Best .264 all copper monoalloy? Barnes TTSX vs. Hornady CX, vs. Hammer Hunter, etc?

Which bullet? L->R Sako, Barnes, Hornady, Hammer

  • Sako Hammerhead 140 gr bonded lead/copper

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • Barnes TTSX 120 gr

    Votes: 11 57.9%
  • Hornady CX 120 gr

    Votes: 3 15.8%
  • Hammmer Hunter 124 gr

    Votes: 5 26.3%

  • Total voters
    19
Joined
Nov 4, 2022
Messages
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Location
S. Central PA
I have a Tikka T3x in 6.5 Creedmoor that shoots Sako Super Hammerheads (lead/copper) very well, but I was thinking of switching to all copper. What do you think about the following options if all shoot equally well in my rifle? I hunt Eastern whitetails in woods so all shots are <250yds. Please add your experiences in the comments.
 

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2five7

WKR
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Jul 15, 2017
Messages
679
Barnes makes a pretty good bullet, but in my personal experience the Hammer is more accurate, and just as, if not more deadly than the ttsx.
 

S-3 ranch

WKR
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Jan 18, 2022
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I would stick to the hammerheads till they make you switch to a mono
then I would go LRX or Cx , the CM imo is a cup and core round ( maybe a LRX should be the go to for a slow round like a 6.5cm or 6.5x55 ? and ttsx for faster like 6.5-284 , 6.5 rpm , 264wm )
my buddy who hunts in Africa uses 300gr ttsx 375H&H on everything from buffalo to bushbuck , 100% confidence in barns
 
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OXN939

WKR
Joined
Jun 28, 2018
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Location
VA
Here's a video my buddy got of two DRT blacktails shot with Hammers- the first with the 7mm 120 grain, and the latter with the 124 grain .264. I loaded both rounds and cleaned both animals, and performance was great. I've also killed two Pronghorns with the 124 grain .264, and find it to be a super capable round.


The TTSX 120 is also an excellent performer, IME. If your rifle likes them, you might go that route for availability.
 

ddowning

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Jul 12, 2023
Messages
287
I find that deer are relatively small and have much better success with a cup and core lead bullet with a polymer tip that is heavy for caliber. I would say 130+ in .264. Unless you have a legal reason or are worried about eating lead ( totally personal if you are concerned as there are convincing arguments on both sides) I would not shoot monos at deer. Even with a 6 mm, cup and core 80 gr + with 95 grains+ preferred have been the best killers on deer for the people I hunt around.
 
OP
BlackGreyhounds
Joined
Nov 4, 2022
Messages
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Location
S. Central PA
Took the Barnes, Hornady and Sako to the range the other day. Looks like I'll be sticking with the Sakos for now. They shot legit sub-MOA @100yds (see picture , Barnes ~1 MOA and Hornady ~2 MOA with my rifle. I will work on hand loading with the Hammers after hunting season just for funsies.
 

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FLHunter87

Lil-Rokslider
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I have reloaded barnes, nosler, and hammer bullets. In my opinion hammer bullets are not better or worse than the competition. This is my opinion. I'm not trashing hammer by any means. I get mid 3500fps running a 95g HHT in 257. I know that's not what you asked but that's the only hammer I got. I recently purchased a 6.5PRC. I am not going the hammer route with the 6.5PRC. They are a little bit more expensive. I'm trying the 127 LRX and the 142ABLR. I heard nothing but great things for the LRX. If you think 250 or less is your range I would go with the 120 or 130 Barnes. LRX really won't help you much with that range as they are made for longer distance. Certainly won't hurt shooting them either.
 
OP
BlackGreyhounds
Joined
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Location
S. Central PA
I have reloaded barnes, nosler, and hammer bullets. In my opinion hammer bullets are not better or worse than the competition. This is my opinion. I'm not trashing hammer by any means. I get mid 3500fps running a 95g HHT in 257. I know that's not what you asked but that's the only hammer I got. I recently purchased a 6.5PRC. I am not going the hammer route with the 6.5PRC. They are a little bit more expensive. I'm trying the 127 LRX and the 142ABLR. I heard nothing but great things for the LRX. If you think 250 or less is your range I would go with the 120 or 130 Barnes. LRX really won't help you much with that range as they are made for longer distance. Certainly won't hurt shooting them either.
I'm going to start with the hammer hunters, just because I have some already. If I don't like the results, I will certainly be open to any other manufacturer. Might even go down to 110 gr Hammers, too.
 

SDHNTR

WKR
Joined
Aug 30, 2012
Messages
7,211
The best one is the one that shoots most accurately out of your gun. Hunting hogs in CA I get to see lots of bullets at work. In my own arsenal and depending on the gun, I shoot Hammers, TTSX, LRX, CX, GMX, and Trophy Coppers. In .264, I shoot lots of the 120 TTSX and 127 LRX and 124 HH. Know what? There’s not enough difference in terminal performance to any of em to even warrant talking about.

Pick the most accurate one out of your gun. Put it where it belongs. The results will all be the same.
 
OP
BlackGreyhounds
Joined
Nov 4, 2022
Messages
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Location
S. Central PA
And the correct answer for me and my rifle is SAKO SUPER HAMMERHEADS, 140g! I really couldn't ask for better accuracy and terminal performance
 

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Macintosh

WKR
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What was the range and estimated impact velocity?

Sako shh is a bonded lead bullet, correct?
 
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