Winchester Supreme Elite XP3

[ronin]

I've been researching loads for the 270 WSM and was about to settle on the Barnes MRX in 150 Gr and load them myself. According to the Barnes manual #4, about the best I can expect from their reload recommendations is 3000 fps.

I just pulled this off the Winchester web site for their new 270 150 Gr Supreme Elite XP3:

Rifle Ballistics
Distance (yds) Velocity (fps) Energy (ft.lbs.) Short Trajectory (in.) Long Trajectory (in.)

Muzzle 3120 3242 - -
50 - - - 0.3 -
100 2926 2850 0 1.3
150 - - - -
200 2740 2499 -2.6 0
250 - -- - -
300 2561 2184 -9.8 -5.9
400 2389 1901 - -17.1
500 2224 1648 - -34.5

The XP3 appears to be similar to the Fail Safe with the addition of a ballistic tip and a bonded lead core. The MRX is even more similar but has a tungsten core no moly coating. Frankly, I prefer the old Barnes VLC over both the TSX and MRX simply for ease of cleaning and extra velocity. I just ordered a couple of boxes for evaluation.

[007hunter]

I've heard good things about the XP3's. I'll be giving them a try also this year. Where did you buy yours from? The only place I've seen them thus far is Gander Mountain at $40 per box.

[ronin]

I bought them wholesale for 35...not much less when you consider shipping. The velocity for the 150 gr is fantastic!

I'm also waitng for their 243 wssm 95 gr. The ballistics for it have not been posted yet but I have a feeling it will be even faster than the 85 gr barnes tsx which I currently use. I absolutely love the 243 wssm and this new XP3 might be the icing on the cake. 95 gr sounds like a perfect weight and the moly coating should give it an edge in velocity. I prefer the 243 wssm for hog hunting in CA. I have it in a little a-bolt package that it super easy to pack and shoot.

[BR44]

If you a able to order and have them shipped to you, try midwayusa.com.

[Colorado Bob]

I never could get the old "fail-safes" to group worth a hoot. More like a pattern than a group. I'll probably pass on the new & improved version. I'll still with the old tried & true----partitions. CB

[ronin]

The XP3's group very nicely. I was not expecting 2 moa from the blr out of the box with the stiff trigger and all. If I kept my groups to two rounds I was shooting sub moa with the XP3. Everytime I threw in a third shot it was a 3/4 inch flier opening my group to 1.5 - 1.75" My rationalization for this was new barrel break-in nt being completed. I was using a lead sled. Once I get thirty rounds down range with good care of the barrel and bore, I will really be able to evaluate these bullets a littl better. So far, they are great.