Description
Barnes built the Triple-Shock X around a simple idea: a bullet that penetrates deep, expands wide, and stays in one piece. These .30 caliber 168 grain projectiles are machined from 100% copper with no lead core, so instead of shedding fragments they open into four razor-sharp petals and keep driving through bone and heavy tissue. For reloaders chasing dependable terminal performance, this is one of the most trusted designs on the bench.
What Sets the Barnes TSX Apart
The secret is in the shank. Barnes cuts a series of grooved rings into the body of the bullet, and those rings act as relief valves as the projectile travels down the bore. The copper flows into the grooves rather than being pushed forward, which cuts down on barrel fouling, reduces pressure on higher-velocity loads, and helps settle barrel harmonics for better accuracy. Compared to a traditional lead-core bullet, the all-copper TSX delivers noticeably deeper penetration and typically holds close to 100% of its starting weight.
Loading the .30 Cal 168 Grain TSX
Copper bullets reward a little patience at the bench. Barnes recommends starting around .050 inches off the lands, and most folks find their sweet spot somewhere between .050 and .100 inches of jump depending on the rifle. Work up in small increments and don't be afraid to seat them deep. A clean, copper-free bore when you start load development also goes a long way toward tight groups. These bullets tend to favor one powder well above the rest, so a bit of testing pays off.
Built for the Hunt
With a .308 diameter, a sectional density of .253, and a G1 ballistic coefficient of .404, the 168 grain TSX is a proven all-rounder for .308 Winchester, .30-06, and similar cartridges. Hunters have put this bullet on whitetail, mule deer, elk, and plenty more thanks to its honest combination of penetration, weight retention, and accuracy. This is a component bullet for reloading, not loaded ammunition.
Key Specifications
- Manufacturer: Barnes
- Manufacturer Part Number (MPN): 30351
- UPC: 716876308446
- Bullet Caliber: .30 Caliber
- Bullet Diameter: .308
- Bullet Weight: 168 Grain
- Bullet Type: TSX Boat Tail
- Bullet Tip Material: Hollow Point
- Core Material: Copper Solid
- Jacket Material: Copper Solid
- Cannelure: Yes
- Overall Length: 1.316 inches
- Sectional Density: .253
- Ballistic Coefficient (G1): .404
- Recommended Usage: Hunting
- Quantity: 50 Per Box
What’s Included
- 50 Barnes TSX .30 Caliber 168 Grain Boat Tail Hollow Point bullets (component projectiles, not loaded ammunition)
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these Barnes TSX bullets loaded ammunition or reloading components?
These are component bullets for handloading, not loaded ammunition. You supply your own brass, powder, and primers to assemble finished cartridges. If you're looking for ready-to-shoot rounds, you'll want factory-loaded ammo instead.
What seating depth works best for the .30 cal 168 gr TSX?
Barnes recommends starting around .050 inches off the lands, and many reloaders find their best accuracy somewhere between .050 and .100 inches of jump. Copper bullets like a bit of a run to the rifling, so work up in small increments and test what your specific rifle prefers. Starting load development with a clean, copper-free bore also helps tighten up groups.
What cartridges can I load these 168 grain .308 bullets in?
The .308 diameter 168 grain TSX is a great fit for .308 Winchester, .30-06 Springfield, .300 Win Mag, and other .30 caliber cartridges. Always follow published Barnes load data for your specific case and powder combination. The bullet's weight retention and penetration make it a solid pick across that whole family of rounds.
Why choose an all-copper TSX over a traditional lead-core bullet?
The all-copper construction means the bullet doesn't fragment, so it holds nearly all of its weight and penetrates about 28% deeper than comparable lead-core designs. On impact it opens into four sharp cutting petals for reliable expansion and energy transfer. That combination makes it a dependable choice for larger or tougher game where penetration matters.




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