Not quite a .223, but on the subject of the Barnes TSX.
I'm sure the bullets shoot well in many rifles and not in others, just like any other bullet. Seems some guys get great accuracy with them and others don't.
As for me, the TSX has been a real winner in all three rifles I have tried them in. I shoot 140 gr in my 7mmSTW, and 210 gr. in a .338 Rem. Mag. My son shoots 168 gr. in his .300 Rem Ultra Mag. All are wonderfully accurate and drop game with authority.
Many years ago I tried the original Barnes X bullets in a couple of calibers, specifically .243 and 25-06. I got mediocre accuracy, but good enough for deer and such. When the TSX came out, I was skeptical due to the not-so-good accuracy with the X bullet, but I gave them a try anyway, hoping to find an accurate premium bullet. I found it.
To my surprise, they shot so well that I still almost scratch my head in disbelief. What works for one guy may not for another, and so it goes. You won't know until you try them. But, as for penetration, good luck recovering a bullet.
Here's a target I shot with the TSX and the 7mmSTW, sighting in for a Wyoming hunt. The two shots to the right (top and bottom) were shot first. I then corrected the windage over to the left a bit and shot two more shots, almost a mirror of the first two rounds. Even after adjusting the scope, I still ended up with a 9/16" 4-shot group.