Ballistic Tips For Whitetail Deer ?

[Fred McIntire]

I have a Thompson/Center Encore with a 15" barrel in 7mm-08 caliber. I purchased a box of Nosler 140 grain Ballistic Tips to handload for this pistol; however, after reading some postings here and on other sites, I am beginning to have some concerns about using the ballistic tips.

I was planning on going with 46 grains of IMR 4350.

My questions are as follows:
What primer should I use for this load?
Can someone calculate the ballistic data for me on this cartridge?
Is this bullet really going to do the job on Whitetail Deer?

Thanks,
Fred

 

[Thebear_78]

You will be just fine with the ballistic tips. The ballistic tips are great for the single shot pistols because they will expand at the lower velosities you will be getting from the pistol barrels.

 

[NOSLER]

Sorry, I passed this post on accident. I agree.. BT for whitetail is the way to go. 1600fps and it will reliably expand.

 

[GeorgeS]

Fred,
I've shot a lot of game with my SSK .309JDJ (14") and the Nosler 165gr. BTs (before they hardened them a bit).

I think you'll be alright if you hit bone.

George

 

[varmit_master]

HI i live in Arkansas i loas a 125gr BT in my 300wby it i love the load i use 86grs of IMR 4350 i got the load out of a Lyman's 1970 reloading book i use it on deer and coyotes the BT is the BEST bullet out i like it over the V-max out of my 22 250 and my 223 VM :grin: