switching from AB to BT??

[matts318]

I went out this weekend with some 165 sierra's loaded up to try an find a hunting load fro my 308 since I left all my 270 WSM shells on my frinds lease 4 hours away. Well the sierras shot ok, 1-1.25" groups at 110 yards at about 2830 fps, but just for fun my dad let me load up 5 of his 180 AB's to try behind some reloader 15 and wow, I got a .44" group at 2600 fps, I didnt think the 1-12 twist would be enough to stabilize but guess I was wrong.

Now my question is, and I know it just depends on the gun and what not but if I switch to 180 BT's can I expect the same accuracy or very close to the same as the AB? Is it common to see the same type of accuracy from the BT and AB in same weight and caliber? I ask because BTs are a lot less expensive than accubonds and im only hunting deer and hogs if they appear in front of me and I would rather have the rapid expansion.

 

[DrMike]

There are no guarantees on any style of bullet, but in general, the BTs are among the most accurate bullets in the business. ABs are also often as accurate. If you had good success with ABs, then you will likely have good accuracy with BTs.

 

[JD338]

The AB has a length of 1.380" and the BT is 1.360" so they may give you different levels of accuracy.
If it were me, I would go get a box of 180 gr AB bullets and not look back.

JD338

 

[Antelope_Sniper]

I've had very good luck switching between the two. Sometimes (but not always) they even shoot in the same hole. Because of the longer bullet, in one case I've had to back my load off....more then I expected.

 

[FOTIS]

I agree with JD

 

[JD338]

matts318

Take your Dad out for a nice steak dinner with some cold ones.
Tell him you will pick up the tab IF he gives you a box of loaded ammo. :lol:

The 180 gr AB will open up just fine on WT deer, even at your 308 Win velocities. :wink:

JD338

 

[sask boy]

I agree that ABs are the way to go. I do not think there would be very much difference between the two in accuracy but I believe the AB is a better (hunting) bullet.

Blessings,
Dan

 

[matts318]

thanks guys, its as much about saving money as anything, I just wanted to see if people were changing between the 2 bullets and seeing similar results most the time, BT's are about 6-8$ cheaper per box down here.

And its been hard to find AB's in certain weights and what not and I have been able to find the BT's in 180.

 

[Greg Nolan]

Either one will work just fine on Texas white tails but the AccuBond will put that trophy deer down a little more reliably. If cost is a factor the difference per bullet is about 20 cents per bullet. My hunts cost more in gas in one trip than all the bullets I'll shoot at game in 10 years so I'll always shoot the very best since I reload.
Greg

 

[JD338]

Either one will work just fine on Texas white tails but the AccuBond will put that trophy deer down a little more reliably. If cost is a factor the difference per bullet is about 20 cents per bullet. My hunts cost more in gas in one trip than all the bullets I'll shoot at game in 10 years so I'll always shoot the very best since I reload.
Greg

Well said Greg,

All the planning, preparation, time and effort all come down to the bullet. Now is not the time to skimp.

JD338

 

[Antelope_Sniper]

My Suburban holds 44 gallons of gas. That buy's alot of AB seconds. :grin:

 

[matts318]

I like to shoot and I typically shoot a lot so if I can save $20-30 a month than thats another box of bullets or pound of powder, I have a new born child at home and my fiance is still in school and Im the only one paying the bills, so as yall can imagine my budget is a little tighter than it used to be. But I only use nosler bullets on big game, shoot, 180 grains in any 30 cal bullet is overkill for texas whitetail, I shoot whitetail and hog with 270 BT's all the time and never had one fail.
I have had good luck with the AccuBond in my 270 wsm but that rifle has been super finicky the last 2 months so its getting sidelined for now, my 308 is the most consistent rifle I have, it will shoot anything from 110 v-max to the 175-180 grain pills under 1" at 100 with any one of 3 powders, and often under one inch at 200. The only downside is it drops more than twice as much as the 270 so I need to readjust and get some loading and shooting done soon.

 

[JD338]

try this-
http://www.biggameinfo.com/

go to ballistic calculator, advanced ballistic calculator and plug in your data.

JD338

 

[Desert Fox]

Tactical Rifles with 11 and 12 twist shoots the 190 grain SMK really well, so the 180 won't be a problem.

 

[Jerry 919]

matts318,

You have a private message.

Jerry 919

 

[matts318]

Desert fox, I have a 12 twist #7, 26" shillen barrel on a savage action, so far it will shoot just about anything I put threw it, it still dont like 165 sierra game kings though, I havent found a gun that will shoot those bullets. I can only get 1-1.25" groups out of them but thats still not bad.

JD338, what is the best way to find your site height? I can never get those calculators to work out to how the load actually shoots on paper and I think it is probably my site height that is not correct.