Home >> Hobbies >> Other Hobbies

How to Test MRX Bullets

The MRX, or Maximum Range X-Bullet, is a premium hunting bullet manufactured by Barnes. The bullet is a version of their popular all-copper TXS bullet, but with a tungsten core. Tungsten is very dense, even denser than lead. This makes the MRX an excellent choice for shots on big game with thick hides and dense bone. The hollowpoint tip is filled with a spitzer-shaped (pointed) polymer that raises the ballistic coefficient, meaning it is highly aerodynamic. Upon impact, the bullet's tip expands and peels back into four petal-shaped sections. Bullet expansion can be measured when shot into a ballistic media such as the Bullet Test Tube.

Things You'll Need

Bullet Test Tube
Xtender tube
Table
Cartridge loaded with Barnes MRX bullet
Tape measure
Utility knife
Test tube splitter
Graduated syringe

Instructions

- 1
  Lay The Bullet Test Tube on its side on top of a table. Fit the Xtender tube over the back end of the main tube. Orient the tubes in-line with your direction of fire, ensuring that there is a suitable backstop downrange from the tubes.
- 2
  Fire a cartridge loaded with a Barnes MRX bullet into the open end of the Bullet Test Tube. The shooting distance must be a minimum of twenty yards from the tube.
- 3
  Fill the graduated syringe with water. Insert the needle of the syringe into the cavity created by the bullet until the cavity is filled. Look at the water level in the syringe to determine the size of the cavity. The cavity may be measured in ounces or milliliters. Pour the water from the tube.
- 4
  Use the utility knife to make two slits the entire length of the cardboard. The slits should be 180 degrees apart.
- 5
  Use the Test Tube Splitter to slice the Test Tube material in half. Use the slits in the carboard as a guide.
- 6
  Separate the two halves of the Test Tube and lay them face-up. Use the tape measure to measure the depth of bullet penetration. Remove the bullet from the Tube and inspect it for expansion.

Other Hobbies