Meat Eater did a good comparison of cup and core, bonded and monolithic bullets. The monolithic failed to expand at 300 yards and beyond. Look at the Norma Bondstrike ammo. It outperforms all of the major brands from a velocity, energy, drop and wind drift.
My dad and uncle told me 25 years ago Nosler Partition is all you'll ever need . When the Accubond came out they said the only bullets you'll ever need is Nosler Partition and Accubond lol.. Federal Premium TLR Edge works extremely well at longer ranges . IMO the TLR EDGE performs better than the ELDX , or Accubond Long Range .. I'm really not a fan of the ELDX in general except for 6mm ARC. I've had extremely good results with 103g ELDX on hoggs and whitetail.
Ron Now this is one of the best presentation that I have seen in a while .for me it's the 308. When I first entered the world of Muzzleloader hunting I bought a CVA Apollo in line next thing it was a Traditional Muzzleloader by Traditions 1 & 66 twist patched Round balls. I have more sense of accomplishment when I harvest a Deer.
The best bullet I've used when hand loading is the nosler ballistic tip hunting bullet. Great penetration and humane harvests. The best factory bullet I've used in my 270 win is Winchester double x pointed soft point. I've recovered a couple bullets from deer that were quartered towards me and away from me and the weight retention was around 80% with a beautiful mushroom. Regardless of the bullet or caliber, the key is a well-placed shot.
Thank you Ron, again, for an excellent presentation. I’m a whitetail hunter exclusively and have been stuck on the 308 since I upgraded from the 300 Savage years ago, I hunt in woods not much in meadows. You’re probably already zeroing in on my age so at 69 I find that I share your romance with traditional all the way from recurves & longbows to traditional style muzzle loaders. Keep up the great work and thank you for sharing.
I've been using the Accubond bullets in a couple different calibers and they do exactly what a bullet should do. They are Accurate, Penetrate, Expand and Exit. APEE
Honestly this will be an unpopular opinion. But the the sierra gameking has been an absolutely amazing bullet in my hunting career. You just have to make sure you shoot the right weight of bullet for the game you are shooting. Sometimes the bullet exits the animal, other times the jacket and core separate, and other times the jacket and core hold together. But everytime I have pulled the trigger with a gameking down the pipe, I have found my animal. What more can an ethical hunter ask for?
Sierra has been making high quality bullets for many years. The .358 cal. Sierra Gameking in my .35 Whelen is the best looking bullet I have ever loaded and it sure does the job. 225 grains at a muzzle of 2816 fps produces just under 4000 pound feet of energy and the elk have trouble digesting it. That big bore creates a nice wound channel and the sweet spot velocity keeps capillary damage low if I can avoid hitting big bones.
Here in north europe i hunt with copper bullets, Lapua Naturalis and Sako Blade. No led to food. All the calibers 6,5-9,3 that i use they work as they are planned to work
@@jwilsonhandmadeknives2760 It is just amazing how the ttsx bullet has transformed the tiny 223 into a proper hunting cartridge. Before the 223 was to stretch it to use it on deer as well, but with the ttsx bullet, the 223 is perfectly fine to use on deer.
The Partition was always my go to bullet. But I've not been able to find enough of them of late to sneeze at and have started working with the copper bullets. I got hooked. If you really want a fun hunt with a muzzleloader, get a double barrel shotgun and go pheasant hunting. That is the muzzleloader hunt most guys look for but don't know exists. Your dog will have fun too. Thanks for the vid.
I been loading Nosler Partition 180s for my 30'06. I got a good moose load! I take headshots from 25 to 50 yards to save the Rib meat. Rib meat is very priceless!
I've been using barnes for awhile and I'm happy with them. Barnes Vortex factory loads are very well finished and assembled. Also Hornady SST is a great whitetail round. Trophy copper isn't bad either IMO. I've used barnes sabots for 30 years in my muzzleloaders and they really are outstanding.
The technology is great for efficiency, but traditional ways do give you a large increase in satisfaction as far as muzzleloaders, open sights, old cast hand loaded ammo, hunting techniques. Great video
I use 150g 308 Win and I got anything as light as fallow deer and heavier deer like Sambar and elks and oh boy let me tell you that they dropped on spots. If you know where to put your shot on than you don’t need any bigger caliber.
The 7mm-08 is just perfect for deer. I don't know why I hate the .308 and love the little 7 but it's just better. For deer ranges it does have the best numbers.
I love my 308s but there is something special about that 7. Everyone else must think so too because they are fairly hard to find now in a better rifle.
7mm-08 is a superior cartridge to .308 Win., though not dramatically different. Biggest disadvantage to 7mm-08 is that nobody makes a factory target load for it, which is really where the 7mm can shine.
Even though the .308 is a wonderful caliber I also don't really care for it. I used to have one and loaded a lot of ammo for it. A .308 has a perfect combination of elements that make it a very accurate cartridge. The 7mm-08 is very nice. That .284 bullet really shines. I do not have a 7mm-08 but I do have a 7mm mauser and a .275 Rigby which are almost identical in ballistics to the 7mm-08. Even though I have taken elk with other caliber firearms I took the two largest ever with the 7mm mauser and 140 grain bullets. To really get the best from almost any rifle it's good to handload.
@@russellkeeling4387 7mm-08 is what the T65/7.62x51 should have been. 139gr service rifle load, 154-162gr Sniper/DM/LMG load. Throat life is very similar to 7.62 NATO, as 7mm-08 isn't overbore. Great little cartridge.
I haven't figured this out but I've been paying attention to your writings and sports afield magazines and all that long before Internet and you're still going, you're not much older than me at all but man everything you say is spot on. I do not proclaim to be an expert politician because I have no paperwork to prove it. But I can quote virtually Every caliber with every powder, with every bullet weight and the drop of each one of every range, and you have been in the forefront of all my studies though I have taken them to a far deeper level. I love watching your videos because your videos are probably the only ones on the Internet that are as close to 100% accurate as can possibly be done. I speak this from over a half a century of continuing studies. It is obvious that you and I are of the same mindset but I am more focused on shooting and not talking about it as I am very thankful that there is someone like you to talk about it. Hats off to you my friend you are totally correct about 80% of the time.
Between the 6.5 Creedmoor and the 308 Winchester, that’s a no-brainer. The 308 Winchester is light years ahead of the 6.5 need more. My bullet selection, Nosler, partition, combined technology, or Nosler, ballistic silvertip, Nosler ballistic tip, or Nosler accubond in that order. My preferred caliber 270 win. 308 win. 7mm Rem mag. 3006 Springfield.
For years my reloading bench only had Nosler Partition bullets. Lately I've really like the Barnes bullets. Love the LRX and TTSX. NOW 99% OF MY RELOADS ARE WITH BARNES.
You’re 100 percent correct about the moose . Cows with calves hang out near water to escape predators. Bulls like high ridges with dark timber to bed in with willow below to come out and feed in.
Thanks again Ron. Your advice and knowledge is incredible. As an inline muzzleloader Hunter in September, a bow Hunter in November, and a rifle Hunter in December, your videos have educated me for my next grand plan. 7mm-08 it is for my son’s first (and maybe only) whitetail deer rifle . I’m a 30-06 guy myself, but that’s what I grew up with, and I have a special relationship with this rifle. I’ll be watching you for more 7mm-08 videos. Appreciate all your information!
Ron Love the channel and content! I was never a believer in copper bullets until I hunted a few different species of animals here in Africa with Barnes TSX and TTSX in my Tikka 308. What stood out to me right away is the penetration and good blood trails on almost all of the shots. So for most of my hunting ons larger game I will choose Barnes... and something softer and cheaper for Varminting ect. Regards Dave
I totally agree with the Barnes! As a side bar, I also like the Sierra Game Kings. A wired plus is in my rifles so far they both shoot to the same point of impact with the same hand loads. I’ve only “lost” one animal and that was with a Hornady.
My favorite bullet for White tail and mule deer is the Remington core lock. I've had more DRTs with core locks than any other bullet. Never had anything go more than 30yrd. Very fond of Nosler Accubonds and partitions. Barnes TSX when Elk sized game is involved. But Core locks of appropriate weight have never left me disappointed.
Hammer! So thankful for there availability Barnes! Thank you Barnes for the innovation and technology research, opened so many doors. ???nosler??? Just don’t know that last projectile Ron, but looking forward to learning! Thanks for another great video!
Ron, I would really like to hear your thoughts on the 338 calibers as it relates to big N.A. game, the pros and cons of 338 lapua, 338 win mag and 338 rum. I think there's enough to talk about to spend a few minutes to discuss.
I'd also like to hear his take on the 338s. Ron is generally a 400 yard or less kind of guy, so I'd say he would be partial to the 338 Win Mag. It has fairly ideal impact velocities from 0-450 yards with 225 grain bullets. The RUM, Lapua, Edge, and 338-378 each have their pros and cons but offer better performance with 250-300 grain bullets, and would be better choices for hunting beyond 500 yards. The 338 Lapua Improved is probably the best overall performer for long range stuff if you don't mind the extra leg work of shooting a non-commercial cartridge. The 338-06 is actually a very good hunting round for 300 yards or less, but never gained much popularity with the 35 Whelen being readily available and having similar performance.
I have had a problem with tipped bullets with soft tips. When seating the bullet the soft tip crushes. The seating depth varies and some time the tip comes off. 😊
I'm 48yrs old. My Dad and I have always used Nosler partition and Remington core lokt. However, here in CA, we have no choice but to use copper nowadays. Brarnes LRX and ttsx are up to par for me, in accuracy, energy transfer, and pentration; as Ron said, not having to deal with bullet fragments in my meat is a huge plus.
I've always stuck with Nosler Partition, hasn't let me down. Very accurate and does the job for my Moose hunting! As close as I can get for a clean headshot. Very great for taking Alaskan Big Game😁
I gave up Barnes copper bullets a LONG time ago due to excessive barrel fouling. Maybe something has changed in the last decade or so, but the excessive fouling was a very common and well known issue among reloaders and precision shooters who put more than a few rounds down their barrels. I'm talking about a "high-end" very smooth custom barrel. I'm not interested in spending the amount of time and effort to get the copper out after shooting those things. I've got a few boxes sitting on my shelf...
Hi Ron! I live and hunt in Pennsylvania USA and we have 2 seperate black powder seasons- early muzzle load in October allows any bp rifle including modern scoped in-lines. And late season primitive flintlock only in late December/January.
The Nosler partition is the gold standard. The bullet all others are compared to. The Barnes alloy TTSX, LRX are the new kids on the block. For a cheap, yet effective, hunting bullet, the Hornady interlocks are what a lot of us consider the "poor man's partition". There are many excellent bullets out there right now, but that is where I put my hard earned money.. What some guys don't understand, is you don't need a "controlled expansion" premium bullet, to kill a deer or elk. Most times the Hornady interlock will suffice.. and for the money, they are damn hard to beat.
Stick with Nosler or Hornaday traditional bullets, I am forced to use Nonlead in Calif. and hate them. When I go out of state, I'm able to use good bullets
I started handloading in the late 80s, early 90s got my favorites chosen out, so I stocked up as the case lots were cheap after hunting season closed, so I've not changed much, Barnes, Nosler, Sierra for my 270 Win depending on target, all the way from Yotes, to Moose. again it was what my target was.
I've also switched exclusively to copper bullets for hunting. There's really no disadvantage as long as you're pushing them at high velocity. I've discovered at least for deer that grain weight and sectional density don't matter. My pet deer combos are 6.5creed/127 lrx, 7mm-08 120 ttsx, 308win/130 ttsx, 7mm rm/120 ttsx, and 300wm/150ttsx. I kind of want to try the 130 ttsx in my 300wm as well. I like shoulder shots as they will always go through and break both shoulders in my experience. I feel like this is the best way to use coppers, although they work fine behind the shoulder as well, just not as quick a kill as lead in that scenario. When I shot lead bullets, I shot Nosler exclusively. Never had a failure with any of them. I had one jacket separation on a 140 ballistic tip from a 7mm mag at 3100 fps, but tge animal fell dead where it stood. Not sure what happened, but I shot a 300 plus pound boar through both shoulders with the same load and it exited and anchored that beast. I know they work, it just changed my thinking when I saw all the x-rays of ground game meat with lead fragments all throughout them. Like you wouldn't drink water you knew had lead in it right?
@@scbane If you shoot low in the shoulder maybe. I shoot the point of the blade (high shoulder), and there's really not much meat there. It also usually breaks the spine and gives bang flop deaths. Occasionally I do lose a little meat, but I feel the instant death and lack of tracking are worth it as I hunt a pretty small piece of property. Also, the bullets I use don't come apart like a lead one does and the meat damage isn't usually as bad as you'd expect.
@@bobgordon1754 I'm going to try it eventually in my 300wm. I've seen a video on here of a guy firing it from a 30-378 weatherby into 3 or 4 feet of wet newspaper with 2x4's on each end and it didn't come apart from that abuse, so I'm pretty sure it'll be okay. I have a bunch of other new loads to try out this season, so it may get pushed to next year, but I'm going to try it.
@@robertmajors1737 I've tested it in water and on game. In water it expands to more than double the caliber. I shot a very large whitetail doe through the ribs. I was afraid even with a rib shot I might ruin some meat but only damaged the ribs. It sucked most of the lungs out the exit hole which was about the size of a silver dollar. I would not be afraid to use that bullet on anything.
Nosler Ballistic Tip, Nosler Partition, Hornady DGX. I carry fine steel wool to clean up the tips on a Partition. Never had a Partition Fail. I also like Sift Bullets both A-Frame and Scirocco II, Speer Grand Slam, Norma Oryx, Woodleigh. Hornady SST and Sierra HPBT for varmints. Chose the bullet for the game you are hunting, the conditions you are hunting them in, and most Important, put it in the right place.
I also like the Barnes bullets. I've been using them for years since before the TTSX and have had excellent results in .223, 6.5 Grendel, and 308. I was sort of caught with my pants down while hog hunting in South Texas. A huge Aoudad appeared out of nowhere and I was using a 6.5 Grendel with tiny 100-grain Barnes TTSX bullets running about 2,800 FPS instead of my preferred 308. I took a quartering away shot at about 150 yards and that huge beast only went about 75 yards. It ended up being a 31-inch ram that weighed over 300 pounds. Great performance for what I would consider being undergunned.
Barnes TTSX, Sierra Gameking BTSP, Nosler Accubond and an honorable mention to Norma ORYX. A lot of people look at the Sierra as being something grandpa used but not applicable today. While they may not be as aerodynamic as many newer bullets, they still hold their own. Not to mention they are known for their great accuracy and consistency. My 7mag has taken elk out to 500 yards with a 160gr Sierra. And the ORYX performs like a Nosler Partition but with the accuracy of the Sierra.
When I think about it I have to say the largest animal I have ever harvested was with the smallest bullet I usually use. In years past I have butchered a few beef steers that weighed over 1000 pounds and were all put down with a .22 long rifle and a 40 grain round nose bullet. Each one dropped straight to the ground. All these newer bullets are great with some great science involved with them but the old ones still work very well. The new solids are at this time to expensive for me to seriously consider.
CVA HMR Paramount is the best muzzleoader I've ever owned. It's capable of killing a whitetail consistently at 400 yards and shoots sub MOA on 3 shot groups at 100
As far as Barnes Bullets and monolithic bullets go, the bigger the meplat, the faster expansion you'll get. Tip construction on those bullets is very important...
@@duckwacker8720 180 gr AB from Nosler shoots better than 165gr AB. Another good shooing bullet is 168 gr Classic Hunter from Berger. 2680 PFS and shoots in less than 1/2 inch at 100 yards.
Last week a friend and I went on a moose hunt in Maine. We both have 300win mag. He was using 200gn Barnes vortex. I was using my 180gn interloc reloads. I shot a 675# bull one shot in the chest 165 yards. He shot a 475# bull at 40 yards it took 4 shots with a final spine shot to anchor it.
Best longer distance big game bullet for 30-06 Are the nosler accubond LR bullets IN 190 or 210 grain Hands down As long as they shoot well out of your rifle they blow away lighter bullets at distance from 400 yds d beyond in energy And they expand well at lower 30-06 velocities They are long ramge hammers
REMINGTON CORE LOKT: They use to be Available for Reloaders, Not anymore, Not for along Time. Apparently, they are the Toughest cup and Core Bullet. Since Remington doesn't have a Patent on them, and Refuse to make Available, How about a Major Bullet Mfg, Make an Exact spec Bullet; Match it exact.
You’re behind Ron. Our first archery season is already closed here in ca. Waiting on rifle opener on the second Saturday of this month. Will be using the 156g Hammer hunters again this year.
That's right. I forgot you guys like to hunt in the heat! I've taken a couple of CA blacktails and feral hogs and sweated every time. Hope you get one!
Can’t say we like it but we don’t have much choice. Share the blacktail hunts with us sometime. Thanks Ron. Oh and don’t for get to share the results of your hammers on game. And take lots of pics. We like visuals.
I just bought some Hornady CX (Outfitter & Superformance) and Barnes LRX (VOR-TX) ammo. Gonna clean my X-Bolt barrel and see if it likes one better than the others.
Ditto on the barnes copper monos. The 168gr TTSX at 3000fps MV works wonders on Moose. I recently set up a 708 for my youngest son as a training/target/junior hunting rifle and the 150gr ELDX is great for that application. They are way less expensive than copper monos and they are precise with high BC… so great for both high volume long range target practice and perfectly adequate on deer hunts. One load for everything… so convenient and economical and accurate.
Its been my go to hunting cal.for 35 yrs out of 22 elk only had to do one follow up shot and it wasn't the bullets fault ,as I pull the trigger my body stepped up on the bumper of the truck I was using for a rest,the bullet tapped a pine tree at about 150 yds the elk was around 250yds and the bullet key holed into the elk that was the only follow up shot
Good tips on moose hunting. One small thing from my experience, ok two tips: keep the meat on the bone for as long as possible. If you got swamps and other nasty places to trek through you want the meat protected. Leaving the hide on quarters helps immensely-of course this is only if its an option. Second, havalon and a small very sharp axe are excellent options. The work with moose really only starts when the animal is on the ground.
An effective bonded bullet. Soft, pure lead core, as I understand it, but since it's molecularly bonded to the jacket, the two parts stay together. However, since the core is so soft, you can and often do lose significant mass to erosion against hair, hide, meat, and bone. This can reduce penetration. I rank Fusion and similar bonded bullets with gilding metal jackets as one step above cup/cores, one step below partitioned or thicker jacketed bondeds.
The .303 British went from a 215 grain bullet to 154 grain as propellant changed and to gain better efficiency. Your comment on preparing for the hunting season made me smile since here in the UK🇬🇧 we have some deer species or gender in season all year round.
308 vs 6.5C for deer. Depends on the distance. If under 300 yards either works. If cost is a factor then 308. If you can spend a little more for ammo 6.5C.
I have used the Barnes bullets in many calibers since the early 2000’s and have had 1 failure. I shot a doe antelope ( 85 lbs live weight ) with a 416 Rigby shooting a Barnes 350 gr.TX and hit the shoulder and the bullet fragmented. I found copper fragments all the way back in the rear hams and the shank never penetrated thru the animal. The doe actual ran about 75 yards and then cartwheeled end over end like lightning struck it. That doe was running on 3 legs as when I skinned the doe the whole front leg fell off with the hide. I had a crowd of people around camp come to see the antelope shot with a elephant rifle. That is the only Barnes bullet I ever used come apart. Still a MYSTERY !!
I've been using nothing but Barnes since 08 and they have treated me well in what would be considered small for use calibers. I need to play with the Hornady cx line some as they claim theirs fly better but who knows.
For a lead core bullet I really like the Speer hot core. Very tough bullet and easy to get good accuracy with in my experience. I also like the Barnes ttsx in the truly high velocity rounds, it strikes like lightning in the 25/06AI… Honestly how fast you push it and where you place it is more important than the name on the box it came in. I could hunt the rest of my life with the hotcore bullets on anything in North America and be perfectly content.
Hearing Ron say the 308 might be good for something almost makes me giddy. I almost thought I heard him say hunt moose with a 223 but I'm sure that was just my awful hearing at my advanced age.
I used to know a guy with perfect eyesight who was a game warden on a military base in Texas. All he hunted whitetail with was the .223. Guy was a real hawk eye and only took spine shots in the neck. Not much penetration required there on a moose, either. The shock is what kills. The spinal cord is a vulnerable ‘organ’, almost like the brain . But, he had to pass up a few shots too. Now, I killed my first deer, with a 30-30, the same way, but he was too close, 15 yards, and my placement was high. I saw him a long time before he got there, and he never saw me at all. Still hit him, but missed the spine a little. Killed him as dead as a door nail anyway.
@@johncox2865 I know a guy who is special forces airborne did tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. He's a real bad a** guy. He wounded a doe last year with a 30-30 and lost her in thick cover. Dog couldn't find her either. He lost a deer the year before with his wife's 270 and he's a certified sniper. So, anything can happen(even to guys who jump out of planes.)
@@hrdrockfarm8948 several years ago I was less than 40 yards from a doe. Shot her directly in the breast plate facing at me with a .270 WSM loaded with 130 grain soft points. The shot was perfect. Never found the deer 🦌 and to the day I don’t know how that deer wasn’t dead.
@@DaveL9170 she probably was. You just didn't find her. My point is in the best of circumstances, bad things happen. There's no reason to start out undergunned.
Rite now the accubond is my favorite I have recovered two both under the skin on the off side shoulder and both of them were over 250 yards I have 7 1 shot kills with them 1 deer I had to use a finishing shot all with a 25 WSSM I LOVE IT
I had great success with 162-gr. SSTs in a 7mm Rem. Mag. on kudu at 330 yards, blesbok at about 200, bushbuck & springbuck inside of 200, a gray duiker -- but then a 150-yard shot to the boiler room of a little impala resulted in a long run and search. Finally had to hire the jack russell terrier to track the ram down. It was still on its feet! Bullet impacted right behind the shoulder. Should have been deadly. The "shock kills" school would have insisted a 7mm Rem. Mag. would have absolutely flattened that little ram. The "breaking up" bullet school would have voted for rapid bleed out. Yet that ram defied both to prove, once again, that there is no perfect bullet, no consistent performance that "works everytime." Hunters must be ready to track, shoot again, expect the unexpected and keep an open mind.
As well, reloader 26 with the 270 win will get you 3100 fps with 150gr bullet. Ask Randy Selby, he will agree with this statement. New powders do give reloaders higher velocity with lower pressures. Just have to do your research.
I also know a guy name Jess that said he got 0.3" MOA groups with Reloader 26 at 3,300 ft/s with a 130 grain bullet out of his 270 Winchester, with a 24" barrel! 🔥
Velocity isn't the solution to everything. New powders are not necessary to reach high velocity. IMR 4350 will push a 150 bullet from a 30-06 at 3000 fps but it's not necessarily what I want in a hunting rifle.
Ron, I've been hunting 62 years and like you love using different calibers. I don't reload and my wallet and I benefit greatly from information in your podcast. I'm hunting with a patriot 7m 08 and typically in Pennsylvania don't get shots past 100 to 150 yards. What copper bullet do you suggest and what powder, if I can find a knowledgeable reloader.
Ron, a subject I think would be a big hit on your channel is a discussion about trajectory when shooting uphill or downhill. How does that affect bullet travel. I have always been a bit confused about it.
Another tip for hunting in bear country (especially grizzly) keep your wits about you, grizzlies can learn gunshots=carcass and they can be incredibly quiet for their size, it’s the last thing you want to find standing behind you when your rifle isn’t in your hands.
Barnes are good but they're limited in their operating window. Fine for short to mid range. But I prefer Bergers because they do really well across the entire spectrum. No issues punching through out to 750 in my tests. A bullet that's meant to fragment INSIDE big game is almost more effective than a bonded I've found. Massive trauma.
Meat Eater did a good comparison of cup and core, bonded and monolithic bullets. The monolithic failed to expand at 300 yards and beyond. Look at the Norma Bondstrike ammo. It outperforms all of the major brands from a velocity, energy, drop and wind drift.
I've been partial to Nosler partition bullets for most of my hunting. They have been good performers so I see no reason to change.
Same here.
No BC!
@@MarktheSharkC BC means nothing withing ethical distances.
@@22vampyre my ethical distance must be way further than you! Learn to shoot!
My dad and uncle told me 25 years ago Nosler Partition is all you'll ever need .
When the Accubond came out they said the only bullets you'll ever need is Nosler Partition and Accubond lol..
Federal Premium TLR Edge works extremely well at longer ranges . IMO the TLR EDGE performs better than the ELDX , or Accubond Long Range ..
I'm really not a fan of the ELDX in general except for 6mm ARC. I've had extremely good results with 103g ELDX on hoggs and whitetail.
The nosler accubound has done real well in my 3006! I hunt everything with it and hand load mine for my tight groups
Ron Now this is one of the best presentation that I have seen in a while .for me it's the 308. When I first entered the world of Muzzleloader hunting I bought a CVA Apollo in line next thing it was a Traditional Muzzleloader by Traditions 1 & 66 twist patched Round balls. I have more sense of accomplishment when I harvest a Deer.
As a 7mm-08 fan, loved the mention.
7mm bullets are my favorite for whitetail. My Tikka 7mm-08 was sub moa straight out of the box.
The best bullet I've used when hand loading is the nosler ballistic tip hunting bullet. Great penetration and humane harvests. The best factory bullet I've used in my 270 win is Winchester double x pointed soft point. I've recovered a couple bullets from deer that were quartered towards me and away from me and the weight retention was around 80% with a beautiful mushroom. Regardless of the bullet or caliber, the key is a well-placed shot.
Hornady's Interlock seems to do fine for me in my 30-06. And the 170 corlokt in my 30 wcf.
Thank you Ron, again, for an excellent presentation. I’m a whitetail hunter exclusively and have been stuck on the 308 since I upgraded from the 300 Savage years ago, I hunt in woods not much in meadows. You’re probably already zeroing in on my age so at 69 I find that I share your romance with traditional all the way from recurves & longbows to traditional style muzzle loaders.
Keep up the great work and thank you for sharing.
I've been using the Accubond bullets in a couple different calibers and they do exactly what a bullet should do. They are Accurate, Penetrate, Expand and Exit. APEE
My favorite bullet in the .300 weatherby is the 200 grain accubond.
I’m 63 years old been hunting for over 50 years Elk mule deer whitetail and love coyote hunting Barnes ttsx for me
Honestly this will be an unpopular opinion. But the the sierra gameking has been an absolutely amazing bullet in my hunting career. You just have to make sure you shoot the right weight of bullet for the game you are shooting. Sometimes the bullet exits the animal, other times the jacket and core separate, and other times the jacket and core hold together. But everytime I have pulled the trigger with a gameking down the pipe, I have found my animal. What more can an ethical hunter ask for?
Gamekings and prohunters are great hunting bullets. They’re not fancy. They just work.
Know your bullet and where to put it.
Sierra has been making high quality bullets for many years. The .358 cal. Sierra Gameking in my .35 Whelen is the best looking bullet I have ever loaded and it sure does the job. 225 grains at a muzzle of 2816 fps produces just under 4000 pound feet of energy and the elk have trouble digesting it. That big bore creates a nice wound channel and the sweet spot velocity keeps capillary damage low if I can avoid hitting big bones.
Here in north europe i hunt with copper bullets, Lapua Naturalis and Sako Blade. No led to food. All the calibers 6,5-9,3 that i use they work as they are planned to work
Barnes TTSX bullets are by far my favourites.
For all kinds of cartridges and animals.
yes. turns .223 into an absolute hammer for hogs here in Florida.
@@jwilsonhandmadeknives2760
It is just amazing how the ttsx bullet has transformed the tiny 223 into a proper hunting cartridge.
Before the 223 was to stretch it to use it on deer as well, but with the ttsx bullet, the 223 is perfectly fine to use on deer.
@@The_Judge300 agree 100%.
I have to agree on the Barnes, its all I've been using the past 5 years... they kill really fast.
Federal Terminal Accent in 155 should definitely enter the conversation. Excellent bullet choose for 7 REM Mag out here on the plains.
Love TA. Great bullet from Federal
I’ve had good luck with Hornady SST & Nosler BT. And if I need a tougher bullet, Barnes TTSX & Hornady Cx/gmx.
The Partition was always my go to bullet. But I've not been able to find enough of them of late to sneeze at and have started working with the copper bullets. I got hooked.
If you really want a fun hunt with a muzzleloader, get a double barrel shotgun and go pheasant hunting. That is the muzzleloader hunt most guys look for but don't know exists. Your dog will have fun too. Thanks for the vid.
I been loading Nosler Partition 180s for my 30'06. I got a good moose load! I take headshots from 25 to 50 yards to save the Rib meat. Rib meat is very priceless!
I've been using barnes for awhile and I'm happy with them. Barnes Vortex factory loads are very well finished and assembled. Also Hornady SST is a great whitetail round. Trophy copper isn't bad either IMO. I've used barnes sabots for 30 years in my muzzleloaders and they really are outstanding.
The technology is great for efficiency, but traditional ways do give you a large increase in satisfaction as far as muzzleloaders, open sights, old cast hand loaded ammo, hunting techniques.
Great video
I use 150g 308 Win and I got anything as light as fallow deer and heavier deer like Sambar and elks and oh boy let me tell you that they dropped on spots. If you know where to put your shot on than you don’t need any bigger caliber.
The .308 is such a workhorse with allow such a wide variety of loads, bullets, and powders that it is my choice.
The 7mm-08 is just perfect for deer. I don't know why I hate the .308 and love the little 7 but it's just better. For deer ranges it does have the best numbers.
I love my 308s but there is something special about that 7. Everyone else must think so too because they are fairly hard to find now in a better rifle.
7mm-08 is a superior cartridge to .308 Win., though not dramatically different. Biggest disadvantage to 7mm-08 is that nobody makes a factory target load for it, which is really where the 7mm can shine.
Even though the .308 is a wonderful caliber I also don't really care for it. I used to have one and loaded a lot of ammo for it. A .308 has a perfect combination of elements that make it a very accurate cartridge. The 7mm-08 is very nice. That .284 bullet really shines. I do not have a 7mm-08 but I do have a 7mm mauser and a .275 Rigby which are almost identical in ballistics to the 7mm-08. Even though I have taken elk with other caliber firearms I took the two largest ever with the 7mm mauser and 140 grain bullets. To really get the best from almost any rifle it's good to handload.
@@russellkeeling4387 7mm-08 is what the T65/7.62x51 should have been.
139gr service rifle load, 154-162gr Sniper/DM/LMG load. Throat life is very similar to 7.62 NATO, as 7mm-08 isn't overbore. Great little cartridge.
I haven't figured this out but I've been paying attention to your writings and sports afield magazines and all that long before Internet and you're still going, you're not much older than me at all but man everything you say is spot on. I do not proclaim to be an expert politician because I have no paperwork to prove it. But I can quote virtually Every caliber with every powder, with every bullet weight and the drop of each one of every range, and you have been in the forefront of all my studies though I have taken them to a far deeper level. I love watching your videos because your videos are probably the only ones on the Internet that are as close to 100% accurate as can possibly be done. I speak this from over a half a century of continuing studies. It is obvious that you and I are of the same mindset but I am more focused on shooting and not talking about it as I am very thankful that there is someone like you to talk about it. Hats off to you my friend you are totally correct about 80% of the time.
Nosler Partitions, Accubonds, and Accubond LR handloads work for me. Also Sierra Gamechangers, and Barnes TTSX and LRX handloads too
Between the 6.5 Creedmoor and the 308 Winchester, that’s a no-brainer. The 308 Winchester is light years ahead of the 6.5 need more. My bullet selection, Nosler, partition, combined technology, or Nosler, ballistic silvertip, Nosler ballistic tip, or Nosler accubond in that order. My preferred caliber 270 win. 308 win. 7mm Rem mag. 3006 Springfield.
For years my reloading bench only had Nosler Partition bullets. Lately I've really like the Barnes bullets. Love the LRX and TTSX. NOW 99% OF MY RELOADS ARE WITH BARNES.
Guessing from the thumbnail, Hammer Hunter, Barnes TTSX, Nosler Accubond/LR.
You're good, Elliot!
The Accubond is the ultimate hunting projectile. Darned thing puts animals down QUICKLY!!!!
@@DaveL9170 I don’t know about ultimate. We have a plethora of excellent bullets nowadays. The accubond is definitely a great bullet though.
You guessed well!!
Actually, the Accubond is just that, not the Long Range version. Those all have gray tips.
You’re 100 percent correct about the moose . Cows with calves hang out near water to escape predators. Bulls like high ridges with dark timber to bed in with willow below to come out and feed in.
Thanks again Ron.
Your advice and knowledge is incredible.
As an inline muzzleloader Hunter in September, a bow Hunter in November, and a rifle Hunter in December, your videos have educated me for my next grand plan. 7mm-08 it is for my son’s first (and maybe only) whitetail deer rifle . I’m a 30-06 guy myself, but that’s what I grew up with, and I have a special relationship with this rifle.
I’ll be watching you for more 7mm-08 videos.
Appreciate all your information!
Ron
Love the channel and content!
I was never a believer in copper bullets until I hunted a few different species of animals here in Africa with Barnes TSX and TTSX in my Tikka 308.
What stood out to me right away is the penetration and good blood trails on almost all of the shots. So for most of my hunting ons larger game I will choose Barnes... and something softer and cheaper for Varminting ect.
Regards
Dave
I totally agree with the Barnes! As a side bar, I also like the Sierra Game Kings. A wired plus is in my rifles so far they both shoot to the same point of impact with the same hand loads. I’ve only “lost” one animal and that was with a Hornady.
My favorite bullet for White tail and mule deer is the Remington core lock. I've had more DRTs with core locks than any other bullet. Never had anything go more than 30yrd. Very fond of Nosler Accubonds and partitions. Barnes TSX when Elk sized game is involved. But Core locks of appropriate weight have never left me disappointed.
And they always seem to be some of the most accurate loads for it being so cheap
Hammer! So thankful for there availability
Barnes! Thank you Barnes for the innovation and technology research, opened so many doors.
???nosler??? Just don’t know that last projectile Ron, but looking forward to learning! Thanks for another great video!
I may try Barnes this year for the first time in rifles. My Tikka 7mm-08 is getting .75 with the TTSX in 120 grain. But I love ballistic tips.
I'm fast becoming a fan of the 120 gr TTSX in the 7mm-08 myself.
@@MrProngytung my first season with them was a success. Shot 3 deer and two only made it 15 feet.
Ron, I would really like to hear your thoughts on the 338 calibers as it relates to big N.A. game, the pros and cons of 338 lapua, 338 win mag and 338 rum. I think there's enough to talk about to spend a few minutes to discuss.
I'd also like to hear his take on the 338s. Ron is generally a 400 yard or less kind of guy, so I'd say he would be partial to the 338 Win Mag. It has fairly ideal impact velocities from 0-450 yards with 225 grain bullets. The RUM, Lapua, Edge, and 338-378 each have their pros and cons but offer better performance with 250-300 grain bullets, and would be better choices for hunting beyond 500 yards. The 338 Lapua Improved is probably the best overall performer for long range stuff if you don't mind the extra leg work of shooting a non-commercial cartridge. The 338-06 is actually a very good hunting round for 300 yards or less, but never gained much popularity with the 35 Whelen being readily available and having similar performance.
I have had a problem with tipped bullets with soft tips. When seating the bullet the soft tip crushes. The seating depth varies and some time the tip comes off. 😊
I'm 48yrs old. My Dad and I have always used Nosler partition and Remington core lokt. However, here in CA, we have no choice but to use copper nowadays. Brarnes LRX and ttsx are up to par for me, in accuracy, energy transfer, and pentration; as Ron said, not having to deal with bullet fragments in my meat is a huge plus.
Ron's Answers: copper, Barnes X, hunter hammer bullets, accubond nosler bullets
Moose hunting, BC, Prophet River, Musqwa River, in a small river boat, see elk too. Once in a lifetime hunt.
I've always stuck with Nosler Partition, hasn't let me down. Very accurate and does the job for my Moose hunting!
As close as I can get for a clean headshot.
Very great for taking Alaskan Big Game😁
I gave up Barnes copper bullets a LONG time ago due to excessive barrel fouling. Maybe something has changed in the last decade or so, but the excessive fouling was a very common and well known issue among reloaders and precision shooters who put more than a few rounds down their barrels. I'm talking about a "high-end" very smooth custom barrel. I'm not interested in spending the amount of time and effort to get the copper out after shooting those things. I've got a few boxes sitting on my shelf...
Hi Ron! I live and hunt in Pennsylvania USA and we have 2 seperate black powder seasons- early muzzle load in October allows any bp rifle including modern scoped in-lines. And late season primitive flintlock only in late December/January.
Terminal Ascent by Federal is my go too
Thank you for being a great, humble, kind man, Ron. It comes through in your conversations.
The Nosler partition is the gold standard. The bullet all others are compared to. The Barnes alloy TTSX, LRX are the new kids on the block. For a cheap, yet effective, hunting bullet, the Hornady interlocks are what a lot of us consider the "poor man's partition". There are many excellent bullets out there right now, but that is where I put my hard earned money.. What some guys don't understand, is you don't need a "controlled expansion" premium bullet, to kill a deer or elk. Most times the Hornady interlock will suffice.. and for the money, they are damn hard to beat.
Stick with Nosler or Hornaday traditional bullets, I am forced to use Nonlead in Calif. and hate them. When I go out of state, I'm able to use good bullets
I started handloading in the late 80s, early 90s got my favorites chosen out, so I stocked up as the case lots were cheap after hunting season closed, so I've not changed much, Barnes, Nosler, Sierra for my 270 Win depending on target, all the way from Yotes, to Moose. again it was what my target was.
What I’ve come to appreciate as my 3 choices for hunting bullets.
No.1 Noslet Partition
No.2 Barnes TSX or TTSX
No.3 Hornady Interlock
I've also switched exclusively to copper bullets for hunting. There's really no disadvantage as long as you're pushing them at high velocity. I've discovered at least for deer that grain weight and sectional density don't matter. My pet deer combos are 6.5creed/127 lrx, 7mm-08 120 ttsx, 308win/130 ttsx, 7mm rm/120 ttsx, and 300wm/150ttsx. I kind of want to try the 130 ttsx in my 300wm as well. I like shoulder shots as they will always go through and break both shoulders in my experience. I feel like this is the best way to use coppers, although they work fine behind the shoulder as well, just not as quick a kill as lead in that scenario. When I shot lead bullets, I shot Nosler exclusively. Never had a failure with any of them. I had one jacket separation on a 140 ballistic tip from a 7mm mag at 3100 fps, but tge animal fell dead where it stood. Not sure what happened, but I shot a 300 plus pound boar through both shoulders with the same load and it exited and anchored that beast. I know they work, it just changed my thinking when I saw all the x-rays of ground game meat with lead fragments all throughout them. Like you wouldn't drink water you knew had lead in it right?
You like shoulder shots? So, rather than waste a bit of rib meat, you prefer bloodshot/wasted meat on the order of 15-20% of the total meat weight.
@@scbane If you shoot low in the shoulder maybe. I shoot the point of the blade (high shoulder), and there's really not much meat there. It also usually breaks the spine and gives bang flop deaths. Occasionally I do lose a little meat, but I feel the instant death and lack of tracking are worth it as I hunt a pretty small piece of property. Also, the bullets I use don't come apart like a lead one does and the meat damage isn't usually as bad as you'd expect.
I've used the 130 grain TTSX in a .30/06 at top end and the results are impressive.
@@bobgordon1754 I'm going to try it eventually in my 300wm. I've seen a video on here of a guy firing it from a 30-378 weatherby into 3 or 4 feet of wet newspaper with 2x4's on each end and it didn't come apart from that abuse, so I'm pretty sure it'll be okay. I have a bunch of other new loads to try out this season, so it may get pushed to next year, but I'm going to try it.
@@robertmajors1737 I've tested it in water and on game. In water it expands to more than double the caliber. I shot a very large whitetail doe through the ribs. I was afraid even with a rib shot I might ruin some meat but only damaged the ribs. It sucked most of the lungs out the exit hole which was about the size of a silver dollar. I would not be afraid to use that bullet on anything.
Federal terminal ascent , Barns ttsx , nosler accubond . I’d like to try the hammer bullets
Nosler Ballistic Tip, Nosler Partition, Hornady DGX. I carry fine steel wool to clean up the tips on a Partition. Never had a Partition Fail.
I also like Sift Bullets both A-Frame and Scirocco II, Speer Grand Slam, Norma Oryx, Woodleigh. Hornady SST and Sierra HPBT for varmints. Chose the bullet for the game you are hunting, the conditions you are hunting them in, and most
Important, put it in the right place.
I know a man that has took every big game animal in the with a scout rifle in .308 decades ago. Shot placement trumps ALL!
I also like the Barnes bullets. I've been using them for years since before the TTSX and have had excellent results in .223, 6.5 Grendel, and 308. I was sort of caught with my pants down while hog hunting in South Texas. A huge Aoudad appeared out of nowhere and I was using a 6.5 Grendel with tiny 100-grain Barnes TTSX bullets running about 2,800 FPS instead of my preferred 308. I took a quartering away shot at about 150 yards and that huge beast only went about 75 yards. It ended up being a 31-inch ram that weighed over 300 pounds. Great performance for what I would consider being undergunned.
Barnes TTSX, Sierra Gameking BTSP, Nosler Accubond and an honorable mention to Norma ORYX. A lot of people look at the Sierra as being something grandpa used but not applicable today. While they may not be as aerodynamic as many newer bullets, they still hold their own. Not to mention they are known for their great accuracy and consistency. My 7mag has taken elk out to 500 yards with a 160gr Sierra. And the ORYX performs like a Nosler Partition but with the accuracy of the Sierra.
When I think about it I have to say the largest animal I have ever harvested was with the smallest bullet I usually use. In years past I have butchered a few beef steers that weighed over 1000 pounds and were all put down with a .22 long rifle and a 40 grain round nose bullet. Each one dropped straight to the ground. All these newer bullets are great with some great science involved with them but the old ones still work very well. The new solids are at this time to expensive for me to seriously consider.
CVA HMR Paramount is the best muzzleoader I've ever owned. It's capable of killing a whitetail consistently at 400 yards and shoots sub MOA on 3 shot groups at 100
As far as Barnes Bullets and monolithic bullets go, the bigger the meplat, the faster expansion you'll get. Tip construction on those bullets is very important...
Try a small chest freezer with a small generator instead of coolers
The nosler accubond reloader and I've tried basically every bullet on the market
for my 308 win 180 gr Accubond at 2570 fps with 45 gr of Varget, 20 inch barrel rifle
No reason for 180gr. Go to 165gr.
@@duckwacker8720 180 gr AB from Nosler shoots better than 165gr AB. Another good shooing bullet is 168 gr Classic Hunter from Berger. 2680 PFS and shoots in less than 1/2 inch at 100 yards.
Last week a friend and I went on a moose hunt in Maine. We both have 300win mag. He was using 200gn Barnes vortex. I was using my 180gn interloc reloads. I shot a 675# bull one shot in the chest 165 yards. He shot a 475# bull at 40 yards it took 4 shots with a final spine shot to anchor it.
I suspect the Barnes were not expanding.
Best longer distance big game bullet for 30-06
Are the nosler accubond LR bullets
IN 190 or 210 grain
Hands down
As long as they shoot well out of your rifle they blow away lighter bullets at distance from 400 yds d beyond in energy
And they expand well at lower 30-06 velocities
They are long ramge hammers
I am toying with the idea of trying the hammer.30 and .338. I would like to see accuracy and chronograph numbers.
The last 5 deer I shot with a .308 shouted out "Pizzas" as they collapsed. No disrespect to Ron, but I'll take the deer's word for it!
REMINGTON CORE LOKT: They use to be Available for Reloaders, Not anymore, Not for along Time. Apparently, they are the Toughest cup and Core Bullet. Since Remington doesn't have a Patent on them, and Refuse to make Available, How about a Major Bullet Mfg, Make an Exact spec Bullet; Match it exact.
You’re behind Ron. Our first archery season is already closed here in ca. Waiting on rifle opener on the second Saturday of this month. Will be using the 156g Hammer hunters again this year.
That's right. I forgot you guys like to hunt in the heat! I've taken a couple of CA blacktails and feral hogs and sweated every time. Hope you get one!
Can’t say we like it but we don’t have much choice.
Share the blacktail hunts with us sometime.
Thanks Ron.
Oh and don’t for get to share the results of your hammers on game. And take lots of pics. We like visuals.
I just bought some Hornady CX (Outfitter & Superformance) and Barnes LRX (VOR-TX) ammo.
Gonna clean my X-Bolt barrel and see if it likes one better than the others.
I agree, I'm 55 and I love flintlocks nothing against those who hunt in lines
Since I've begun making my own gun powder I've been considering the purchase of a good flintlock or one of those kits to make my own caps.
Nosler Accubond LR & Hornady ELD-X and Sub-X for subsonics.
Ditto on the barnes copper monos. The 168gr TTSX at 3000fps MV works wonders on Moose.
I recently set up a 708 for my youngest son as a training/target/junior hunting rifle and the 150gr ELDX is great for that application. They are way less expensive than copper monos and they are precise with high BC… so great for both high volume long range target practice and perfectly adequate on deer hunts. One load for everything… so convenient and economical and accurate.
What about a full episode on bullets!!! I learn so much from you Mr Spomer, I really respect your knowledge and honesty!
Love the content please do a video dedicated to the 264 win mag
Please
Its been my go to hunting cal.for 35 yrs out of 22 elk only had to do one follow up shot and it wasn't the bullets fault ,as I pull the trigger my body stepped up on the bumper of the truck I was using for a rest,the bullet tapped a pine tree at about 150 yds the elk was around 250yds and the bullet key holed into the elk that was the only follow up shot
Or the 6.5-06 🙂
i agree! ive shot over 1500 red deer with 7mm08 and 120gr ttsx and thats jjust the 7m08....
Good tips on moose hunting. One small thing from my experience, ok two tips: keep the meat on the bone for as long as possible. If you got swamps and other nasty places to trek through you want the meat protected. Leaving the hide on quarters helps immensely-of course this is only if its an option.
Second, havalon and a small very sharp axe are excellent options. The work with moose really only starts when the animal is on the ground.
I have packed a few of those swamp donkeys. You are spot on with, the work starts once the moose is down. But oh so worth it.
What about the Federal Fusions?
An effective bonded bullet. Soft, pure lead core, as I understand it, but since it's molecularly bonded to the jacket, the two parts stay together. However, since the core is so soft, you can and often do lose significant mass to erosion against hair, hide, meat, and bone. This can reduce penetration. I rank Fusion and similar bonded bullets with gilding metal jackets as one step above cup/cores, one step below partitioned or thicker jacketed bondeds.
My favorite 3 Bullets are....
1. Nosler Partition..
2. Nosler Accubond..
3. Federal Premium TLR Edge..
The .303 British went from a 215 grain bullet to 154 grain as propellant changed and to gain better efficiency. Your comment on preparing for the hunting season made me smile since here in the UK🇬🇧 we have some deer species or gender in season all year round.
The 303 kicks like a damn mule.
I’m tempted to try the Hammers in my 7RM.
$1.60/projectile, last I checked.
@@scbane yeah that's hard to swallow but when you can't find accubons or partitions what do you do.
308 vs 6.5C for deer. Depends on the distance. If under 300 yards either works. If cost is a factor then 308. If you can spend a little more for ammo 6.5C.
Great video as always keepem coming brother!!!
A 1 in 10 twist .308 is outstanding.
I highly respect your opinion ,I'll stick with 3.08 3006 ,6.5X55 sweed
I have used the Barnes bullets in many calibers since the early 2000’s and have had 1 failure. I shot a doe antelope ( 85 lbs live weight ) with a 416 Rigby shooting a Barnes 350 gr.TX and hit the shoulder and the bullet fragmented. I found copper fragments all the way back in the rear hams and the shank never penetrated thru the animal. The doe actual ran about 75 yards and then cartwheeled end over end like lightning struck it. That doe was running on 3 legs as when I skinned the doe the whole front leg fell off with the hide.
I had a crowd of people around camp come to see the antelope shot with a elephant rifle.
That is the only Barnes bullet I ever used come apart. Still a MYSTERY !!
One of my favorite bullets is a Sierra pro hunter
I've been using nothing but Barnes since 08 and they have treated me well in what would be considered small for use calibers. I need to play with the Hornady cx line some as they claim theirs fly better but who knows.
For a lead core bullet I really like the Speer hot core. Very tough bullet and easy to get good accuracy with in my experience. I also like the Barnes ttsx in the truly high velocity rounds, it strikes like lightning in the 25/06AI…
Honestly how fast you push it and where you place it is more important than the name on the box it came in. I could hunt the rest of my life with the hotcore bullets on anything in North America and be perfectly content.
Hearing Ron say the 308 might be good for something almost makes me giddy. I almost thought I heard him say hunt moose with a 223 but I'm sure that was just my awful hearing at my advanced age.
I used to know a guy with perfect eyesight who was a game warden on a military base in Texas. All he hunted whitetail with was the .223. Guy was a real hawk eye and only took spine shots in the neck. Not much penetration required there on a moose, either. The shock is what kills. The spinal cord is a vulnerable ‘organ’, almost like the brain . But, he had to pass up a few shots too.
Now, I killed my first deer, with a 30-30, the same way, but he was too close, 15 yards, and my placement was high. I saw him a long time before he got there, and he never saw me at all.
Still hit him, but missed the spine a little. Killed him as dead as a door nail anyway.
@@johncox2865 I know a guy who is special forces airborne did tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. He's a real bad a** guy. He wounded a doe last year with a 30-30 and lost her in thick cover. Dog couldn't find her either. He lost a deer the year before with his wife's 270 and he's a certified sniper. So, anything can happen(even to guys who jump out of planes.)
@@hrdrockfarm8948 several years ago I was less than 40 yards from a doe. Shot her directly in the breast plate facing at me with a .270 WSM loaded with 130 grain soft points. The shot was perfect. Never found the deer 🦌 and to the day I don’t know how that deer wasn’t dead.
@@DaveL9170 she probably was. You just didn't find her. My point is in the best of circumstances, bad things happen. There's no reason to start out undergunned.
Nosler Partition in any Caliber including the 257 Roberts in either 100 0r 115 gr.
I began hunting with copper bullets - never tried anything else. I think I’ll stick with it, too.
Interlocks ain’t fancy but damn they are good
Have you used browning BXS (copper) 139 grain
I got some on a crazy good deal, but not familiar with them
Nosler Partition,Barnes X.Speer Boat tail.
Rite now the accubond is my favorite I have recovered two both under the skin on the off side shoulder and both of them were over 250 yards I have 7 1 shot kills with them 1 deer I had to use a finishing shot all with a 25 WSSM I LOVE IT
The Hornady SST is the deerslayer in 308.
I had great success with 162-gr. SSTs in a 7mm Rem. Mag. on kudu at 330 yards, blesbok at about 200, bushbuck & springbuck inside of 200, a gray duiker -- but then a 150-yard shot to the boiler room of a little impala resulted in a long run and search. Finally had to hire the jack russell terrier to track the ram down. It was still on its feet! Bullet impacted right behind the shoulder. Should have been deadly. The "shock kills" school would have insisted a 7mm Rem. Mag. would have absolutely flattened that little ram. The "breaking up" bullet school would have voted for rapid bleed out. Yet that ram defied both to prove, once again, that there is no perfect bullet, no consistent performance that "works everytime." Hunters must be ready to track, shoot again, expect the unexpected and keep an open mind.
As well, reloader 26 with the 270 win will get you 3100 fps with 150gr bullet. Ask Randy Selby, he will agree with this statement. New powders do give reloaders higher velocity with lower pressures. Just have to do your research.
I’m getting over 3k with reloader 26 and 150’s in my 270.
🤠 Yep! 👍
I also know a guy name Jess that said he got 0.3" MOA groups with Reloader 26 at 3,300 ft/s with a 130 grain bullet out of his 270 Winchester, with a 24" barrel! 🔥
I believe that Randy's guns all come with 26" barrels though? 🤷♂️
Velocity isn't the solution to everything. New powders are not necessary to reach high velocity. IMR 4350 will push a 150 bullet from a 30-06 at 3000 fps but it's not necessarily what I want in a hunting rifle.
Ron, I've been hunting 62 years and like you love using different calibers. I don't reload and my wallet and I benefit greatly from information in your podcast. I'm hunting with a patriot 7m 08 and typically in Pennsylvania don't get shots past 100 to 150 yards. What copper bullet do you suggest and what powder, if I can find a knowledgeable reloader.
Barnes or Hammer bullets have worked well for me.
Ron, a subject I think would be a big hit on your channel is a discussion about trajectory when shooting uphill or downhill. How does that affect bullet travel. I have always been a bit confused about it.
Another tip for hunting in bear country (especially grizzly) keep your wits about you, grizzlies can learn gunshots=carcass and they can be incredibly quiet for their size, it’s the last thing you want to find standing behind you when your rifle isn’t in your hands.
Berger 168 gr. 30-06. That's all I need.
Heavy for calibre bullets and shoot ethically at less than 300yds, seems to be a successful formula. But so much depends on the critter you are after.
Barnes are good but they're limited in their operating window. Fine for short to mid range. But I prefer Bergers because they do really well across the entire spectrum. No issues punching through out to 750 in my tests. A bullet that's meant to fragment INSIDE big game is almost more effective than a bonded I've found. Massive trauma.