Question for Nosler - 125Grn BT @ 30-06 Velocities?

[firstshot]

Nosler

How well will the 125Grn Ballistic Tip hold up at 30-06 velocities for hunting bigger varmints such as coyote or bobcat? The Nosler 5th edition Reloading Guide shows a max velocity of 3418 FPS from a 24" barrel using Varget and the majority of the velocities on the page are >3000 FPS.

In the "150Grn BT Question" thread you said:

3000fps is the magic number for BT, if it is over that or close to that. Expansion may not become reliable.

Does that statement relate primarilly to hunting bigger game such as whitetails? Was hoping to be able to use the 125BT for varmint hunting with my deer rifle. Being able to do so would be great "practice" during the off season, but the "3000fps magic number" comment has me a little concerned.

Thanks
firstshot
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Make your first shot count!

 

[longwinters]

I think they are talking about the bullet fragmenting. I have no experience with the 125's but with the 150's out of a 30-06 on antelope you get a real big hole. I think the same would happen with the 125's on coyote etc... But I am just guessing.

Long

 

[firstshot]

longwinters

"Big Hole" is ok on the coyotes as I'm not into keeping the pelts. Our lease is over run with the song dogs and we definitely need to thin them out. Just want to make sure the 125BTs don't blow up on the surface as some have described them doing at high velocities.


Thanks
Firstshot
--------------------------------
Make your first shot count!

 

[longwinters]

Generally the word is that if you stay around 2900 fps or less no problems. But even if you are over I can't imagine that there would be a problem with fragmenting on coyotes.

Long

 

[NOSLER]

The 3000fps is for deer hunting and remember that is for impact velocity.

 

[firstshot]

Thanks Nosler

I kind of thought that to be the case but just wanted to make sure.

firstshot
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Make your first shot count!

 

[NOSLER]

No worries