Talk to me about BT's

[tddeangelo]

OK, so I've never been keen on poly-tipped cup/core bullets. I've used the Hornady SST in the past...it was ok.

I've seen kills from my dad's 7-08 with 140BT's, and most are good, although he's had a few iffy results. One was a lost (found later) buck shot from stern toward stem (not a Texas heart shot, exactly, but sort of same aspect on the deer). Killed it dead in about 50 yards, but three hunters searching for it for an hour couldn't find it, nor any sign of a hit. That kind of hit, not sure the bullet made the difference, as the shot was the problem. The outfitter where we were hunting had some rabbit hunters in camp in late winter who's beagle found the deer. It was hidden pretty well, apparently, so it was no shock they never found it at the time of the shot.

Anyway, with the 270 now in my cabinet, I have some load work to do, and the friendly neighorhood spider monkey has donated some 150BT's toward the cause. In concept I like BT's, but my main hesitation is that I am not one to pass on a non-broadside shot. I won't take a full on Texas heart shot, so to speak, but if I get past the flank and into the ribs, I'll shoot. If I can hit the shoulders, I'll do it.

Scotty and I have talked this through, just curious on some other input/experiences on BT's?

The Partition is my usual "go to" bullet, and I'm sort of inclined to go there with the 270 as well, but I've busted a few personal myths by trying things I've previously said were "no good," so I'm sort of feeling like I need to run a BT and make my peace with it?

 

[HeathSexton]

I am not a broadside/lungs only guy either and the 180 NBT from my 30/06's have never failed to impress and have always passed through. I stuck one through both front shoulders on a 180ish lb buck @ 117yds several years ago to prove that they would not work on bone. As far as I know that bullet is still flying after exiting the deer. The 150 from a .270 should be heavy built and strong, I say go for it.


Not a .277 test but you can see how the 168 NBT stacks up against a 200 NAB here: http://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthread ... ow_femurs_

 

[SJB358]

Yeah, I have said my part on this. The 150 BT from a 270 Winchester compares pretty well with the 180's and 165's from the 30-06. SD wise it has alot and the bullet itself is pretty tough. Whitetails aren't all that big and I don't pass shots either, at least high percentage rib shots.

Either way, you'll have a chance to try them out and decide for yourself. I'm thinking a 150 BT from your 270 should shoot. They are a go to in my WSM, with the PT's loaded for elk if I get lucky enough to carry it. They will do the work.

 

[DrMike]

Use the 150 grain BTs and you may never want to try another bullet. It is sufficiently stout to ensure that the bullet maintains good integrity despite being called to endure unspeakable stresses. There is sufficient mass to make an impression on about any game. You won't have any problem with that bullet.

 

[JD338]

The BT's work well on deer sized game and the 277 150 gr BT will get the job done from any sane angle.

JD338

 

[tddeangelo]

Thanks, guys. I know I'll have to do it to prove it to myself, but if I don't do it myself, I'll never believe it....so I guess there's nothing to it but to do it, right?

Jim, man you need a 264WM SuperGrade.....sorry, just had to throw that out there while I had your attention.

 

[Guy Miner]

It's really all about shot placement.

And, there's not a thing wrong with your current preference for Partitions. They have been behaving predictably for hunters for decades.

All that said, I have huge confidence in the Ballistic Tip. Particularly in the newer, tougher B-Tips. My son and I generally use them in 6mm, .25 & .30 cal. Always we've had excellent results. That's excellence on the target range, where they shoot virtually as accurately as match bullets for me, and also in the hunting fields.

Also, in 2012, I was pleased to note the superb results posted up by Stephen, (Roysclockgun) and his wife Storm. On our Wyoming mule deer & antelope hunt they each used the 120 gr Ballistic Tip. Stephen used the .280 Rem, Storm the 7mm-08. Both got one-shot drops on mule deer & pronghorn. I got one-shot drops on mule deer and pronghorn with my .25-06 & 115 gr B-Tips. Six shots on six game animals, and six quick drops. No problems.

I could go on with other examples, but suffice it to say, the Nosler Ballistic Tip is my favorite hunting bullet. The combination of accuracy, rapid expansion, yet enough strength of construction to punch on through is admirable.

Have to admit that I've not shot anything bigger than a mule deer with them. On deer sized game though, they are excellent performers.

Heath Sexton mentioned the 180 from his .30-06 favorably. I can understand! That's a big, impressive, accurate, hard-hitting bullet! A buddy of mine took a .300 Win mag to Africa for plains game a few years ago. I set him up with both 180 gr Partitions and 180 gr Ballistic Tips. He and his PH were very impressed with the performance of the Ballistic Tips, even (ahem) favoring them over the Partitions... Yeah, surprised me too with that one.

At any rate:

1. Shot placement is king.
2. Nothing wrong with your current liking of Partitions, a great bullet.
3. Ballistic Tips are really good hunting bullets, and have come a long, long way since the early days of being perhaps too fragile.

There ya go.

Guy

 

[tddeangelo]

Guy (and everyone),

This is perfect...thanks for sharing the field experience with the BT's. Hopefully I'll be able to accumulate a little of it myself this fall. Unfortunately, I'm not taking a trip down south to hunt this fall, or I'd be able to put a few deer on the deck with it for sure down there. As it stands, I will just be hunting PA, and that means 1, maybe 2, with a rifle. But I'll see what I can do.

 

[ScreaminEagle]

I've shot whitetails with BT's from the 257 Roberts, 6mm, 7mm-08, 280, and '06. They usually drop in their tracks, but if not, they don't go outta sight!

 

[Wis65x55]

My M38 6.5x55 Mauser has taken several deer with double shoulder shots ranging from 20 yards out to 250 yards. Some of these deer have been in the 200 pound class, Short answer NO TROUBLE!
Keith

 

[remingtonman_25_06]

Favorite deer and antelope bullet by far.

Pick the heavier ones for caliber and you wont be anything but short of impressed.

I shot the 150g NBT from an older rem 700 in 270 with great results.

The 115g NBT from my 25/06 has accounted for most of my bucks and ive yet to find one of them bullets inside a deer...

 

[1100 Remington Man]

Right now I use 120gr BT in my .264 Win Mag & for Deer & Antelope it works great.

 

[cloverleaf]

My experience on game is limited but I have taken several antelope with the 100 Gr Bt. All were fortunate shots so one shot ea. was the rule. Longest to date was 264 yds. Broke the near side leg at the shoulder and continued on through both lungs and as he was quartering to me. out the ribs. MV was 2800+ so it was getting out there when it hit. No risk of blowing up at that point but obviously plenty tough. IMO CL

 

[FOTIS]

Look at the bullet tests section....

 

[Guybo]

I've used accubonds and partitions but have never tried the BT's in my 25.06. After reading these reply's makes me want to give them a try.

 

[SJB358]

If the PTs or AB's are working, I'd stick with them, but the BT's are certainly deadly on deer. The 115's can really be shot of the 25-06 pretty quick.

 

[SJB358]

Guy (and everyone),

This is perfect...thanks for sharing the field experience with the BT's. Hopefully I'll be able to accumulate a little of it myself this fall. Unfortunately, I'm not taking a trip down south to hunt this fall, or I'd be able to put a few deer on the deck with it for sure down there. As it stands, I will just be hunting PA, and that means 1, maybe 2, with a rifle. But I'll see what I can do.

Well, I'd bet you could shoot one with the BT and one with the PT. You could decide what you like more.



Chances are, they will both shoot well with the same load.. Mine shoots pretty closely.

 

[DrMike]

Either looks to be pretty accurate. I imagine each works quite well.

 

[SJB358]

Either looks to be pretty accurate. I imagine each works quite well.

Oh yeah, you know they work well out of the 270 Improved! :lol:

Both of them run around 3125/3150 and are deadly as near as I can tell.. Not too much I worry about hunting with the 270WSM loaded with a 150 PT.