25 Years of X Success

by
posted on February 5, 2014
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
sci_ah2015_fs.jpg (3)

undefinedThe Barnes X-Bullet is 25 years old in 2014.

The man who hatched the idea, Randy Brooks, actually discovered the X-design and shot a brown bear with a .375-caliber X-bullet in 1985, but his company did not release the bullet commercially until 1989.

I've shot deer, elk, plains game, Cape buffalo ... heck I've shot a lot stuff with an X-bullet. And I will continue to do so. It's a great design incorporating nearly 100 percent weight retention that drives extreme penetration through flesh and bone. Today it is duplicated quite a bit. But the original all-copper bullet hit shelves 25 years ago.

We visited Jessica Brooks Stevens at SHOT Show a couple of weeks ago, and she told us the full story of how the Barnes X Bullet came to be. Watch it in this video.

Latest

500 416 NE Lede
500 416 NE Lede

Behind the Bullet: The .500-416 Nitro Express

When discussing the Nitro Express cartridges, my mind is immediately drawn to East Africa in the first few decades of the 20th century, but there are modern developments which fill a niche. One such is the .500/416 3 ¼-inch Nitro Express developed by Kreighoff at the end of the 20th century. Let's look at the history and characteristics of the .500-416 Nitro Express.

New for 2026: Bear Creek Arsenal .30-30 Uppers

Bear Creek Arsenal is expanding its lineup with new .30-30 Winchester rifle and upper options, bringing one of America's most recognized hunting calibers into modern sporting rifle configurations.

Shotgun Slug 101: What to Look For

Don’t overlook shotgun slugs. When hand-picked, they will deliver outstanding accuracy and big game-bagging performance. Here’s a primer.

Leupold Announces Limited-Edition 'Mark 250' Riflescope Package

Commissioned to commemorate the United States Semiquincentennial, the Mark 250 package is built for the patriots that demand performance.

Ruger Celebrates 250 Years of American Liberty with Limited-Production Firearms

Ruger has expanded its 250th Anniversary Series of firearms, further commemorating the United States Semiquincentennial while celebrating the Company's longstanding tradition of American manufacturing. Each limited production model in this special collection is distinctly marked with the inscription, "Made in the 250th Year of American Liberty."

Hunting with Air: Getting Started

Looking into ways to expand your hunting opportunities? Ever think about air gun hunting? Follow along as Tim Hovey gives a great primer for beginners just getting into the discipline.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.