BARNES VOR-TX LR 6.5 CREEDMOOR 127 GR LRX-BT  (28986)

Barnes Vor-TX hunting ammunition features all-copper bullets that have a strong a dedicated following by hunters for several reasons. Since their upset is generally limited to two times or a bit less than original bullet diameter, and since they retain nearly all their weight, these bullets penetrate very deeply.

Unlike the original Barnes X-Bullets, the newer Triple Shock (TSX) and Tipped Triple Shock (TTSX) bullets also typically deliver good precision.

The Vor-TX TTSX 6.5 Creedmoor load I tested for this F&S Bullet Lab is, as the name indicates, loaded with latter. In many rifles, these bullets shoot just as well as match bullets. And finally, these bullets contain no lead. Not only do some locations mandate lead-free bullets for big-game hunting, but some hunters also like the idea that the animal they will eat will not contain lead particles in the meat.

Barnes ammunition is manufactured to precise tolerances to ensure excellent accuracy and consistent velocities. VOR-TX LR is an extreme-distance load combining super-premium components that are assembled with a level of precision never before attained in factory ammunition.

Each box includes ballistic charts that identify the G1 ballistic coefficient and address variables such as velocity, drop, energy and wind deflection – calculated at sea level and 5000 feet elevation.

VOR-TX LR achieves match-grade accuracy and unmatched terminal performance on game at close and extreme distances delivers the quick, clean, ethical kills you’ve come to expect from Barnes.

Distance can change all it wants. The terminal performance of VOR-TX LR never will. This ammunition is new production, non-corrosive, in boxer-primed, reloadable brass cases.

The Long-Range X Bullet (LRX) line is designed after the best-selling Tipped Triple-Shock X Bullet, the LRX bullet design increases Ballistic Coefficient values by increasing ogive and boat tail lengths to improve the bullets’ long-range ballistic performance.

For the hunter who is confident in long-range hunting, the LRX will fill the niche of this new hunting craze. LRX bullets will continue to be manufactured with the proven 100-percent copper, lead-free bodies.

The bullet’s polymer tip initiates expansion, causing the nose cavity to open instantly on contact doubling the bullet’s original diameter while creating four cutting petals that wreak extensive internal damage. Exceptional performance means clean, quick kill.

In essence, Barnes TSX and TTSX bullets are hollow-pointed. Because of its design, the bullet becomes disturbed when fluid from the animal fills the tiny hole in its snout.

The TTSX bullet replaces the fluid in the hollow-point cavity by filling it with a polymer tip made of Delrin. Additionally, it is intended to somewhat lower the impact velocity required to upset a bullet.

I’ve used Tipped Triple Shock bullets to take a considerable number of large game animals, and I’m happy with the results. However, it seems that these bullets perform best at greater impact velocities.

I recently loaded up on Barnes Vor-TX 6.5 Creedmoor ammunition and used ballistics gel to assess the TTSX bullet’s accuracy. These are the results

Barnes Vor-TX TTSX 6.5 Creedmoor Velocity

Out of a Nosler Model 21 rifle that has a 22-inch Shilen barrel, this load had an average muzzle velocity of 2776 fps, with a standard velocity deviation of only 19.7 fps.

Barnes advertises this load as having a muzzle velocity of 2910 fps, which was most likely obtained with a 24-inch barrel and is about standard for 120-grain 6.5 Creedmoor ammunition.

Like with most 120-grain 6.5mm bullets, the BC is below 0.500, so you’re not going to see that extremely flat trajectory the 6.5 Creedmoor is famous for.

And this bullet needs to impact at a velocity of 2000 fps or faster for meaningful bullet upset. Out of this rifle, this bullet will fall below 2000 fps at just the other side of 400 yards, which should be considered its maximum practical range.

Barnes Vor-TX TTSX 6.5 Creedmoor Precision

I fired three, three-shot groups off a sandbag rest with the Nosler rifle, which was wearing Tract Toric 2.5-15X44 rifles cope set at maximum magnification.

The average for those three groups was 1.10 inches. This is plenty of precision to take this bullet out to its maximum practical range of about 400 yards on big game.

But there is something you should keep in mind when precision testing all-copper bullets of any manufacture. Due to the different barrel fouling characteristics of mono-metal bullets, if you’ve been shooting traditional lead-core bullets in your rifle, you will typically see better precision with the mono-metal bullets if you thoroughly clean your rifle’s barrel first.

This was not done with the Model 21, but in other rifles I’ve seen mono-metal bullet group sizes shrink as much as 50 percent after a good barrel cleaning.

The Nosler Model 21 is a very good shooting rifle, and the 1.1-inch group average for this Barnes Vor-TX load was equal to the average for the more than a dozen different loads that have been tested out of this rifle.

Vor-TX TTSX 6.5 Creedmoor Trajectory

The 6.5 Creedmoor’s capacity to provide a flat trajectory with minimal recoil is one of its distinguishing features.

With the 6.5 Creedmoor, you will need a bullet with a BC of more than 0.500, and they will usually weigh more than 140 grains, in order to achieve the flattest long-distance trajectories. Although the bullet’s BC is not very high, its velocity helps it to somewhat compensate for its lower BC.

It will shoot flatter than a 140-grain, 0.500 BC bullet out to 600 yards. However, it will use around 20% less energy to impact at that distance.

Everything with ammunition is a tradeoff, and the hunter must decide what ballistic traits are the most important to them. This is not long-range big-game bullet, but it should do very well on any big-game animal the 6.5 Creedmoor is suited for out to 400 yards or so.

If a long-range mono-metal bullet for the Creed is what you’re looking for, Barnes offers a 127-grain load for the Creedmoor that has a BC of 0.468, and an advertised muzzle velocity of 2850 fps. But that bullet will only give you about another 100 yards of reach before it will impact at a velocity of less than 2000 fps.

Vor-TX TTSX 6.5 Creedmoor Terminal Performance

If you like the idea of crush-cavity size to determine the potential lethality of a bullet, this 120-grain TTSX penetrated 31.5 inches and deformed with a frontal diameter of 0.494 inch, for a crush cavity size of 5.99 cubic inches. However, to damage 5.99 cubic inches of animal internals, the bullet would need to remain in the animal for the full 31.5 inches. On a broadside shot this is unlikely.

On the other hand, with this bullet’s ability to fully penetrate, on broadside shots on deer-sized game an exit is almost a guarantee. Some hunters like the idea of animals bleeding out of two holes as opposed to one, especially since entry holes are usually small and let out very little blood, because it makes tracking easier.

If you like the idea of a bullet that will retain 100 percent of its weight and penetrate very deeply, the Barnes Vor-TX TTSX just might be the bullet for you. Of all the 6.5 Creedmoor big-game bullets I’ve tested, this load penetrated the deepest. Just keep in mind that a bullet like this has a slower energy release. Compared to a lead-core bullet, the TTSX will shed about 30 to 50 percent less energy during the first 8 inches of penetration. This is, of course, what allows these bullets to penetrate deeply, but it is also what prevents them from the extreme initial damage you see from common lead-core and even bonded bullets.

Who Should Shoot This Load?

Big-game hunters generally fall into one of two camps when it comes to bullet choice: the quick-expander camp and the deer-penetrator camp. The Barnes Vor-TX TTSX clearly falls into the later category. If you prefer to shoot through the shoulder on a broadside animal or at the point of the shoulder at a quartering-to critter, and if plan to keep your shot inside 400 yards or so, this built is basically tailor-made for you.

Barnes VOR-TX for various calibers: Reviews and performance analysis

When considering ammunition for precision shooting, it’s crucial to hear from those who have firsthand experience with the product. Let’s take a closer look at some reviews and performance analysis of Barnes VOR-TX ammunition in various calibers.

Barnes VOR-TX .308 – The .308 caliber is a popular choice for both precision shooting and hunting. Shooters praise Barnes VOR-TX .308 for its consistent accuracy and deep penetration. The all-copper bullet design ensures reliable expansion and maximum tissue damage, making it an excellent choice for hunters pursuing game animals.

Barnes VOR-TX 6.5 Creedmoor – The 6.5 Creedmoor has gained a significant following among precision shooters due to its exceptional long-range capabilities. Barnes VOR-TX 6.5 Creedmoor ammunition is highly regarded for its consistent performance, flat trajectory, and excellent downrange energy. Shooters appreciate the accuracy and reliability of this caliber, making it a top choice for precision shooting competitions.

Barnes VOR-TX 9mm – When it comes to self-defense, the 9mm is a popular caliber choice. Barnes VOR-TX 9mm ammunition offers reliable expansion and deep penetration, ensuring effective stopping power. Shooters commend its consistent performance and reliability, making it a trusted option for personal protection.

These reviews and performance analyses highlight the exceptional performance and reliability of Barnes VOR-TX ammunition across various calibers. Whether you’re a precision shooter or a hunter, Barnes VOR-TX has the right ammunition to meet your needs.

Where to buy Barnes VOR-TX ammunition

Now that you’re familiar with the features and benefits of Barnes VOR-TX ammunition, you may be wondering where to purchase it. Barnes VOR-TX ammunition is available at various reputable retailers both online and in-store. Make sure to check with your local gun stores, sporting goods retailers, or trusted online firearm and ammunition retailers to find the specific calibers and grain weights you need.

When purchasing Barnes VOR-TX ammunition, it’s essential to ensure you’re buying from authorized dealers to guarantee authenticity and quality. Be wary of counterfeit products that may not perform as expected or could pose safety risks.