Why is everyone forgetting the Nosler Partition?
Hello Archer36,
Personally, when hunting in conditions that will not present long shots (beyond about 300 yds) I prefer JSP in Round Nose or Flat Nose profile, at moderate velocity, in heavy weights for whatever caliber I am using (for example; 220 gr in .30 caliber and 300 gr in .375 caliber).
But for conditions where 400 or more yd shots are not rare and yet a 50 yd shot could also be possible on the same day, I have had very good luck with Nosler Partitions.
I like the fact that the nose is very soft, thereby expanding easily, even at very long range, (attendant lower velocity).
Plus, at close range, the front tends to smear off, leaving a cylindrical shaped "drill bit" that penetrates very well, due to the jagged part left from the front shattering or smearing away.
Besides using them here in Alaska, in various calibers, I also used them on my very first safari (Namibia) for PG where the shots can be quite long.
My rifle was a Model 98 Mauser in .300 H&H, with 4x Zeiss and I shot 180 grain Nosler Partitions at a bit over 2800 fps (most accurate load in my particular rifle).
It proved extremely effective not just at close range, but out to a bit past 400 yds and various yardages in between.
That being said, I also very much like the Swift A-Frame bullets.
One could say they are something like a strengthened version of the Nosler Partition.
My hunting partner during that Namibia trip used 140 gr A-Frames in his 22" barreled .270 (also a '98 Mauser) and I was amazed.
That was my first exposure to A-Frames in action but not my last and I have been very sold on them to this day.
Well anyway, back to the N. Partition, I like that bullet within it's velocity limitations (another character I hunt with shattered a 260 grainer against a moose brisket at very close range, fired from his .375 Weatherby and no part of the resulting shrapnel made it into the vitals).
The .308 Winchester with 180 gr Nosler Partition will have no such over-velocity problem and it seems like it'd work well for what you plan to do.
But if eland is on your list, and you still plan to use your .308 for it, I would go with the A-Frame instead.
I do not trust any hollow point bullet for my hunting needs however, many people here and elsewhere have had excellent results with them (and I know of some who have not).
Anyway, as many here have suggested, you might consider going with the TSX or TTSX but in a light enough bullet to get plenty velocity (150 gr?).
The higher velocity is to help insure you don't experience any failures to expand (they're harder than lead).
There is no perfect bullet for all calibers, at all velocities, to hunt all species, in all conditions.
Cheers,
Velo Dog.
