Hunters demand ammunition that can deliver high energy and penetration, especially when pursuing large or dangerous game. The Barnes .35 Whelen VOR-TX loading rises to this challenge with its 180-grain TTSX bullet. Leaving the muzzle at an impressive 2900 fps, this cartridge generates 3362 ft-lbs of energy - more than enough to ethically harvest any North American big game species. The sectional density of .201 strikes an effective balance between expansion and penetration, allowing the bullet to reach vital organs even through heavy bone and thick hide. This high-energy load also provides shooters with flatter trajectories, simplifying shot placement at varying distances and reducing the need for significant holdover even at extended ranges.
Barnes .35 Whelen VOR-TX 180gr TTSX FB Highlights:
Specifications | |
---|---|
Manufacturer | Barnes |
Model | VOR-TX |
Caliber | .35 Whelen |
Bullet Weight | 180 grains |
Bullet Type | TTSX FB (Tipped Triple-Shock X Flat Base) |
Muzzle Velocity | 2900 fps |
Muzzle Energy | 3362 ft-lbs |
Ballistic Coefficient | .295 |
Sectional Density | .201 |
Rounds Per Box | 20 |
Bullet Material | Copper |
Recommended Use | Big game hunting |
Key Features
The Barnes .35 Whelen VOR-TX 180gr TTSX FB ammunition offers exceptional performance characteristics that make it an excellent choice for big game hunting. Here's a breakdown of its key features:
Feature | Description |
---|---|
TTSX Bullet Design | Tipped Triple-Shock X Technology Ensures rapid expansion and deep penetration |
All-Copper Construction | 100% weight retention Delivers consistent performance and penetration |
High Ballistic Coefficient | .295 BC Maintains velocity and energy at long range |
Flat Base Design | Enhanced accuracy Provides consistent seating and improved stability |
High Velocity | 2900 fps muzzle velocity Delivers flat trajectories and hard-hitting performance |
Applications & Use Cases
The Barnes .35 Whelen VOR-TX 180gr TTSX FB ammunition is designed for various big game hunting scenarios:
Pros and Cons
Pros
- ✔ All-Copper Construction: Ensures nearly 100% weight retention and deep penetration.
- ✔ High Velocity: 2900 fps muzzle velocity provides flat trajectories and excellent long-range performance.
- ✔ Controlled Expansion: TTSX bullet design ensures reliable expansion and deep penetration.
- ✔ Versatile: Suitable for a wide range of big game species and hunting scenarios.
- ✔ Lead-Free: Complies with lead-free hunting regulations in certain areas.
Cons
- ✘ Cost: Generally more expensive than traditional lead-core ammunition.
- ✘ Recoil: High velocity can result in increased felt recoil, especially in lighter rifles.
- ✘ Availability: May be less readily available than more common calibers.
- ✘ Overpenetration Risk: May pass through smaller game due to high penetration.
About Barnes:
Barnes Bullets, founded in 1932 by Fred Barnes, has evolved into a pioneer in ammunition technology, particularly known for their innovative copper projectiles. Headquartered in Mona, Utah, the company has built a reputation for producing high-performance ammunition that caters to the needs of serious hunters and shooters worldwide. With a strong focus on research and development, Barnes continues to push the boundaries of ballistic performance, offering products that combine accuracy, reliability, and ethical harvesting capabilities. Their commitment to lead-free technology has positioned them at the forefront of environmentally conscious ammunition manufacturing, making them a go-to choice for hunters in areas with strict lead regulations.
- MANUFACTURER:
- Barnes
- PRODUCT TYPE:
- Ammunition
- CONDITION:
- New
- CASING:
- Brass
- UPC:
- 716876035809
- grains:
- 180
- caliber:
- .35 Whelen
Barnes .35 Whelen VOR-TX 180gr TTSX FB Ammo FAQ:
This ammunition combines the classic .35 Whelen cartridge with Barnes' innovative all-copper TTSX bullet technology. The result is a high-performance round that offers excellent accuracy, controlled expansion, and deep penetration, making it ideal for hunting medium to large game.
The effective range depends on various factors including the rifle, shooter skill, and specific game animal. However, with its high BC (.295) and velocity (2900 fps), this ammunition can be effective at ranges beyond 300 yards when used by a skilled shooter, while still maintaining enough energy for ethical harvests.
Upon impact, the polymer tip drives backward into the bullet's hollow cavity, initiating rapid expansion. The copper body then peels back to form four sharp-edged petals, creating a wide wound channel for quick, ethical kills while still penetrating deeply.
While it can be used for target practice, its premium construction and higher cost make it more economical to use primarily for hunting. For extensive target practice or training, consider using less expensive practice ammunition in the same caliber to save costs while reserving this premium ammunition for hunting situations.
The TTSX bullet is designed to expand to approximately 1.5 to 2 times its original diameter upon impact. However, actual expansion can vary depending on impact velocity and the medium it's passing through, with the bullet maintaining excellent weight retention even with significant expansion.
Like all ammunition, extreme temperatures can affect performance, but the all-copper construction of the TTSX bullet tends to be less sensitive to temperature variations than some lead-core bullets. This consistency across temperature ranges makes it reliable in various hunting conditions, from cold mountain hunts to warm weather pursuits.
The exact trajectory will depend on your rifle's zero, but generally, with a 200-yard zero, you might expect a drop of about 7-8 inches at 300 yards. Always confirm actual trajectories with your specific rifle and optic setup, as factors like barrel length and environmental conditions can affect the bullet's path.
Most .35 Whelen rifles have a 1:16" twist rate, which is suitable for stabilizing this 180-grain bullet. However, always confirm your rifle's twist rate and consult the manufacturer if you're unsure about compatibility, as proper bullet stabilization is crucial for accuracy and performance.