165 BT For Deer?

[firstshot]

Just read the "150Gr BT For Deer" topic and was wondering the same thing for the 165Gr BT's out of a 30-06.

I'm one that likes to put two holes in a deer and for that reason I've been using Partitions. However, I do like the idea of the excellerated expansion properties of the BT and I would think that the heavier 165Grn BT would have enough weight & sectional density to almost guarantee complete pass throughs.

Has anyone got experience with 165Gr BT's? How do they perform on deer? Do you get complete pass throughs? Is there too much meat damage? .............Or would I be better off trying out the Acubonds?

firstshot
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Make your first shot count!

 

[FOTIS]

For guarranteed pass thrus I would go with the 180 at 2700 fps with a nice dose of RL 22. If not use the AccuBond!

 

[NOSLER]

Because it is hunting, you can't guarentee a pass-thru


However, I agree with POP you would be better served going with a 180gr in the BT or switching to the AccuBond or Partition. Typically the 150 BT is pushed a bit faster and thus expansion happens at an excellerated rate.

 

[scubagtr]

I just got back from a deer hunting trip using my 168 gr silver BTs with my 30-06. It was about a 75yrd shot into the heart. Small entry hole, but hit the chest and just exploded inside the chest cavity blowing the heart and lungs into mush. There was not much left in the chest, and there was a small exit hole out the the other side, but I think it was probably a fragment. So this bullet definately imparted all its energy into the deer.

However, on my upcoming hog trip, I will be using the Accubonds for the tougher hide.

 

[perkins42]

I have used BT on deer. I tried both 150 and 168 BT . (out of 300winmag). I quit using them after I lost a deer I hit twice behing the front shoulder at about 200 yards. My friend was watching and confirmed both hits to be in vitals. We tracked the deer for about 3 miles in thick timber and eventually lost the trail, we never did see him again.

The next hunting season nosler came out with the 200 grain AccuBond in 30 cal. Ever since then I have hunted with nothing other than AB's and I have never been let down. I haven't even needed a second shot. I have killed three elk, all of them had large exit holes and I never have found a bullet fragment. THe farthest shot being about 500 yards took the lungs out of elk and left a large exit hole.

If I were you I wouldn't take my chances with the BT. Acubond has been a sure bet with me, and every one elso I talk to has the same results.

 

[bowhuntrrl]

I've used Ballistic tips for years. Always had 1 shot kills. You don't need a premium bullet to kill deer sized animals. Shot placement , as always, is important. B-tips are not meant for shooting through shoulders or for use in ultra high velocity situations. That being said, I've spine shot many deer with a 140 B-tip from a .270, and always had exit holes.

 

[Fish Springs]

I've used 140 grain BT in my 7x57 as my primary deer round (2800 fps) and they have achieved off side exit every time and it shoots very small groups when pressed into duty in hunting rifle shoots at the club.

"Found" this load in the Nosler Manual after a customer told me wild tales of BT's "blowing up" on the near side of is Mule deer.

Also, I've used 165 BT in a 300 H&H again with Nosler data, when wanting a rifle for longer range shots and not seen a failure to penetrate any deer.

 

[444marlin]

The nosler ballistic tip is the best bullet for any caliber. I just wish there was a 100gr ballistic tip available for 6mm guns.

 

[JD338]

I have used the 140 gr BT out of my 280 Rem with excellent results. I have take a dozen WT deet and 2 Caribou, all 1 shot kills at ranges from 10 yds to 300 yds. I have had exit wounds on all but 1 deer. That bullet was recovered under the hide after going through the shoulder on a quarting shot. Like almost every other deer hit with a BT, it dropped in its tracks.

BT's are designed for quick expansion on deer sized game, they are not ment for shoulder shots. The 165 gr BT should work great on deer. If you center punch the lungs, exit wound or not, you will have a dead deer that didn't travel very far.

Regards,

JD338

 

[2ndtimer]

The nosler ballistic tip is the best bullet for any caliber. I just wish there was a 100gr ballistic tip available for 6mm guns.

Chris, I think they stopped at 95 gr due to the length of the bullet. Possibly a 100 gr Ballistic Tip in 6mm might require a faster twist than the popular 1 in 10" to properly stabilize. At least that is my guess, any confirmation, Nosler?
That is also why I don't expect to see a 140 gr ballistic tip or AccuBond in the 6.5 bullet. Of course, all us 6.5 shooters would be thrilled to see an AccuBond of any reasonable weight from 120 to 135 or as heavy as it can be accurately loaded. Please?

 

[captdavid]

I use the 165-168 loaded at 2750fps (chrony'ed).On brosdside shots and quartering shots it will pass through. Ive never shot through more than about 18" of deer and all these shots are under 200yds. I think they are perfect for deer and hogs up to 250lbs or so. capt david :grin: :grin: :grin:

 

[147 Grain]

I've found many advantages to using Ballistic Tipped bullets that are heavy for caliber.

Ballistic Tips (BT's) were designed by Nosler for violent expansion / explosion and medium penetration on light skin type animals like deer and antelope.

For most calibers shooting BT's, you're better off using heavier projectiles with bigger Sectional Density's (SD's) than you would normally use for a regularly constructed bullet.

Why?

1. Heavier bullets for caliber are better in a BT because they tone down the violent expansion a bit and still have enough weight leftover for a complete pass-through.

2. The shock-value with the heavier BT will still be more than lighter standard bullets and you get more energy on target.

3. Short range shots also suit the larger round with a higher SD versus standard light weight bullets with less mass.

4. Raking quartering-away shots need a heavier round for adequate penetration.

5. A larger BT'd bullet is more forgiving if you shoot into the shoulder.