Riley, I like that you are a ambitious kid and are in front of the reloading bench, instead of up to no good,like a lot of kids these days. Part of the reason is the "tackt" of your post. In a thread you came across kind of a all or nothing for Barnes and that is your signature,OK. The bullets that are talked about all have a range of effectiveness that varies for each.No perfect and people choose what they like for end use.Since this is a dedicated LR many choose a bullet with "target" type qualities. I am not anti Barnes and use them in some calibers, and hunting situations. Previous after a long debate thread, I asked what your experience was on elk.Your reply was 0.That fits into the discussions here, how can you have such a strong view without the background.I started reloading at your age, and by time your mine you should be well ahead of me. The majority of my experience is hunting,and have shot most bullets made over the years as many here and opions based on that. As one person it is hard to have enough data for comparison, I only get my basic small handful of tags a year.But I am older and hunt with other successful hunters, like guys my Dads age that have 40-60 bulls under their belts. Myself and friends use to pull 5 bulls out of a drainage year after year, in what I NOW call the good old days.I have been at many a game harvest. Good luck,dont get discouraged,and comminication skills are part of life.