Last reviewed: 2026-04-18 by Jake Terry, FFL07/SOT3, lifelong hunter.
For whitetail, pronghorn, and hog hunters working the 243 Winchester platform, this Black Hills Gold 85-grain Barnes Triple-Shock X load delivers muzzle velocity of 3200 feet per second and 1932 foot-pounds of energy — engineered for controlled expansion and bone-breaking penetration in medium game at ranges to 300 yards. The Barnes Triple-Shock X is a monolithic solid copper hollow point that retains nearly 100 percent of its original weight through hide, rib, and shoulder, shedding four razor-edged petals on impact while the shank drives through vitals. Lead-free construction meets California and condor-range restrictions without sacrificing terminal performance.
Load Profile
Black Hills Gold ammunition is loaded to SAAMI maximum-pressure specifications in new-production brass cases with non-corrosive Boxer primers, making empties suitable for handloading after field use. The 85-grain Barnes TSX sits at the lighter end of the 243 Winchester spectrum — fast enough to flatten trajectory inside 250 yards, heavy enough to deliver energy on deer-sized targets when shot placement is correct. G1 ballistic coefficient of 0.333 and sectional density of 0.206 keep this bullet supersonic well past the distance most hunters engage game in timber or agricultural settings.
Specs at a Glance
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Caliber | 243 Winchester |
| Bullet weight | 85 grains |
| Bullet type | Barnes Triple-Shock X solid hollow point |
| Muzzle velocity | 3200 fps |
| Muzzle energy | 1932 ft-lbs |
| G1 ballistic coefficient | 0.333 |
| Sectional density | 0.206 |
| Rounds per box | 20 |
| Case | Brass, reloadable |
| Primer | Boxer, non-corrosive |
| Lead free | Yes |
| Intended use | Hunting |
| Manufacturer | Black Hills Ammunition |
This load is cataloged in our 243 ammo section alongside other factory hunting and match loads for the 243 Winchester cartridge.
Safe Handling & Compliance
Federal law requires purchasers to be at least 18 years old for rifle and shotgun ammunition, and at least 21 for handgun ammunition. Ammunition cannot be shipped to certain states, counties, and cities — review our ammunition shipping restrictions before ordering. Store ammunition in a cool, dry location away from heat sources and out of reach of unauthorized users.
- Follow the four universal rules of firearms safety on every range trip and hunt.
- Verify current state and local ammunition regulations — some jurisdictions mandate lead-free projectiles for hunting on public land or in condor habitat.
- Barnes monolithic copper bullets may require a different seating depth and powder charge than cup-and-core loads if you handload; consult Barnes reloading data before working up custom loads.
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