Field test of 5 big game bullets

[badsection]

I agree with the preceding post completely. With VERY few exceptions, most shots taken on game animals are taken within 400 yards.

I killed a nice 6-pt bull elk last year with a fairly long shot using Winchester Power Point factory ammunition (the Wal-Mart stuff) with a 300 Win Mag and dropped him with one shot.

People are dwelling way too much on these ballistics at 800-1000 yards. I could care less because the odds of even being presented with that shot is extremely low. I tell people to practice and be competent within 400 yards and you'll be just fine.

Having elk hunted in Wyoming and mostly on the east coast, I can understand the difference in typical distance of game shots.  My longest game shot here in Florida was a tad over 300 yds. Basically it was from one corner of a cow pasture to the other ( 300 Win Mag, also).  Much more typical is around 50yds. It as far as you can see to identify your target.  I have had bullets self destruct on impact at that range. Seems none of the bullets tested fell apart, even if one tumbled.   :-)

[dubyam]

If the bullets had fallen apart at the sub-2k velocities at which they were tested, Bad, I'd be throughly concerned! 

Like you, my primary concern is bullet integrity at ranges under 200yds, and velocities well over 2000fps.

For reference, I've pared down my hunting bullets to just three designs at this point. For two of my rifles, I use Speer Hot-Cor bullets. Both of these rifles have sub 2700fps muzzle velocities and are close quarters hunters. One is a 30-30, and the other is a medium bore chambering. For my longer range rifles with muzzle velocities below 3000fps, I use Nosler Ballistic Tips. Above 3000fp mv, I use E-Tips. It's pretty simple, and I get excellent results on game.

[badsection]

The hot core is exactly the bullet that fragmented, at 50 yds. ,out of my 7mm WSM with close to a max load. I imagine the velocity was right fast. :-)

[dubyam]

The hot core is exactly the bullet that fragmented, at 50 yds. ,out of my 7mm WSM with close to a max load. I imagine the velocity was right fast. :-)

I bet it was zipping along at 50yds!

You need a stronger bullet.

[badsection]

The hot core is extremely accurate out of that rifle. They are relegated to paper punching. I hunt with TSX in that and many more rifles.  I never know which stand I'll be assigned to, so I usually take a rifle that will do double duty. Since I do have a therma cell, I tend to get the jungle stands.  :-)

[WA Mtnhunter]

I read that article with passing interest. Years ago, I used Speer Grand Slam and Trophy Bonded Bear Claw bullets in factory loads with great success in .308 Win and .35 Whelen. Most shots were way under 200 yards. Along the way I have tried all manner of bullets in .30-06, 7mm Wby, and .300 Wby. I won't trash some of the other bullets mentioned but suffice it to say that the Barnes TSX and TTSX are the best that I have used in terms of accuracy and on-game performance. Like the man said, "No brag, just fact".

[cacsrx1]

Strange the Vlds performed the way they did in the test.  My experience has shown extreme fragmentation in the 300-600 yard ranges. I have never recovered any Vlds that looked like the ones shown.  Usually 50ish% weight retention and a massive wound channel, golfball to baseball size exit and an animal DRT. These are 210 Vlds out of a 300Wby at 3000fps and 115 Vlds out of a .257Wby at 3510fps.