SJAdventures said:
If we narrowed it down to Barnes alone what are the pros and cons between their different bullets?
Barnes TMZ or TEZ?
TEZs are easier to load in tight bores. I think it also has a flat base instead of a boattail w/ploy tip. I "think" the TMZ is still a boatail and with a poly tip also. At most ML distances (close range) the original Expander MZ is devastating. The hollow point is huge and expansion is violent.
In my experience they expand a bit better over a wider range of FPS than the older Spitfire MZ but not a huge difference. Standard Expanders have awesome expansion at almost any velocity
Several Barnes bullets can be bought without sabots but the price difference in minimal. The XPB and another are basically just a Expander MZ. I got 40 on sale for $30.
The Spitfire MZ is a boattail (see avatar pic) with a fairly small hollow point and no poly tip. Its pretty hard to go wrong with any Barnes but for slightly less/more (depending on bullet), Lehigh makes Brass bullets of at least similar quality on a lathe...very close to totally "Hand Crafted" quality.
Maybe even better quality than Barnes. They lightly knurl the outside of their bullets to help grab the sabots better while in the barrels rifling.
The only Barnes "con" is price and the 285gr Spitfire MZ IMO works better with heavier powder charges. At least 100gr of powder..not really a con considering its purpose. The 245gr Spitfire is a good option too for 100gr charges and the lighter 40cals can be awesome if you can get them to shoot well in a 40/50.
Lehigh brass 250gr $56/50. He makes GOOD STUFF!!