grain. I chose the Barnes TSX Bullet .350 Legend 170 Grain FN FB Pistol Ammunition because of its all-copper construction, promising better weight retention and penetration than the lead-core alternatives. I wanted to test the claims of accuracy and reduced fouling.

My first impression was excitement mixed with a healthy dose of skepticism. Barnes has set a high bar with their reputation, and I was eager to see if this ammunition could live up to it in real-world hunting scenarios. The price point is definitely higher than standard hunting ammo, which raised my expectations further.

Real-World Testing: Putting Barnes TSX Bullet .350 Legend 170 Grain FN FB Pistol Ammunition to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Barnes TSX Bullet .350 Legend 170 Grain FN FB Pistol Ammunition primarily at the shooting range, using a Ruger American Ranch rifle chambered in .350 Legend. I also performed some limited hunting tests on whitetail deer. The range session included chronographing the rounds and assessing accuracy at 100 and 200 yards.

Performance was consistent across various weather conditions, including a slightly damp morning and a hot, dry afternoon. The ammunition fed flawlessly and ejected smoothly in the Ruger American Ranch. I did not experience any malfunctions.

Ease of use was excellent; the ammunition performed just as expected. There was no special procedure required for loading or firing.

After the initial range session, I was impressed by the tight groupings and consistent velocities, but I was still waiting to assess its terminal performance in a hunting scenario. The recoil was manageable, even in the lightweight Ruger American Ranch rifle.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of range practice and a successful deer season, the Barnes TSX Bullet .350 Legend 170 Grain FN FB Pistol Ammunition has proven to be remarkably reliable. The ammunition held up extremely well, with no signs of degradation or performance loss over time.

Durability is exceptional, thanks to the all-copper construction. There was virtually no copper fouling in the barrel after extended shooting sessions, which is a significant advantage compared to traditional lead-core bullets. Cleaning was simple.

Maintenance consisted primarily of routine bore cleaning after each range session. This ammunition is notably easier to clean than lead-core ammunition, which is a significant plus.

Compared to my previous experiences with lead-core .350 Legend ammunition, the Barnes TSX Bullet .350 Legend 170 Grain FN FB Pistol Ammunition significantly outperformed in both accuracy and reduced fouling. The terminal performance on deer was also impressive, with quick, ethical kills.

Breaking Down the Features of Barnes TSX Bullet .350 Legend 170 Grain FN FB Pistol Ammunition

Specifications

• Caliber: .350 Legend. This chambering offers a straight-walled cartridge option legal in many Midwestern states for deer hunting.
• Bullet Weight: 170 grain. This weight provides a good balance of velocity and energy for effective hunting at typical .350 Legend ranges.
• Bullet Type: TSX (Tipped Triple-Shock X). This all-copper hollow point bullet is designed for rapid expansion and deep penetration.
• Projectile Caliber: .357 Caliber. This means it is designed to fit the specified bore diameter for optimal accuracy and performance.
• Flat Base (FB): A flat base design typically offers good stability and accuracy.
• Number of Rounds: 50. This is a good quantity for both range practice and hunting.
• Country of Origin: USA. This can instill confidence in manufacturing quality and adherence to strict standards.

These specifications are important because they contribute to the ammunition’s accuracy, terminal performance, and overall reliability. The all-copper construction and TSX design are particularly noteworthy.

Performance & Functionality

The Barnes TSX Bullet .350 Legend 170 Grain FN FB Pistol Ammunition performs exceptionally well in its intended role as a hunting round. Accuracy is excellent, with consistent sub-MOA groups achievable at 100 yards in my rifle.

Strengths include its exceptional accuracy, reliable expansion, deep penetration, and minimal barrel fouling. The only potential weakness is its higher price point compared to standard hunting ammunition.

This ammunition exceeded my expectations in terms of both accuracy and terminal performance on game. The consistent expansion and deep penetration resulted in quick, humane kills.

Design & Ergonomics

The all-copper construction is clean, uniform, and visually appealing. The ammunition feels well-made and inspires confidence.

The design is user-friendly, requiring no special handling or loading procedures. The flat base design aids in stable flight and consistent accuracy.

Durability & Maintenance

The all-copper construction should ensure a long shelf life if stored properly. The absence of lead reduces the risk of corrosion and degradation.

Maintenance is simple, primarily involving routine bore cleaning. The reduced fouling makes cleaning easier and faster.

Accessories and Customization Options

This ammunition doesn’t require any specific accessories. It is compatible with any firearm chambered in .350 Legend and designed to handle standard ammunition.

Aftermarket accessories such as upgraded scopes or triggers can enhance the shooting experience but are not essential for the ammunition to perform as intended. The ammunition is designed to function optimally in a wide variety of .350 Legend firearms.

Pros and Cons of Barnes TSX Bullet .350 Legend 170 Grain FN FB Pistol Ammunition

Who Should Buy Barnes TSX Bullet .350 Legend 170 Grain FN FB Pistol Ammunition?

Perfect for: Hunters who demand the utmost in accuracy, reliability, and ethical performance. Also ideal for hunters in areas with restrictions on lead ammunition or bottleneck cartridges.

Who should skip this product? Budget-conscious shooters who primarily engage in target practice or plinking. This ammunition is designed for hunting applications, and its premium price may not be justified for casual shooting.

Must-have accessories or modifications? A high-quality scope and a well-maintained rifle chambered in .350 Legend are essential for maximizing the ammunition’s potential. A good rangefinder is also helpful for accurate shot placement at longer distances.

Conclusion on Barnes TSX Bullet .350 Legend 170 Grain FN FB Pistol Ammunition

The Barnes TSX Bullet .350 Legend 170 Grain FN FB Pistol Ammunition is a premium hunting round that delivers on its promises of accuracy, reliability, and ethical performance. The all-copper construction and TSX design make it an excellent choice for hunters seeking deep penetration and rapid expansion.

The higher price point is justified by the exceptional performance and the benefits of reduced barrel fouling and lead-free construction. For serious hunters who prioritize accuracy and ethical kills, it’s worth the investment.

I would highly recommend this ammunition to anyone looking for a top-tier .350 Legend hunting round. If you are looking for a reliable and accurate .350 Legend round, give the Barnes TSX Bullet .350 Legend 170 Grain FN FB Pistol Ammunition a shot!