Barnes markets its VOR-TX 250-grain XFB for hunting big and medium game. The XFB is an all-copper, flat-base bullet with no lead core. It is rated at a G1 BC of .192 and leaves the muzzle at 2,250 fps with 2,811 ft-lbs of energy.

Compared with Hornady's Custom 250-grain FTX, a polymer-tipped bullet with a lead core that Hornady markets for large game, the Barnes starts 50 fps faster, but by 200 yards the two fly almost alike. Zeroed at 100 yards, both drop about 9 inches at 200. At that distance, a steady 10 mph wind blowing across the line of fire pushes the Barnes about 11 inches sideways and the Custom about 10, which is how far from the spot you aimed at each bullet lands. Compared with Underwood's 245-grain Xtreme Penetrator, also a copper bullet with no lead core, the Barnes is close at the muzzle: it starts 10 fps slower but carries 32 ft-lbs more energy, and it kicks about 4 percent harder in the same rifle.

Buy the VOR-TX if you want a copper bullet with no lead core for big and medium game, as Barnes markets it. Pick the Hornady Custom if a lead-core, polymer-tipped bullet suits you; it matches the Barnes' drop at 200 yards. Pick the Underwood if you want a copper load its maker markets for hunting and self-defense. Pick Winchester's Deer Season XP 250-grain if you hunt deer, which Winchester markets it for. Pick HSM's Bear Load 300-grain if you want a heavier bullet for medium to large game, as HSM markets it, and can take the extra recoil. Federal's Power-Shok 300-grain is a heavy soft point Federal markets for big game; zeroed at 100 yards, it drops about 12 inches at 200, against about 9 for the Barnes.