SST vs BT

[efw]

As others have said, it is tough to compare whole lines because different configurations are built differently.

From what I've been told generally speaking the "heavy for caliber" NBTs are a lot tougher than either the SSTs or their lighter siblings... 150 gr 7mm, 180 gr 30 cal, 180/200 gr 338 cal, etc. That is, they have thicker jackets.

My experience has suggested that each rifle is an entity unto itself and you just never know what it'll like best. I've had excellent results from both bullets accuracy-wise but in different rifles. My '06 LOVES 165 gr SSTs but doesn't shoot the 168 gr NBTs quite as well.

As others have said, I'd go w/ accuracy first. Either one is going to do fine on whitetails no matter the angle. If the 140 NBT works well accuracy-wise stick with it, go forth and fill an ark. If, on the other hand, the 139 SST does best stick w/ that. Let your rifle speak to you !

 

[Jimbeaux82]

I have killed a lot of deer with 150 gr BT~s out of my 7mm Wea Mag loaded to around 3100 fps MV. If I hit a clean broadside shot in the 100 - 300 yard range, I usually get an exit hole and a massive blood trail. On closer shots, I usually do not get an exit hole but it is not needed. Usually DRT. However , on tougher angle shots I do not think you can count on an exit hole. If you must have one, I would suggest Partitions or maybe the new Accubonds.

However, I can attest that 150 BT~s are extremely lethal, but do damage a lot of meat if that is of concern to you.

Jimbeaux

 

[Jimbeaux82]

Regarding Interbonds, I have not personally used them but I do reload them for a friend who has had excellent success with them. I load a 180 gr IB for his 30-378 Wea Mag at 3480 fps and he has a record of 1 shot kills on deer and African game up to Eland and Zebra size at range to 450 yards. I did test fire his rifle for load development and got 3 shot - 1 in groups with this load.

He is very happy with the load and the IB~s and I will probably be loading him another batch this fall. But I might see if I can get him to try Accubonds this time.

Jimbeaux

 

[JD338]

Polaris,

Try the 140 gr BT in your 280 Rem for deer. It kills like lighting and they fold in their tracks with solid lung shots! I shot a 6 pt one year with a 140 gr BT from a 280 Rem. I took off the top of the heart and he went 3 jumps and piled up. This tracking job was the furthest I ever had to make with this combo.

JD338

Do you get exit holes even on tough angles? That is a big concern for me as my favorite buck spot is a "random travel area." Open hardwoods with no defined trails, only oak trees for miles around. The deer come in and randomly mill about picking acorns and other tasty morsels. You have to pick a path through the trees and take the shot when offered, often times a tough quarter. Flat shooting is not a concern as max. range anywhere I currently hunt is 200 yards. I could even zero a 175 rn for a point blank hold and be fine. Definately want a pass-through exit as everywhere I hunt is bordered by aspen regrowth or heavy swamp and they can cover a lot of ground quickly in the open hardwoods. Is also public land so I don't want any doubt as to first killing shot if my dead on the feet deer ends up in front of someone elses stand.

Polaris,

I have taken a dozen + WT and a couple Caribou with the 7mm 140 gr BT and only recovered 1 bullet. That one was a quartering on shot at 150 yds. I hit the point of the near shoulder and it was under the hide between the last two ribs on the off side.

The farthest tracking job I made using this bullet was a little 6 pt. I took off the top of the pump station and he went 3 or 4 jumps. Most of them just dropped in their tracks.

JD338

Caribou are bigger than WT deer weighing about 300-350 lbs. I shot 2 bulls with a 280 Rem and the 140 gr BT entered in the shoulder and exited the rib cage on the off side. They both ran about 50 yds and piled up.

 

[1Shot]

If I remember right, you used the 117 Sierra alot too, is the BT & Sierra close in performance in your experience? I like the BC of the BT.

Yes they are close in performance but I use the 117 Sierra most. It does the job great is super accurate in my rifle and I can get 100 of them for the price of 50 BTs.