Post by: Jpmiller on October 31, 2018, 07:45:35 AM
That being said I'm heading to Wyoming for elk next year and want to extend my range out a little bit. I hear and read all over the place about guys finding the right bullet for their rifle and I also hear about eifles that shoot lots of bullets well. I'm not a match shooter, my skill level is solidly in the "competent" range. My question is what kind of performance difference are you guys seeing who test out a bunch or bullets in your rifle to settle on the correct one? I've gone through a bunch of different bullets over the years with no real noticable difference in accuracy. It could be that the rifle and bullets both shoot better than I do or maybe my rifle is easy going? It's a model 70 if that makes any difference. If there's an improvement to possibly be had I'd like to find it before I invest the time and energy into the trip but I don't really know what I don't know so any advice would be great! Thanks
Post by: Jpmiller on October 31, 2018, 07:47:21 AM
Post by: h20hunter on October 31, 2018, 07:52:25 AM
Post by: h20hunter on October 31, 2018, 07:54:14 AM
Post by: Karl Blanchard on October 31, 2018, 07:54:36 AM
Post by: Magnum_Willys on October 31, 2018, 07:58:53 AM
Post by: Karl Blanchard on October 31, 2018, 08:05:45 AM
Post by: fowl smacker on October 31, 2018, 08:12:13 AM
Post by: Karl Blanchard on October 31, 2018, 08:17:29 AM
Get the proper bullet for your rifles twist rate, get as close to the lands as possible without touching (magazine permitting), then tinker with powder charges.this is not accurate. I have multiple rifles that require a big jump to obtain optimal performance.
Post by: bobcat on October 31, 2018, 08:22:22 AM
Post by: SilkOnTheDrySide on October 31, 2018, 08:23:11 AM
Get the proper bullet for your rifles twist rate, get as close to the lands as possible without touching (magazine permitting), then tinker with powder charges.this is not accurate. I have multiple rifles that require a big jump to obtain optimal performance.
I’ve found on my most recent load that seating depth didn’t matter near as much as finding a load that matched up with barrel harmonics.
It was the most frustrating couple months of my shooting life.
I’m not saying there isn’t value to seating depth, but I’m saying it wasn’t a primary factor on my most recent development.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: packmule on October 31, 2018, 08:35:38 AM
Post by: Karl Blanchard on October 31, 2018, 08:56:33 AM
I'd start out with a Barnes 150 grain ttsx. Or for more speed you could even go with the 130 grain. These bullets retain nearly 100% of their weight, even if you shoot through both shoulders, so you can get by with a lighter bullet. You also get the benefit of not having lead fragments in your meat.unless they fail to expand which out of the three animals I've seen shot with Barnes Bullets all three were that exact result. I'd be sticking with an accubond or partition personally :twocents:
Post by: h20hunter on October 31, 2018, 08:59:32 AM
Post by: Karl Blanchard on October 31, 2018, 09:00:55 AM
Post by: Karl Blanchard on October 31, 2018, 09:02:35 AM
Barnes need speed, max velocity. Last critter that died died quickly and the bullet traveled a long way through but bad expansion. My fault...need more speed.one of the ones I got to watch was a 7 mag on a bull elk at 125 yards. If that's not enough speed I dont know how fast you'd need to push one :chuckle:
Post by: bobcat on October 31, 2018, 09:06:44 AM
I'd start out with a Barnes 150 grain ttsx. Or for more speed you could even go with the 130 grain. These bullets retain nearly 100% of their weight, even if you shoot through both shoulders, so you can get by with a lighter bullet. You also get the benefit of not having lead fragments in your meat.unless they fail to expand which out of the three animals I've seen shot with Barnes Bullets all three were that exact result. I'd be sticking with an accubond or partition personally :twocents:
With enough speed failing to expand shouldn't be an issue. That's one reason why going down in weight to the 130 makes sense. Should be able to get 3100 fps muzzle velocity. I wouldn't use Barnes for a long range bullet but out to 400 yards isn't that far. My daughter was shooting the 120 grain .284 ttsx at a muzzle velocity of only 2800 fps and it expanded perfectly at 250 yards.
Post by: h20hunter on October 31, 2018, 09:07:31 AM
Post by: h20hunter on October 31, 2018, 09:16:37 AM
Post by: Okanagan on October 31, 2018, 09:19:51 AM
In your situation I'd go with 4350 and a 165 bonded bullet of some kind, or possibly a Nosler Partition. For elk bullets in .30 I have migrated over the decades from Sierra to Partition to Swift A-Frame and will likely stay with the Swift. It is the most consistent bullet I've shot at game: tight groups in my load and rifle; deep penetration; boringly consistent expansion with rapidly fatal wounds.
The only performance you can count on is the lowest. A bullet that performs wonderfully most of the time will probably perform well on any shot on game, but you can't count on it. Too often in life, when a shot requires the optimum performance due to animal position, distance, etc. then a bullet delivers at its lowest level of performance. I'm wary of generally good bullets that consistently drag along anecdotes of when it did not perform well. Rather than a pic of an ideal used bullet, a pic of a used bullet at its poorest gives me better info as to whether to use it on game. Just my philosophy.
That should be a fun hunt you are planning.
Post by: Hilltop123 on October 31, 2018, 09:32:12 AM
Post by: packmule on October 31, 2018, 09:32:35 AM
I'd start out with a Barnes 150 grain ttsx. Or for more speed you could even go with the 130 grain. These bullets retain nearly 100% of their weight, even if you shoot through both shoulders, so you can get by with a lighter bullet. You also get the benefit of not having lead fragments in your meat.unless they fail to expand which out of the three animals I've seen shot with Barnes Bullets all three were that exact result. I'd be sticking with an accubond or partition personally :twocents:
Mirrors my experience as well, Barnes failure to expand on 1 out of 2 animals led me back to Accubonds/Partitions.
Post by: Jpmiller on October 31, 2018, 07:12:10 PM
Post by: h20hunter on October 31, 2018, 07:15:30 PM
Post by: Jpmiller on October 31, 2018, 07:18:59 PM
3 or 4 inch at what range?
200 - 300 yards. I've never even practiced farther than 300 and to this point in my life wouldn't have considered a shot in the field past 200. Looking to stretch it a little bit for next year though.
Post by: h20hunter on October 31, 2018, 07:22:11 PM
Post by: Stein on October 31, 2018, 08:07:26 PM
I wanted the 180 to work but ended up with the 168 as it was much more accurate. The load ended up being a bit on the low side, but I really like the groups and no animal has complained about the few fps difference.
It is a ton of loading, measuring and comparing, but I have a load for life now and use it for all big game so it was worth it. I could have quit earlier once I got sub moa, but loading and shooting is fun and I didn't have many of the demands on my time back then so it worked well.
I'm not going to get into the mud and argue bullets, there are several that are decades proven on big game. I use the TSX, mainly picked it for elk but it works on deer and antelope. If you are going to hunt elk, pick a tough bullet for them and it will work on anything around here. For sure, don't get something that can't blow through bone.
With modern rifles and bullets, it is child's play to get something to shoot MOA or better with little trouble.
Post by: jnordwell on October 31, 2018, 08:11:57 PM
Post by: SilkOnTheDrySide on October 31, 2018, 08:19:03 PM
It took me missing two bears in the Wenaha to get serious about my shooting.
Now I won’t even send one unless we are shooting 600+. Ammo and bullets are too expensive 😆
I’d start there. Download a ballistic program, buy a kestrel and learn how to dial. Throw those ballistic dials away.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: yorketransport on October 31, 2018, 09:06:48 PM
Practice and know your rifle. Learn how to calculate ballistics and read wind.
It took me missing two bears in the Wenaha to get serious about my shooting.
Now I won’t even send one unless we are shooting 600+. Ammo and bullets are too expensive 😆
I’d start there. Download a ballistic program, buy a kestrel and learn how to dial. Throw those ballistic dials away.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Man, I'd do just the opposite except for the go shooting part. Ditch the gear and just go shoot stuff.
For bullets I'm on a lead free kick right now for all my hunting guns. I've had great luck with Barnes bullets, but I don't shoot nearly as many big game animals as a lot of guys do. I typically use the TTSX bullets though which solve a lot of the problems that the TSX and original X bullets had. I shoot a lot smaller stuff like porcupines to test bullets though and I've had some pretty spectacular results on those. :chuckle:
I'm really loving the Hammer bullets for the last 2 years. They shoot as well as Bergers do in all my guns with less load development and higher velocity compared to other similar weight bullets. I've yet to have one fail to expand in all my completely unscientific testing with impact velocities as low as 1650 fps, as long as they were properly stabilized. The same goes for the Berger bullets I tested too though.
For lead core bullets it's really hard to beat Accubonds. Those were my go to hunting bullet before I went lead free and they always performed and shot really well for me.
Post by: SilkOnTheDrySide on November 01, 2018, 05:15:56 AM
Practice and know your rifle. Learn how to calculate ballistics and read wind.
It took me missing two bears in the Wenaha to get serious about my shooting.
Now I won’t even send one unless we are shooting 600+. Ammo and bullets are too expensive 😆
I’d start there. Download a ballistic program, buy a kestrel and learn how to dial. Throw those ballistic dials away.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Man, I'd do just the opposite except for the go shooting part. Ditch the gear and just go shoot stuff.
For bullets I'm on a lead free kick right now for all my hunting guns. I've had great luck with Barnes bullets, but I don't shoot nearly as many big game animals as a lot of guys do. I typically use the TTSX bullets though which solve a lot of the problems that the TSX and original X bullets had. I shoot a lot smaller stuff like porcupines to test bullets though and I've had some pretty spectacular results on those. :chuckle:
I'm really loving the Hammer bullets for the last 2 years. They shoot as well as Bergers do in all my guns with less load development and higher velocity compared to other similar weight bullets. I've yet to have one fail to expand in all my completely unscientific testing with impact velocities as low as 1650 fps, as long as they were properly stabilized. The same goes for the Berger bullets I tested too though.
For lead core bullets it's really hard to beat Accubonds. Those were my go to hunting bullet before I went lead free and they always performed and shot really well for me.
If you are shooting long range, especially long range at animals I think you’ll save yourself a lot of headache and frustration if you learn to dial.
Using hold over at varying elevations at range is just being plain lazy IMO.
I’ve been on that side of the equation—and since I’ve gone this way I realized how bad it was.
I’m not going to get into a bullet discussion...but I’m shooting a 28 Nosler with Hand Loaded 195 Berger’s, and been happy with the performance on game I’ve killed.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: theleo on November 01, 2018, 07:16:39 AM
And some have the opinion that guys that are shooting long distance and using every piece of technology out there are lazy as well.Practice and know your rifle. Learn how to calculate ballistics and read wind.
It took me missing two bears in the Wenaha to get serious about my shooting.
Now I won’t even send one unless we are shooting 600+. Ammo and bullets are too expensive 😆
I’d start there. Download a ballistic program, buy a kestrel and learn how to dial. Throw those ballistic dials away.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Man, I'd do just the opposite except for the go shooting part. Ditch the gear and just go shoot stuff.
For bullets I'm on a lead free kick right now for all my hunting guns. I've had great luck with Barnes bullets, but I don't shoot nearly as many big game animals as a lot of guys do. I typically use the TTSX bullets though which solve a lot of the problems that the TSX and original X bullets had. I shoot a lot smaller stuff like porcupines to test bullets though and I've had some pretty spectacular results on those. :chuckle:
I'm really loving the Hammer bullets for the last 2 years. They shoot as well as Bergers do in all my guns with less load development and higher velocity compared to other similar weight bullets. I've yet to have one fail to expand in all my completely unscientific testing with impact velocities as low as 1650 fps, as long as they were properly stabilized. The same goes for the Berger bullets I tested too though.
For lead core bullets it's really hard to beat Accubonds. Those were my go to hunting bullet before I went lead free and they always performed and shot really well for me.
Using hold over at varying elevations at range is just being plain lazy IMO.
Too lazy to develope a skill? Yeah, there's an app for that! :tup:
Post by: jasnt on November 01, 2018, 07:22:26 AM
Post by: yorketransport on November 01, 2018, 07:24:51 AM
Practice and know your rifle. Learn how to calculate ballistics and read wind.
It took me missing two bears in the Wenaha to get serious about my shooting.
Now I won’t even send one unless we are shooting 600+. Ammo and bullets are too expensive 😆
I’d start there. Download a ballistic program, buy a kestrel and learn how to dial. Throw those ballistic dials away.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Man, I'd do just the opposite except for the go shooting part. Ditch the gear and just go shoot stuff.
For bullets I'm on a lead free kick right now for all my hunting guns. I've had great luck with Barnes bullets, but I don't shoot nearly as many big game animals as a lot of guys do. I typically use the TTSX bullets though which solve a lot of the problems that the TSX and original X bullets had. I shoot a lot smaller stuff like porcupines to test bullets though and I've had some pretty spectacular results on those. :chuckle:
I'm really loving the Hammer bullets for the last 2 years. They shoot as well as Bergers do in all my guns with less load development and higher velocity compared to other similar weight bullets. I've yet to have one fail to expand in all my completely unscientific testing with impact velocities as low as 1650 fps, as long as they were properly stabilized. The same goes for the Berger bullets I tested too though.
For lead core bullets it's really hard to beat Accubonds. Those were my go to hunting bullet before I went lead free and they always performed and shot really well for me.
If you are shooting long range, especially long range at animals I think you’ll save yourself a lot of headache and frustration if you learn to dial.
Using hold over at varying elevations at range is just being plain lazy IMO.
I’ve been on that side of the equation—and since I’ve gone this way I realized how bad it was.
I’m not going to get into a bullet discussion...but I’m shooting a 28 Nosler with Hand Loaded 195 Berger’s, and been happy with the performance on game I’ve killed.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
He’s only planning to shoot 3-400 yards. There’s no reason to invest a bunch of money in equipment that’s really unnecessary at that range. With a little practice it’s easy to make consistent hits on kill zone sized targets using simple hold overs and a duplex reticle. Keep it simple and affordable and people will shoot more.
Sometimes I dial and hold :chuckle:
That’s when you know you’re having fun. When you’re out of adjustments and you have to dial down the magnification on a second focal plane scope so you can get enough holdover. :tup:
Post by: SilkOnTheDrySide on November 01, 2018, 07:29:41 AM
And some have the opinion that guys that are shooting long distance and using every piece of technology out there are lazy as well.Practice and know your rifle. Learn how to calculate ballistics and read wind.
It took me missing two bears in the Wenaha to get serious about my shooting.
Now I won’t even send one unless we are shooting 600+. Ammo and bullets are too expensive 😆
I’d start there. Download a ballistic program, buy a kestrel and learn how to dial. Throw those ballistic dials away.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Man, I'd do just the opposite except for the go shooting part. Ditch the gear and just go shoot stuff.
For bullets I'm on a lead free kick right now for all my hunting guns. I've had great luck with Barnes bullets, but I don't shoot nearly as many big game animals as a lot of guys do. I typically use the TTSX bullets though which solve a lot of the problems that the TSX and original X bullets had. I shoot a lot smaller stuff like porcupines to test bullets though and I've had some pretty spectacular results on those. :chuckle:
I'm really loving the Hammer bullets for the last 2 years. They shoot as well as Bergers do in all my guns with less load development and higher velocity compared to other similar weight bullets. I've yet to have one fail to expand in all my completely unscientific testing with impact velocities as low as 1650 fps, as long as they were properly stabilized. The same goes for the Berger bullets I tested too though.
For lead core bullets it's really hard to beat Accubonds. Those were my go to hunting bullet before I went lead free and they always performed and shot really well for me.
Using hold over at varying elevations at range is just being plain lazy IMO.
Too lazy to develope a skill? Yeah, there's an app for that! :tup:
Quick...710 yards at 5100’ elevation.
Hold over is a 5” difference in my high BC bullet from my sight in point to that elevation.
Most “average” guns will be more.
Add in inherent firearm accuracy of 1 MOA, and you are looking at up to a 12” difference with a perfect shot.
Miss or marginal hit.
You can call long range shooting lazy all you want. But I work harder on firearm performance in a weekend then guys do all season, and really encourage others to do the same.
I’ve been there. Don’t want to see others make the same mistakes.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: SilkOnTheDrySide on November 01, 2018, 07:40:35 AM
Practice and know your rifle. Learn how to calculate ballistics and read wind.
It took me missing two bears in the Wenaha to get serious about my shooting.
Now I won’t even send one unless we are shooting 600+. Ammo and bullets are too expensive 😆
I’d start there. Download a ballistic program, buy a kestrel and learn how to dial. Throw those ballistic dials away.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Man, I'd do just the opposite except for the go shooting part. Ditch the gear and just go shoot stuff.
For bullets I'm on a lead free kick right now for all my hunting guns. I've had great luck with Barnes bullets, but I don't shoot nearly as many big game animals as a lot of guys do. I typically use the TTSX bullets though which solve a lot of the problems that the TSX and original X bullets had. I shoot a lot smaller stuff like porcupines to test bullets though and I've had some pretty spectacular results on those. :chuckle:
I'm really loving the Hammer bullets for the last 2 years. They shoot as well as Bergers do in all my guns with less load development and higher velocity compared to other similar weight bullets. I've yet to have one fail to expand in all my completely unscientific testing with impact velocities as low as 1650 fps, as long as they were properly stabilized. The same goes for the Berger bullets I tested too though.
For lead core bullets it's really hard to beat Accubonds. Those were my go to hunting bullet before I went lead free and they always performed and shot really well for me.
If you are shooting long range, especially long range at animals I think you’ll save yourself a lot of headache and frustration if you learn to dial.
Using hold over at varying elevations at range is just being plain lazy IMO.
I’ve been on that side of the equation—and since I’ve gone this way I realized how bad it was.
I’m not going to get into a bullet discussion...but I’m shooting a 28 Nosler with Hand Loaded 195 Berger’s, and been happy with the performance on game I’ve killed.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
He’s only planning to shoot 3-400 yards. There’s no reason to invest a bunch of money in equipment that’s really unnecessary at that range. With a little practice it’s easy to make consistent hits on kill zone sized targets using simple hold overs and a duplex reticle. Keep it simple and affordable and people will shoot more.Sometimes I dial and hold :chuckle:
That’s when you know you’re having fun. When you’re out of adjustments and you have to dial down the magnification on a second focal plane scope so you can get enough holdover. :tup:
It’s not a huge investment to get setup to dial accurately.
A kestrel is like 150$, a ballistic app is 10$, and there are plenty of scopes with dials that can be had for less money then the old Leopoldo VX3 standard.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: Karl Blanchard on November 01, 2018, 07:59:23 AM
Post by: SilkOnTheDrySide on November 01, 2018, 08:02:53 AM
At 1,000ft of elevation and 57 degrees my come up is 8 minutes at 400 yards. At 9k and 27 degrees my come up at 400 yards is 8.16 minutes. Pretty a cds dial or bdc reticle can handle that :chuckle:
Yes at 400 yards it can. But When the dial goes out to 800, you don’t think guys are going to give it a whirl?
Look guys can do whatever they want. But it’s not like I’m encouraging something that is unnecessary. Learning to dial correctly increases accuracy, and there’s really no argument against it...
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: Karl Blanchard on November 01, 2018, 08:38:39 AM
Post by: theleo on November 01, 2018, 09:17:27 AM
Quick... stop being lazy and get closer.And some have the opinion that guys that are shooting long distance and using every piece of technology out there are lazy as well.Practice and know your rifle. Learn how to calculate ballistics and read wind.
It took me missing two bears in the Wenaha to get serious about my shooting.
Now I won’t even send one unless we are shooting 600+. Ammo and bullets are too expensive 😆
I’d start there. Download a ballistic program, buy a kestrel and learn how to dial. Throw those ballistic dials away.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Man, I'd do just the opposite except for the go shooting part. Ditch the gear and just go shoot stuff.
For bullets I'm on a lead free kick right now for all my hunting guns. I've had great luck with Barnes bullets, but I don't shoot nearly as many big game animals as a lot of guys do. I typically use the TTSX bullets though which solve a lot of the problems that the TSX and original X bullets had. I shoot a lot smaller stuff like porcupines to test bullets though and I've had some pretty spectacular results on those. :chuckle:
I'm really loving the Hammer bullets for the last 2 years. They shoot as well as Bergers do in all my guns with less load development and higher velocity compared to other similar weight bullets. I've yet to have one fail to expand in all my completely unscientific testing with impact velocities as low as 1650 fps, as long as they were properly stabilized. The same goes for the Berger bullets I tested too though.
For lead core bullets it's really hard to beat Accubonds. Those were my go to hunting bullet before I went lead free and they always performed and shot really well for me.
Using hold over at varying elevations at range is just being plain lazy IMO.
Too lazy to develope a skill? Yeah, there's an app for that! :tup:
Quick...710 yards at 5100’ elevation.
Hold over is a 5” difference in my high BC bullet from my sight in point to that elevation.
Most “average” guns will be more.
Add in inherent firearm accuracy of 1 MOA, and you are looking at up to a 12” difference with a perfect shot.
Miss or marginal hit.
You can call long range shooting lazy all you want. But I work harder on firearm performance in a weekend then guys do all season, and really encourage others to do the same.
I’ve been there. Don’t want to see others make the same mistakes.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: Taco280AI on November 01, 2018, 09:20:25 AM
The LRX is supposed to be a little softer than the TTSX and will open up with slower velocities. Haven't used one on an elk yet, but have taken three deer with them from 110 yards to 293 yards. I'd show the bullet, but a deer has yet to stop one. And two deer were done at the shot, one took a few steps and laid down.
Post by: Taco280AI on November 01, 2018, 09:40:16 AM
Hey guys, I'm looking to get a light pickup for daily driving...
You need the Ram 3500 Cummins, blah blah blah...
Um, no.
Essentially the same thing.
Post by: Karl Blanchard on November 01, 2018, 09:46:44 AM
Post by: Karl Blanchard on November 01, 2018, 09:48:55 AM
Why is it that in so many of these threads, when a person is talking about 300-400 yard shots on game others have to show up with useless info about 700+ yard equipment and shooting? Nobody cares! It's irrelevant!I'm right do what I do thing. It's been going on since man existed and isn't anything new :chuckle:
Hey guys, I'm looking to get a light pickup for daily driving...
You need the Ram 3500 Cummins, blah blah blah...
Um, no.
Essentially the same thing.
Post by: theleo on November 01, 2018, 10:04:11 AM
Why is it that in so many of these threads, when a person is talking about 300-400 yard shots on game others have to show up with useless info about 700+ yard equipment and shooting? Nobody cares! It's irrelevant!Because some guys have to let the world know their brilliance of choosing a 3500 Cummins for a daily driver (guys that actually have use for that kind of truck on a daily basis excluded). Truth is there's a lot of bullets that work for the application, just like there's a ton of cars that work as daily drivers, from cheap to expensive. Still, it's fun to turn the mirror on guys that say any other way than there's is "lazy" or "unethical".
Hey guys, I'm looking to get a light pickup for daily driving...
You need the Ram 3500 Cummins, blah blah blah...
Um, no.
Essentially the same thing.
Post by: jasnt on November 01, 2018, 10:07:21 AM
i got 22 min in the rectile if I dial back to true half way pointPractice and know your rifle. Learn how to calculate ballistics and read wind.
It took me missing two bears in the Wenaha to get serious about my shooting.
Now I won’t even send one unless we are shooting 600+. Ammo and bullets are too expensive 😆
I’d start there. Download a ballistic program, buy a kestrel and learn how to dial. Throw those ballistic dials away.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Man, I'd do just the opposite except for the go shooting part. Ditch the gear and just go shoot stuff.
For bullets I'm on a lead free kick right now for all my hunting guns. I've had great luck with Barnes bullets, but I don't shoot nearly as many big game animals as a lot of guys do. I typically use the TTSX bullets though which solve a lot of the problems that the TSX and original X bullets had. I shoot a lot smaller stuff like porcupines to test bullets though and I've had some pretty spectacular results on those. :chuckle:
I'm really loving the Hammer bullets for the last 2 years. They shoot as well as Bergers do in all my guns with less load development and higher velocity compared to other similar weight bullets. I've yet to have one fail to expand in all my completely unscientific testing with impact velocities as low as 1650 fps, as long as they were properly stabilized. The same goes for the Berger bullets I tested too though.
For lead core bullets it's really hard to beat Accubonds. Those were my go to hunting bullet before I went lead free and they always performed and shot really well for me.
If you are shooting long range, especially long range at animals I think you’ll save yourself a lot of headache and frustration if you learn to dial.
Using hold over at varying elevations at range is just being plain lazy IMO.
I’ve been on that side of the equation—and since I’ve gone this way I realized how bad it was.
I’m not going to get into a bullet discussion...but I’m shooting a 28 Nosler with Hand Loaded 195 Berger’s, and been happy with the performance on game I’ve killed.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
He’s only planning to shoot 3-400 yards. There’s no reason to invest a bunch of money in equipment that’s really unnecessary at that range. With a little practice it’s easy to make consistent hits on kill zone sized targets using simple hold overs and a duplex reticle. Keep it simple and affordable and people will shoot more.Sometimes I dial and hold :chuckle:
That’s when you know you’re having fun. When you’re out of adjustments and you have to dial down the magnification on a second focal plane scope so you can get enough holdover. :tup:
Post by: SilkOnTheDrySide on November 01, 2018, 10:18:12 AM
Why is it that in so many of these threads, when a person is talking about 300-400 yard shots on game others have to show up with useless info about 700+ yard equipment and shooting? Nobody cares! It's irrelevant!Because some guys have to let the world know their brilliance of choosing a 3500 Cummins for a daily driver (guys that actually have use for that kind of truck on a daily basis excluded). Truth is there's a lot of bullets that work for the application, just like there's a ton of cars that work as daily drivers, from cheap to expensive. Still, it's fun to turn the mirror on guys that say any other way than there's is "lazy" or "unethical".
Hey guys, I'm looking to get a light pickup for daily driving...
You need the Ram 3500 Cummins, blah blah blah...
Um, no.
Essentially the same thing.
It literally has nothing to do with that.
Your example is absurd and not comparable in the slightest to the original question.
You should be practicing at longer ranges so that when presented with a 400 yard shot it’s a chip. Anytime someone starts talking about “stretching” their effective range, it’s a worthy conversation to have concerning learning about ballistics and elevation dialing.
I didn’t recommend he build a custom rifle. I recommended he get some basic equipment and learn about ballistics.
Just keep doing your Kentucky windage. 👍👍 I’ll instead work on being as effective as possible.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: Taco280AI on November 01, 2018, 11:05:14 AM
Post by: BULLBLASTER on November 01, 2018, 11:29:23 AM
Post by: Karl Blanchard on November 01, 2018, 11:43:58 AM
Post by: Taco280AI on November 01, 2018, 11:57:44 AM
Anyways............have I mentioned accubonds and imr4350 lately :chuckle:
Really can't go wrong with that
Post by: theleo on November 01, 2018, 12:06:00 PM
The basic combination for becoming a more effective mid range hunter hasn't changed in decades and doesn't involve entering data in an app.Why is it that in so many of these threads, when a person is talking about 300-400 yard shots on game others have to show up with useless info about 700+ yard equipment and shooting? Nobody cares! It's irrelevant!Because some guys have to let the world know their brilliance of choosing a 3500 Cummins for a daily driver (guys that actually have use for that kind of truck on a daily basis excluded). Truth is there's a lot of bullets that work for the application, just like there's a ton of cars that work as daily drivers, from cheap to expensive. Still, it's fun to turn the mirror on guys that say any other way than there's is "lazy" or "unethical".
Hey guys, I'm looking to get a light pickup for daily driving...
You need the Ram 3500 Cummins, blah blah blah...
Um, no.
Essentially the same thing.
It literally has nothing to do with that.
Your example is absurd and not comparable in the slightest to the original question.
You should be practicing at longer ranges so that when presented with a 400 yard shot it’s a chip. Anytime someone starts talking about “stretching” their effective range, it’s a worthy conversation to have concerning learning about ballistics and elevation dialing.
I didn’t recommend he build a custom rifle. I recommended he get some basic equipment and learn about ballistics.
Just keep doing your Kentucky windage. 👍👍 I’ll instead work on being as effective as possible.
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Post by: bullfisher on November 01, 2018, 12:37:31 PM
Post by: theleo on November 01, 2018, 12:44:02 PM
Anyways............have I mentioned accubonds and imr4350 lately :chuckle:Just for the sake of conversation, why would you start off with Accubonds? Why not 165gr Interlocks, Hot-cors, or Game Kings? Part of the beauty of the 308 is it doesn't require premium bullets for premium results.
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Post by: Taco280AI on November 01, 2018, 12:56:52 PM
Premium as in price or other? If price, bullets are still very low in cost compared to everything else. If in terms of performance without high velocity, they'll still open up very well at slower speeds and still hold together well should you find yourself 30 yards away. :twocents:
Post by: Crunchy on November 01, 2018, 12:58:21 PM
Anyways............have I mentioned accubonds and imr4350 lately :chuckle:Just for the sake of conversation, why would you start off with Accubonds? Why not 165gr Interlocks, Hot-cors, or Game Kings? Part of the beauty of the 308 is it doesn't require premium bullets for premium results.
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Probably because he knows that combo works. A lot of good advice from people that have worked up good loads from years of trying different combos.
Post by: Karl Blanchard on November 01, 2018, 01:08:41 PM
I for sure agree with you that there are a plethora of options. In fact one of my most favorite bullets that gets a lot of hate is a Nosler ballistic tip at slower speeds. It's a little more devastating then an accubond but at the slower velocities even up close they do not come apart. It's my go-to bullet for my youth Hunters as I always make them reduced recoil loads. They can shoot more but the bullet still performs very wellAnyways............have I mentioned accubonds and imr4350 lately :chuckle:Just for the sake of conversation, why would you start off with Accubonds? Why not 165gr Interlocks, Hot-cors, or Game Kings? Part of the beauty of the 308 is it doesn't require premium bullets for premium results.
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But like we said above I recommend it because I've seen dozens and dozens and dozens of animals taken with accubonds and not once did they fail to expand even one that I shot in Colorado where I know for 100% certainty that it was below their recommended performance velocity but it's still opened up and performed flawlessly. It's just a rock solid bullet in anything you stuff it in.
I also think that due to social media and everything else people really overthink all this stuff. We are not shooting rhinoceroses, we are shooting deer and Elk and they aren't that hard to kill. I've been a part of hundreds of animals demise and I've yet to encounter one of the bulletproof Critters that you read about :chuckle:
Post by: theleo on November 01, 2018, 01:18:40 PM
Don't know his answer, but mine would be because I've never had a bad result with them. I get a little better accuracy with my LRX load, but I'd still happily rock the Abond if I had to.Premium as in a bullet built to withstand high velocity. I don't have a problem with Accubonds, love the 140's in my 280ai, I was just curious. I've used Interlocks rite in that velocity range, including 165's through my 308, and have yet to have one disappoint. From my 308, 338-06, and my dads 280 (165gr, 200gr, 139gr) all recovered have mushroomed well and had 70-80 percent weight retention. Accubonds are my go to for muzzle velocities over 3,000 fps.
Premium as in price or other? If price, bullets are still very low in cost compared to everything else. If in terms of performance without high velocity, they'll still open up very well at slower speeds and still hold together well should you find yourself 30 yards away. :twocents:
Post by: Karl Blanchard on November 01, 2018, 01:32:12 PM
Post by: theleo on November 01, 2018, 01:49:12 PM
I've got interlock 30 cals in 150, 165, and 180's on the shelf as well as 140's for my wife's 270 and one last half box of 100gr for the .243 that wont be replaced. Great bullets. Big hornady fanEver get one back from a 243 intact? Every deer I've ever shot with mine they've come unglued.
Post by: Karl Blanchard on November 01, 2018, 02:06:43 PM
I haven't personally found one. Most all the game with those were youth hunters shooting them inside 200 yards at minimal speeds. 6 or 7 deer on those and all have been pass throughs. Moved to 105 bergers a few years ago and will never look backI've got interlock 30 cals in 150, 165, and 180's on the shelf as well as 140's for my wife's 270 and one last half box of 100gr for the .243 that wont be replaced. Great bullets. Big hornady fanEver get one back from a 243 intact? Every deer I've ever shot with mine they've come unglued.
Post by: Jpmiller on November 01, 2018, 04:57:56 PM
Post by: Karl Blanchard on November 01, 2018, 05:24:40 PM
Post by: theleo on November 02, 2018, 10:15:33 AM
Thanks for all the input gentleman, both public and private! Sounds like my current load is probably alright but I don't think a little tinkering is out of the question. At minimum will spend some more time behind a rifle in the next few months. L I'll give you guys all the credit when I down my Wyoming raghorn next year :chuckle: probably from ten yardsPlanning for the long shots and getting a close one happens all to often. Took my 280ai to Idaho because I just didn't get the time to put a peep on and mess with an old 45-90 so I could use it out to 200 yards. Opening day shot a nice 6 x 6 at 90 yards standing completely broadside to me, perfect range the buckhorns on the 45-90 since last time I shot it was at 100 yards.
Post by: Okanagan on November 03, 2018, 10:16:31 AM
Thanks for all the input gentleman, both public and private! Sounds like my current load is probably alright but I don't think a little tinkering is out of the question. At minimum will spend some more time behind a rifle in the next few months. L I'll give you guys all the credit when I down my Wyoming raghorn next year :chuckle: probably from ten yardsPlanning for the long shots and getting a close one happens all to often. Took my 280ai to Idaho because I just didn't get the time to put a peep on and mess with an old 45-90 so I could use it out to 200 yards. Opening day shot a nice 6 x 6 at 90 yards standing completely broadside to me, perfect range the buckhorns on the 45-90 since last time I shot it was at 100 yards.
:)
I get a kick out of hunters who post that they know all of their shots will be at long range. I wish I knew the future so well. I'd make a killing on DOW Jones. Of course, we can always pass on close shots and move farther away. :rolleyes: My last bull in Idaho was a 6x6 at 40 feet. I saw him just before legal shooting light in a mile wide grass plateau (can you say long range terrain?). I was walking across the prairie to get to where I wanted to hunt and suddenly came on the bull with a small herd in a tiny low spot 25 yards in front of me. They milled a bit and left. By luck about 9:00 I decided to sit and watch a trail for a bit in a strip of timber 3/4 mile from where I'd seen the bull and he walked past at 40 feet.