ballistic tips

[PJgunner]

I still have one box of 100 count 140 gr. Ballistic Tips in 7MM for my 7x57. It still sticks in my craw that Nosler cut the amount of bullets in half and raised the price to boot.
I shot one rather small Mule deer with one of those 140 gr. bullets and sadly lost it. The deer when hit turned down into a gully and when I went to get to where I could either get another shot of find it dead, the loose malpais shale did me in and I ruined my right knee. They were more concerned about getting me off that hill than trying to find the deer so I don't know what the bullet did.
That was six years ago and the knee is still a wreck. I didn't draw another tag until last year and we never saw a thing. I'm hoping that I draw for this year. otherwise, no hunting of big game for another year, and at 70 years old, there ain't too damn many years left.
Paul B.

[Larryjk]

When they first came out there was a statement that the Ballistic Tip was a "general purpose" bullet and the Partition was the premium bug game bullet. Most people ignored the companies advice.

[Rev]

Partitions aren't accurate enough for me for long range deer shots from my 6mm. AI in a custom Rem. 700. It's built like a varmint rifle with a HS Precision stock and a Hart Match bbl. We sometimes shoot deer (Texas whitetails - not really too big) where I hunt at what we consider long ranges.

With the 6mm AI, I need really good shot placement at 350-400 yds. for humane one shot kills. The 95 BT's deliver 1/2 MOA or better from my rifle with a fairly flat trajectory. I think the Partitions are good for about 1.5 MOA or something on that order. That's why I stick with the BT's and they do a great job in the terminal ballistics dept. with good expansion and good penetration along with that outstanding accuracy.

Rev

[Larryjk]

Rev, No argument from me. You might want to try some of the Accubond as I find them more consistent in weight, and on the paper than the standard Partition was.
Shooting beyond 200 yards should be the solution to the blow-up problem of the Ballistic Tip at short range. If all of your shooting is at long range there shouldn't be a problem. If the occasional close range shot causes a "bloody mess" you need to try controlled expansion bullets. That is what the industry has been trying to develop for as long as there have been jacketed bullets.
So far, they haven't been entirely successful, but they certainly are getting better.
I supposed I am going to stick my head in the meat grinder, but I might also mention that you might consider a larger caliber rifle for performance on white-tail deer at long range. I find even the 25-06 has some power problems at long range on mule-deer, and the .270 Winchester gives better results.
I hunted pigs (javelina) with some guys in Texas and they also hunted white-tails in the same area. They preferred the .270 Weatherby. I also guess the .257 Weatherby should be a gas on long range white-tails. They certainly work on long range coyotes in Wyoming.

[Rev]

Larryjk, I wasn't tryig to make any kind of argument. I agree that .243 caliber is marginal for whitetails. The long range shots that I mentioned are sort of contrived. We orchestrate these shots to add a little interest to the hum drum chore of thinning out does for popularion control. These does usually weigh 100 lbs. or less on the hoof.

Those 95 gr. BT's do work well also on larger (150 lb.?) bucks that I usually take at 150-200 yds. I strive to hit right in the shoulder if I can. Normaly there is complete penetration with a good exit wound. That may ruin some meat, but the animal will drop right on the spot or maybe run 50 yds. if I do my part.

I agree with you. If I was after larger deer, I would definitely want more gun.

Rev

[dakotah]

I have found that partitions to be accurate bullets. My favorite loads for the 30-06 I shoot about .75 moa with 180 grain bullets and < .25 moa on 150 grain bullets. (5 shot groups measured at 100 yards)

I think ballistic tips would be good only for crows and varmits and such. If they have improved the bullet then well I am wrong. But I don't have a desire to use bullets that I have have seen miserable failures.

[dakotah]

In my 338 I find that sub moa groups are also easily obtained with partitions. I only use 250 grain partitons in my 338 for elk and I have found that I am perfectly happy with this combination.