Ballistic tip in 300 H&H a bit nasty

crimsondave · November 25, 2009, 09:18 AM

I shot a meat deer Sunday with a 150 gr. BT at @ 3200 fps. It was nasty. I did not even hit bone and the wound was awful. I was a little high on the shot, and I ruined about 1/4 of the backstrap. I'm concerned that if I hit the shoulder with this bullet, it may explode. Anyone had this happen with this setup?

rbernie · November 25, 2009, 09:22 AM

It's pretty well known that BTs are fairly frangible; they work well at lower velocities or long distance but blow up too fast at short range if you're pushing them at warp speeds.

I use the BT in chamberings like my 7mm08 youth loads, my 30/30 single shot, and so forth. If I'm reaching for anything more potent as a chambering, then I'll likely use a Partition or other more stoutly-constructed bullet.

crimsondave · November 25, 2009, 09:25 AM

I knew they were not elk material, but I thought whitetail was what they were primarily designed for. I just don't like bonded type bullets for whitetail. They don't expand fast enough IMO.

rbernie · November 25, 2009, 09:26 AM

It's not the size of the game that's the issue; it's the speed of the impact. They behave more like varmint bullet at magnum velocities.

GeauxTide · November 25, 2009, 09:27 AM

I've found most (light for caliber) standard bullets over 3000fps hit like bombs under 150 yards. My 7mmRM loads with 145 Speers @ 3130 ruined a shoulder of one deer and almost gutted another.

2003flht · November 25, 2009, 09:31 AM

Its like shooting prairie dogs with a 22-250... gees... My friend shot a doe with a 300 weatherby mag. in the front shoulder at about 75yds. took both front legs off that thing.... what a mess.

crimsondave · November 25, 2009, 09:37 AM

PHP Code:


			
I've found most (light for caliber) standard bullets over 3000fps hit like bombs under 150 yards. My 7mmRM loads with 145 Speers @ 3130 ruined a shoulder of one deer and almost gutted another.

But did it enter and exit? I don't mind overkill, I just don't want the bullet to explode on impact and have a wounded deer run off.

Scorch · November 25, 2009, 12:47 PM

Well, Nosler says that the bullet is designed for 1,600 fps-3,100 fps. You should be able to do the math from that point. But if I may, I will point out that shooting a bullet designed to expand at 1,600 fps at twice that velocity and expecting it to expand normally is a little foolish. If you are going to shoot at magnum velocities, use a bullet designed to expand at magnum velocities, like a Nosler Accubond, Nosler Partition, Swift Scirocco, etc.

telemark · November 25, 2009, 01:28 PM

I run 180 accubonds at over 3100 fps in my .300 Win Mag, and they don't have any trouble expanding for deer and penetrate deep on elk. The accubonds are my favorite bullet. The only thing I don't shoot with that load are antelope, I step down to the .243. My sister's boyfriend gut shot a antelope doe at 200 yds with his .300 RUM running 180 ballistic tips at 3182 and literally gutted the thing with 1 shot, not a pretty sight.

crimsondave · November 25, 2009, 02:33 PM

I tried the Accubonds and they did not expand well in my 7X57 at all. Now that is at a much lower velocity than my 300. You think they will expand better at magnum velocity?

crimsondave · November 25, 2009, 02:37 PM

PHP Code:


			
Well, Nosler says that the bullet is designed for 1,600 fps-3,100 fps. You should be able to do the math from that point. But if I may, I will point out that shooting a bullet designed to expand at 1,600 fps at twice that velocity and expecting it to expand normally is a little foolish. If you are going to shoot at magnum velocities, use a bullet designed to expand at magnum velocities, like a Nosler Accubond, Nosler Partition, Swift Scirocco, etc.

I'm not completely retarded. I used Partitions, and Accubonds FIRST. They did not expand well AT ALL. That is why I decided to try the BTs.

JD 500 · November 25, 2009, 02:49 PM

I think the BT would work for you, just in a 180gr.
or try barnes tsx. I think they have a 168 gr if you want light. It wont blow up, but they're not cheap. I use a 180gr tsx in 300 wm.

crimsondave · November 25, 2009, 03:07 PM

I have some 180 gr BT's. This thing kicks hard enough with the 150's, but I may give the 180s a whirl.

Gun 4 Fun · November 25, 2009, 04:58 PM

Several years ago I shot a large whitetail doe at almost exactly 100 yards with my .300 H&H, and I was using the 180 grain Ballistic Tip bullet at 3100 FPS (chronoe'd). It went in high on the left shoulder and came out a bit farther back on the right side, a few inches below the spine. Maybe 12-15" penetration total. The deer was DRT, and the bullet ruined no more meat than any other expanding bullet would have at that distance, and in that location. You will find much better results with 180-200 grain bullets, since they are built a little heavier, and they are moving a few hundred FPS slower. They will still expand all you will ever need though. I have never been able to tell the difference in recoil between the 150's at 3300 fps, and the 180's at 3100 fps. The heavier bullets theoretically turn up more recoil, but they aren't moving as quickly, and require less powder as a general rule, so everything seems to cancel each other out there.

hawkeye-911 · December 1, 2009, 02:28 PM

I've used nothing but Nosler 150 gr. BTBT in my 7mm.RM. for hunting all kinds of game Moose, Muleys & Blacktails. Never had an issue with bullet performance. My muzzle velocity is an estimated 2800-2900 fps. I've hydro shocked two at close range but never "blown" anything up.

November 25, 2009, 09:18 AM	#1
crimsondave Senior Member Join Date: September 30, 2009 Location: North Augusta, SC Posts: 490	Ballistic tip in 300 H&H a bit nasty I shot a meat deer Sunday with a 150 gr. BT at @ 3200 fps. It was nasty. I did not even hit bone and the wound was awful. I was a little high on the shot, and I ruined about 1/4 of the backstrap. I'm concerned that if I hit the shoulder with this bullet, it may explode. Anyone had this happen with this setup?

November 25, 2009, 09:22 AM	#2
rbernie Senior Member Join Date: August 10, 2004 Location: Plain Ol', TX Posts: 713	It's pretty well known that BTs are fairly frangible; they work well at lower velocities or long distance but blow up too fast at short range if you're pushing them at warp speeds. I use the BT in chamberings like my 7mm08 youth loads, my 30/30 single shot, and so forth. If I'm reaching for anything more potent as a chambering, then I'll likely use a Partition or other more stoutly-constructed bullet. __________________ -A conclusion is not a destination, it's simply a convenient place to stop thinking.- -Reading a thing doesn't automatically make it so; repeating it doesn't necessarily make it any truer.- -Every Texan should be a member of the Texas State Rifle Association.

November 25, 2009, 09:26 AM	#4
rbernie Senior Member Join Date: August 10, 2004 Location: Plain Ol', TX Posts: 713	It's not the size of the game that's the issue; it's the speed of the impact. They behave more like varmint bullet at magnum velocities. __________________ -A conclusion is not a destination, it's simply a convenient place to stop thinking.- -Reading a thing doesn't automatically make it so; repeating it doesn't necessarily make it any truer.- -Every Texan should be a member of the Texas State Rifle Association.

November 25, 2009, 09:31 AM	#6
2003flht Senior Member Join Date: February 15, 2009 Location: Connecticut Posts: 199	Its like shooting prairie dogs with a 22-250... gees... My friend shot a doe with a 300 weatherby mag. in the front shoulder at about 75yds. took both front legs off that thing.... what a mess. __________________ "Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming...Wow! What a ride!" Give a Liberal a fish, he'll ask for seconds. Teach a Liberal to fish, he'll sign up for unemployment...

November 25, 2009, 09:37 AM	#7
crimsondave Senior Member Join Date: September 30, 2009 Location: North Augusta, SC Posts: 490	PHP Code: `I've found most (light for caliber) standard bullets over 3000fps hit like bombs under 150 yards. My 7mmRM loads with 145 Speers @ 3130 ruined a shoulder of one deer and almost gutted another.` But did it enter and exit? I don't mind overkill, I just don't want the bullet to explode on impact and have a wounded deer run off.

November 25, 2009, 09:25 AM	#3
crimsondave Senior Member Join Date: September 30, 2009 Location: North Augusta, SC Posts: 490	I knew they were not elk material, but I thought whitetail was what they were primarily designed for. I just don't like bonded type bullets for whitetail. They don't expand fast enough IMO.

November 25, 2009, 09:27 AM	#5
GeauxTide Senior Member Join Date: April 20, 2009 Location: Helena, AL Posts: 4,424	I've found most (light for caliber) standard bullets over 3000fps hit like bombs under 150 yards. My 7mmRM loads with 145 Speers @ 3130 ruined a shoulder of one deer and almost gutted another.

November 25, 2009, 12:47 PM	#8
Scorch Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2006 Location: Washington state Posts: 15,248	Well, Nosler says that the bullet is designed for 1,600 fps-3,100 fps. You should be able to do the math from that point. But if I may, I will point out that shooting a bullet designed to expand at 1,600 fps at twice that velocity and expecting it to expand normally is a little foolish. If you are going to shoot at magnum velocities, use a bullet designed to expand at magnum velocities, like a Nosler Accubond, Nosler Partition, Swift Scirocco, etc. __________________ Never try to educate someone who resists knowledge at all costs. But what do I know? Summit Arms Services

November 25, 2009, 01:28 PM	#9
telemark Member Join Date: November 14, 2009 Location: Stumptown, MT Posts: 58	I run 180 accubonds at over 3100 fps in my .300 Win Mag, and they don't have any trouble expanding for deer and penetrate deep on elk. The accubonds are my favorite bullet. The only thing I don't shoot with that load are antelope, I step down to the .243. My sister's boyfriend gut shot a antelope doe at 200 yds with his .300 RUM running 180 ballistic tips at 3182 and literally gutted the thing with 1 shot, not a pretty sight.

November 25, 2009, 02:33 PM	#10
crimsondave Senior Member Join Date: September 30, 2009 Location: North Augusta, SC Posts: 490	I tried the Accubonds and they did not expand well in my 7X57 at all. Now that is at a much lower velocity than my 300. You think they will expand better at magnum velocity?

November 25, 2009, 02:37 PM	#11
crimsondave Senior Member Join Date: September 30, 2009 Location: North Augusta, SC Posts: 490	PHP Code: Well, Nosler says that the bullet is designed for 1,600 fps-3,100 fps. You should be able to do the math from that point. But if I may, I will point out that shooting a bullet designed to expand at 1,600 fps at twice that velocity and expecting it to expand normally is a little foolish. If you are going to shoot at magnum velocities, use a bullet designed to expand at magnum velocities, like a Nosler Accubond, Nosler Partition, Swift Scirocco, etc. I'm not completely retarded. I used Partitions, and Accubonds FIRST. They did not expand well AT ALL. That is why I decided to try the BTs.

November 25, 2009, 02:49 PM	#12
JD 500 Senior Member Join Date: March 15, 2005 Location: Colorado Posts: 110	I think the BT would work for you, just in a 180gr. or try barnes tsx. I think they have a 168 gr if you want light. It wont blow up, but they're not cheap. I use a 180gr tsx in 300 wm.

November 25, 2009, 03:07 PM	#13
crimsondave Senior Member Join Date: September 30, 2009 Location: North Augusta, SC Posts: 490	I have some 180 gr BT's. This thing kicks hard enough with the 150's, but I may give the 180s a whirl.

November 25, 2009, 04:58 PM	#14
Gun 4 Fun Senior Member Join Date: November 3, 2008 Posts: 956	Several years ago I shot a large whitetail doe at almost exactly 100 yards with my .300 H&H, and I was using the 180 grain Ballistic Tip bullet at 3100 FPS (chronoe'd). It went in high on the left shoulder and came out a bit farther back on the right side, a few inches below the spine. Maybe 12-15" penetration total. The deer was DRT, and the bullet ruined no more meat than any other expanding bullet would have at that distance, and in that location. You will find much better results with 180-200 grain bullets, since they are built a little heavier, and they are moving a few hundred FPS slower. They will still expand all you will ever need though. I have never been able to tell the difference in recoil between the 150's at 3300 fps, and the 180's at 3100 fps. The heavier bullets theoretically turn up more recoil, but they aren't moving as quickly, and require less powder as a general rule, so everything seems to cancel each other out there. __________________ S&WCA member NRA member NAHC Life member

December 1, 2009, 02:28 PM	#15
hawkeye-911 Junior Member Join Date: March 15, 2009 Location: British Columbia, Canada Posts: 4	I've used nothing but Nosler 150 gr. BTBT in my 7mm.RM. for hunting all kinds of game Moose, Muleys & Blacktails. Never had an issue with bullet performance. My muzzle velocity is an estimated 2800-2900 fps. I've hydro shocked two at close range but never "blown" anything up.