Federal .243 Winchester 85gr Barnes TSX Ammo Ballistics
Brass Case • Barnes TSX
Federal .243 Winchester 85gr Barnes TSX Ammo Ballistics
Brass Case • Barnes TSX
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 Federal Premium .243 Winchester loads an 85-grain Barnes TSX bullet at 3200 feet per second, generating 1932 foot-pounds of muzzle energy. The Barnes TSX (Triple-Shock X) is a solid copper hunting bullet with a legendary reputation for weight retention and penetration. The all-copper construction expands into four sharp petals while retaining virtually 100% of its original weight—no fragmentation, no lead in the meat.
Barnes pioneered lead-free hunting bullets, and the TSX represents decades of refinement. The grooved shank reduces barrel fouling and pressure, solving the copper fouling issues that plagued early monolithic designs. On impact, the hollow point nose peels back into four cutting petals that create wound channels far exceeding the bullet's original diameter. The retained weight drives the expanded bullet deep through muscle and bone.
This ammunition serves hunters who demand maximum penetration or hunt in lead-restricted areas. The TSX handles steep quartering shots where lesser bullets fail, making it appropriate for situations where you can't wait for a perfect broadside opportunity. Deer, hogs, and black bear all fall within the TSX's effective range. Hunters who butcher their own game appreciate zero lead contamination, and the deep penetration ensures exit wounds for reliable blood trails.
- Barnes TSX reputation for near-100% weight retention ensures deep penetration on tough angles
- Four-petal expansion creates wound channels larger than conventional bullets of similar weight
- Lead-free construction complies with California regulations and eliminates meat contamination
- Grooved shank reduces copper fouling compared to earlier monolithic bullet designs
- Premium pricing—Barnes bullets in Federal brass command top-tier prices
- BC of 0.333 is moderate, limiting optimal performance beyond 300 yards
- Solid copper requires faster twist rates than lead-core bullets of equal weight
- Controlled expansion may seem underwhelming to hunters expecting explosive performance
All Federal .243 Winchester 85gr Barnes TSX Ammo Prices
| DEALER | QTY | PRICE | SHIPPING | TOTAL | PRICE/RD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lucky Gunner | 20 | $37.00 | $17.68 | $54.68 | $2.73 |