Barnes built its name on one idea: a hunting bullet made of solid copper, with no lead core to come apart. That bullet, the TSX, and its tipped cousin, the TTSX, now show up in factory ammo from Barnes and other makers. This guide covers the Barnes 308 ammo we carry, how the copper bullets work, and which load fits deer, elk or the range.
Why Copper? How the TSX and TTSX Work
A standard soft point has a lead core inside a copper jacket. On impact, the lead can shed fragments, and on close, fast hits the jacket and core can split apart. A Barnes TSX is one piece of copper. The nose has a hollow cavity. On impact, the nose opens into sharp copper petals while the shank stays whole.
The TTSX adds a polymer tip. The tip gives a sleeker shape in flight and helps start expansion. Both bullets have grooves cut around the shank. Barnes says these reduce pressure and copper fouling.
Because the bullet holds its weight, it tends to penetrate deep. That is why many hunters pick copper for elk, moose and other large game.
Barnes 308 Ammo Lineup
Below are Barnes VOR-TX and Precision Match loads, plus two Federal Premium loads built on Barnes TSX bullets. All numbers are the makers’ published muzzle figures.
| Load | Bullet | Grain | Muzzle velocity (fps) | Muzzle energy (ft-lbs) | Pack |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barnes Reduced Recoil 308 110 Grain TTSX | Barnes Tipped Triple-Shock X (TTSX) Polymer Tip | 110 | 2,910 | 2,069 | 20-round box |
| Barnes Vortex 308 130 Grain TTSX Lead-Free | Barnes Tipped Triple-Shock X (TTSX) Polymer Tip | 130 | 3,125 | 2,818 | 20-round box |
| Barnes 308 150 TTSX VOR-TX Lead-Free | Barnes Tipped Triple-Shock X (TTSX) Polymer Tip | 150 | 2,900 | 2,802 | 20-round box |
| Barnes 308 168 TTSX VOR-TX Lead-Free | Barnes Tipped Triple-Shock X (TTSX) Polymer Tip | 168 | 2,700 | 2,720 | 20-round box |
| Barnes Precision Match 308 175 Grain OTM | Barnes Open Tip Match Jacketed Hollow Point | 175 | 2,600 | 2,626 | 20-round box |
| Federal 308 150 Barnes TSX Lead-Free | Barnes Triple-Shock X Solid Hollow Point (lead-free) | 150 | 2,820 | 2,648 | 20-round box |
| Federal 308 165 Barnes TSX Lead-Free | Barnes Triple-Shock X Solid Hollow Point (lead-free) | 165 | 2,700 | 2,671 | 20-round box |
VOR-TX: Barnes Hunting Ammo
VOR-TX is Barnes’ hunting line. In 308, every VOR-TX load we stock uses the TTSX.
130 grains: fast and flat
The VOR-TX 130 grain TTSX lists 3,125 fps and 2,818 ft-lbs. That is very fast for a 308. It suits deer, pronghorn and hogs where a flat path helps.
150 grains: the deer all-rounder
The VOR-TX 150 grain TTSX lists 2,900 fps and 2,802 ft-lbs. For most deer hunters this is the one to try first.
168 grains: elk and bigger game
The VOR-TX 168 grain TTSX lists 2,700 fps and 2,720 ft-lbs. Its extra weight helps on elk, moose and big bears.
Reduced Recoil 110 grains
The VOR-TX Reduced Recoil 110 grain TTSX lists 2,910 fps and 2,069 ft-lbs. Recoil is lighter, but the copper bullet still holds together. That makes it a smart pick for young hunters on deer.
Which Barnes 308 Load for Elk?
For elk, most hunters lean toward the 150 or 168-grain TTSX. Copper bullets are longer than lead bullets of the same weight. Many hunters drop one weight class with copper compared to a lead-core bullet and still get deep penetration. The 168-grain gives the most mass, while the 150-grain shoots flatter.
Shot placement still comes first. Pick the load your rifle groups best and practice at the distances you plan to shoot.
Precision Match: Barnes on the Range
The Barnes Precision Match 175 grain OTM lists 2,600 fps and 2,626 ft-lbs. It uses an open tip match bullet with a lead core, not copper. It is built for accuracy on paper and steel, not for hunting.
Barnes Bullets in Other Brands
Federal loads the Barnes TSX in its Premium line. The Federal Premium 150 grain Barnes TSX lists 2,820 fps and 2,648 ft-lbs. The Federal Premium 165 grain Barnes TSX lists 2,700 fps and 2,671 ft-lbs. These give you the same copper bullet design in a Federal case and load. See our Federal 308 ammo guide for the rest of that lineup.
Lead-Free Rules and Your Hunt
Some states and some public lands require lead-free bullets for hunting. Barnes 308 ammo meets that need since the TSX and TTSX are all copper. Laws vary by state and area and can change, so check your state’s hunting rules before the season. For more on reading speed and energy, read our 308 Winchester ballistics guide.
Tips for Shooting Copper Bullets
- Check groups. Copper bullets can shoot to a different point of impact than lead. Re-zero when you switch.
- Clean as needed. Copper fouling can build up. Follow your barrel maker’s cleaning advice.
- Mind the twist. Longer copper bullets need enough spin. Most 308 rifles handle these weights, but check your rifle’s twist rate.
Shop Barnes 308 Ammo
See every load in our Barnes 308 ammo collection, or browse all brands in the 308 ammo category.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Barnes 308 is best for elk?
Most hunters pick the VOR-TX 150 or 168-grain TTSX for elk. The 168-grain adds mass, and the 150-grain shoots flatter. In our stock, the 168-grain lists 2,700 fps. Choose the one your rifle groups best and check your state’s hunting rules.
What is the actual diameter of a Barnes .308 bullet?
Barnes 308 Winchester bullets measure .308 inch, the standard size for .30 caliber rifles like the 308, 30-06 and 300 Win Mag. Copper bullets are longer than lead bullets of the same weight, but the diameter is the same.
Is Barnes 308 ammo lead-free?
The Barnes VOR-TX hunting loads use TTSX bullets made of copper with no lead core. The Barnes Precision Match load uses a lead-core match bullet, so it is not lead-free. If your area requires lead-free bullets, check the product details before you buy.
Is Barnes VOR-TX good for deer?
Yes. The 130 and 150-grain TTSX loads work well on deer. The bullet opens into copper petals and holds its weight, so it penetrates deep. The 110-grain Reduced Recoil load is a good choice for young or recoil-shy hunters.
