Monometal bullets and rifle twist

[beemanbeme]

First off, this is not, repeat NOT a post to start a heated argument.  I don't supposed there are really any answers so lets state our opinions in gentlemanly manners.
 
 The new Barnes bullets, to use them as an example, are weight for weight bigger (longer) than a lead core cup and core bullet. I think that is where they had some of their original problems with accuracy.  Barnes has made a virtue of this by saying you can use lighter (shorter) bullets to achieve the same effect.  This is true for the simple reason that it doesn't take much to kill a 100# WT which is what most of us hunt.

My question is, if the trend, thru popularity or law, is toward a monometal bullet, do you think the twist rates of factory rifles will/should be adjusted so that the traditional heavy for calibre bullets can still be used?  I, for one, don't want to face up to something that might bite me with only the assurance of a bullet clerk that "those 150s are every bit as good as a 200". 

Does anyone continue to use the heavy for calibre monometal bullets in their rifles?
 

[Coyote Hunter]

Beemanbeme -

I load TSX's in the same weights I do other bullets but based on my limited testing would be happy with lighter bullets.

Other than simple energy/momentum considerations, with more fragile cup-and-core bullets there are two reasons for going heavier.  The first is that the extra weight results in lower muzzle velocity which in turn helps the bullet perform more reliably.  The second is that starting out with more material helps ensure more retained weight for better penetration.

With the Barnes TSX/MRX there is really not much need to run them slower.  I fired a .308" 180g MRX into water jugs from 15 feet and it lost only one petal for better than 93% weight retention.  Try that with a standard cup and core bullet!

On other web sites the TSX bullets have a strong following based on performance and a lot of people do in fact drop a weight when using them.

[Brithunter]

For those of us who are quite happy with traditional bullets, why should we be saddled with unsuitable twist rate in barrels just because the minority want to use "premium" and/or Mono metal bullets. The thing about most minorities is that they shout long and loud!

[beemanbeme]

Brit, I am on your side but what drives this question is the long and loud minority here in the states are trying, among other things, an end run against guns by attacking bullets and other components.  I THINK in parts of Kalifornia lead bullets are banned because you might introduce lead into the food chain which might end up in the gut of a California Condor, etc, etc.  I understand that in parts of England lead sinkers are banned for a similar reason. 

[Brithunter]

Yes your right they banned lead fishing weights but not the  powered boats who discharge exhaust fumes into the water.