Nosler .458 300 Grain Ballistic Tip?

[hoytcanon]

Hello, AH folks... has anyone out there tried the new Nosler .458 Ballistic Tip bullets. I ordered some in to try in a bolt action .450 Marlin... would only consider these for medium game, WT's and BB's, but they look interesting. Going to load some up for the range and maybe test on a black bear this spring.

 

[hoytcanon]

This bullet...

 

[Hunter4752001]

Interesting bullet, does Nosler list a maximum velocity?

I have some 300 gr locally made all copper projectiles which I load to about 2700 fps in a 458 Lott. A comfortable load with no pressure signs. I haven't had a chance to test on game as yet.

I also have some 300 gr Speer projectiles but when emailed, the manufacturer stated they are not suitable to be used in the Lott.

 

[hoytcanon]

Interesting bullet, does Nosler list a maximum velocity?

I have some 300 gr locally made all copper projectiles which I load to about 2700 fps in a 458 Lott. A comfortable load with no pressure signs. I haven't had a chance to test on game as yet.

I also have some 300 gr Speer projectiles but when emailed, the manufacturer stated they are not suitable to be used in the Lott.

All I can find in recommended velocity range is a cut & paste from other NBT blurbs... it says 1800 - 3200 FPS, and I am pretty sure nothing is driving these to 3200. Should be good for medium game. I have three boxes in the way, will work up a load and try them on bears this spring.

 

[hoytcanon]

The .458 300 NBT's came in. Making up a batch for the range in the .450 Marlin. 300 NBT over 50.0 to 54.0 grains H4198 @ 2.700"... My .450 Marlin is built on a Ruger M77 Mark II Stainless action... if you are shooting a lever action, work up your load... always work it up, but particularly if it is a lever.

 

[Bullship2]

How did your ballistic tip load perform in your 450 Marlin? Did you chronograph them to see what speeds you’re getting?

 

[hoytcanon]

I never got around to using that load on game, but I tried it in my .458 WM carbine with a reduced load of 60.0 grains H4198 and filler to the bullet base... shot a doe, the result was catastrophic. This bullet completely exploded and did ludicrous damage. Hit a rib on the way in and came apart in every direction, the shrapnel made a mess. I would not recommend it for game.

 

[Bullship2]

Thanks for the reply. Maybe I’ll give the Barnes 300 ttsx instead with hopes that the all copper projectile will hold together. With the load data out there all being specked for shorter barreled lever guns, I don’t think I’m coming close to the full potential of the 450 Marlin round in my bolt action rifle.

 

[Woodcarver]

I never got around to using that load on game, but I tried it in my .458 WM carbine with a reduced load of 60.0 grains H4198 and filler to the bullet base... shot a doe, the result was catastrophic. This bullet completely exploded and did ludicrous damage. Hit a rib on the way in and came apart in every direction, the shrapnel made a mess. I would not recommend it for game.

That pill looks just like the Hornady 325FTX. Accurate, but explosive. I shot a coyote last winter with the 325FTX out of a 458 Socom. Velocity is only 1682fps, but it essentially gutted that coyote. The exit side was opened from his ribs to the hip. I won't ever use one on a game animal. But they do make great prairie dog medicine!

 

[hoytcanon]

Interestingly, I had 60 rounds loaded with the 300 Ballistic Tips... after the deer hunt, I pulled all of those bullets and simply popped in Hornady 350 grain RN's without dumping the powder, as I had topped off with filler. I went to the range this morning to set up a .375 WSM for Namibia and a .223 for coyotes for the next couple months, so I brought along the .458 WM Carbine and tried the new loads (350 RN over 60.0 H4198 and filler to the base)... here are the first four shots at 100 yards;

I think this will be my light deer and bear load, as I used this bullet last year to put down three nice bears out of a .450 Marlin.