Fiocchi markets its Hyperformance 120-grain TTSX for big game. It is loaded with Barnes' Tipped Triple-Shock X, a polymer-tipped copper bullet with no lead core, rated at a G1 BC of .412. At 3,070 fps it is one of the fastest 6.5 PRC hunting loads out of the muzzle, but the light bullet sheds speed quickly and carries 1,080 ft-lbs at 500 yards.

Compared with Barnes' VOR-TX Long Range 127-grain, another copper bullet, the TTSX starts 60 fps faster, but the heavier Barnes is moving faster by 300 yards. At 500 yards, a steady 10 mph wind blowing across the line of fire pushes the TTSX about 20 inches sideways and the Barnes about 18. The Barnes kicks about 10 percent harder in the same rifle. Compared with Weatherby's Select Plus 124-grain, a copper hollow point, the TTSX trails at every distance. Zeroed at 100 yards, the TTSX drops about 46 inches at 500 and the Weatherby about 42, and the same wind pushes the Weatherby about 17 inches.

Buy the TTSX if you want a copper bullet for big game with a fast start and light recoil, and most of your shots fall well inside 500 yards. Pick the Barnes if your shots run longer and wind is the bigger worry. Pick the Weatherby if you want the flattest path of the copper loads and can accept about 8 percent more recoil. Sako's PowerHead Blade 120-grain is the closest match to the TTSX, with the same bullet weight, nearly the same muzzle speed and the same recoil in the same rifle.