Barnes VOR-TX 168gr TTSX .308 Win

Barnes VOR-TX 168gr TTSX is a .308 Winchester hunting load for places where lead bullets are prohibited, and for hunters who prioritize deep penetration from an all-copper bullet. The Triple-Shock X-Bullet (TTSX) is machined from solid copper with a polymer tip that initiates expansion at impact. The bullet opens into four copper petals while the shank stays intact, producing a straight, deep wound channel without a lead core or jacket to separate.

Barnes lists the 168gr .308 Win VOR-TX load at 2,700 fps from a 24-inch barrel with 2,720 ft-lbs of muzzle energy and a 0.470 G1 BC. The polymer tip brings BC below ELD-X or Terminal Ascent but still high enough for practical medium-game hunting distances when the shooter has verified drops. Expansion reliability down to roughly 1,800 fps impact velocity is the practical range limit. Inside that window, TTSX is among the most reliable expanding bullets available in any hunting caliber.

The case for TTSX over lead-core alternatives goes beyond California regulation. Bonded lead bullets can perform very well, but the Barnes all-copper construction is attractive when penetration and meat free of lead fragments matter more than explosive terminal effect. Expect premium pricing; this is the load to test when copper is mandated, when the game is heavy, or when straight-line penetration matters.