Black Hills Gold .243 Winchester 85gr Barnes TSX HP Ammo Ballistics
Brass Case • Barnes TSX HP
Black Hills Gold .243 Winchester 85gr Barnes TSX HP Ammo Ballistics
Brass Case • Barnes TSX HP
Trajectory @ 100yd Zero
| Range | Velocity | Energy | Drop |
|---|---|---|---|
| Muzzle | 3200 fps | 1933 ft-lb | — |
| 25 yds | 3123 fps | 1842 ft-lb | -0.8" |
| 50 yds | 3049 fps | 1755 ft-lb | -0.3" |
| 75 yds | 2976 fps | 1672 ft-lb | -0.0" |
| 100 yds ⊕ | 2904 fps | 1592 ft-lb | -0.0" |
| 125 yds | 2833 fps | 1516 ft-lb | -0.2" |
| 150 yds | 2764 fps | 1442 ft-lb | -0.8" |
| 175 yds | 2695 fps | 1372 ft-lb | -1.6" |
| 200 yds | 2628 fps | 1304 ft-lb | -2.6" |
| 225 yds | 2562 fps | 1239 ft-lb | -4.1" |
| 250 yds | 2496 fps | 1176 ft-lb | -5.8" |
| 275 yds | 2432 fps | 1116 ft-lb | -7.9" |
| 300 yds | 2368 fps | 1059 ft-lb | -10.3" |
| 325 yds | 2305 fps | 1003 ft-lb | -13.2" |
| 350 yds | 2244 fps | 950 ft-lb | -16.4" |
| 375 yds | 2183 fps | 899 ft-lb | -20.1" |
| 400 yds | 2123 fps | 851 ft-lb | -24.3" |
| 425 yds | 2064 fps | 804 ft-lb | -28.9" |
| 450 yds | 2006 fps | 760 ft-lb | -34.0" |
| 475 yds | 1949 fps | 717 ft-lb | -39.7" |
| 500 yds | 1893 fps | 676 ft-lb | -45.9" |
Product Overview
The Black Hills Gold .243 Winchester fires an 85-grain Barnes TSX HP bullet at 3200 feet per second, delivering 1932 foot-pounds of muzzle energy. This load combines Black Hills' precision manufacturing with Barnes' legendary TSX bullet—a solid copper design known for near-100% weight retention and devastating four-petal expansion. The hollow point nose initiates expansion without relying on a polymer tip.
Barnes TSX bullets have earned their reputation over decades of field performance. The all-copper construction eliminates lead entirely, expanding into four sharp petals that cut rather than crush through tissue. The grooved shank reduces copper fouling that plagued early monolithic designs. Black Hills loads this bullet with their characteristic attention to consistency, delivering accuracy that most factory ammunition can't match.
This ammunition serves hunters who want the best of both worlds—Barnes terminal performance with Black Hills accuracy. Deer, hogs, and black bear hunters who need deep penetration on less-than-perfect shot angles will appreciate the TSX's reputation. California hunters get a lead-free option that actually shoots well, not just legally. The 85-grain weight provides adequate sectional density for medium game while the copper construction ensures no fragments remain in the meat.
- Barnes TSX reputation for near-100% weight retention combined with Black Hills accuracy
- Four-petal expansion creates wound channels exceeding the bullet's original diameter
- Lead-free construction complies with California and eliminates meat contamination
- Black Hills precision loading delivers tighter groups than standard factory TSX ammunition
- Premium pricing—Black Hills plus Barnes TSX creates a high cost per round
- BC of 0.333 is moderate, best suited for shots inside 275 yards
- Hollow point without polymer tip may not initiate expansion as quickly at lower velocities
- Limited distribution may require ordering online rather than finding on local shelves
All Black Hills Gold .243 Winchester 85gr Barnes TSX HP Ammo Prices
| DEALER | QTY | PRICE | SHIPPING | TOTAL | PRICE/RD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lucky Gunner | 20 | $57.00 | $17.68 | $74.68 | $3.73 |