Nosler ballistic tip for Gemsbok ?? Yes or no?

[NESTOR]

My regards to all the foristas. Recently I came back from a hunt in the Limpopo province, South Africa. I rented rifle in the concession, a Ruger cal 300 Winch mag, and the ammunition were refills with tips Nosler balistic tip of 165 grains.
I fired a gemsbok about 100 meters away and if the shot entered something behind the paddle compromising lungs and left the opposite side, the animal was wounded and I could recover the next day. With the blue weldebeest, the shot entered crossed and although it fell to the animal, the tip was lodged in the back room, it had completely lost the nucleus of lead.
My question is: is the use of this tip correct, in that weight (165 grains) in a fast caliber caliber like 300 WM, what do you think?
Thank you.

 

[sestoppelman]

I think you have your answer. That bullet while sometimes amazingly accurate, is not the best bullet for larger than deer size game. It will work, but its a lightly constructed bullet and prone to separation or disintegration at high velocity, in 30 cal and below. I understand that above those cals it is somewhat better, but still there are much better choice for big game hunting.

 

[IdaRam]

Hola Nestor,
In my opinion the Nosler Ballistic Tip is a poor choice for large Plains Game. A 180gr would be better than the 165, but still not good. Although the 165gr bullets apparently got the job done. You must have done a good job of putting the bullet in the right spot.
It sounds like that is simply what your PH happened to have. Possibly given to him by a previous client?
I believe your scepticism of the ammo is justified. However, ammo is sometimes hard to come by and expensive in Africa, so your PH may have just been hoping for the best with what he had.
A lesson for other hunters who rent a rifle from the Outfitter. Inquire about the ammo available prior to showing up for your hunt. Insist on something suitable for the task at hand.
Other than some ammo concerns, how was your hunt and who did you hunt with?

 

[wesheltonj]

Not a fan of Ballistic Tip ammo in any caliber. Glad you had a successful trip.

 

[PHOENIX PHIL]

I love the Ballistic Tips in the right circumstances. Large PG with a .300WM and 165gr version with short shots, definitely NOT the right circumstances.

 

[CAustin]

I have used Winchester Ballistic Silver Tips In 300 Win mag 180 grains and put Eland down with them. I should think the 165 grain capable but I would prefer the heavier 180.

 

[Mekaniks]

There are several different kinds of Nosler “ballistic Tips”.
Ballistic Tip Hunting
Ballistic Silver Tip
Ballistic Varmit
They are all very diffrent bullet designs....and preform very differently....

 

[IvW]

Wrong bullet for that caliber in that area at those animals. (Gems buck and Blue wildebeest are tough animals and can go a long way when shot with inappropriate caliber /bullet selection)

Too light, too fast, too soft.(Probably loaded to over 3000 fps).

It might be great at longer range at smaller species, but definitely not a good choice for large African PG at shorter range in bushveldt conditions.

180-200(I would prefer the 200 gr) in a premium grade expanding bullet would turn the 300 WM into a very effective large PG rifle and caliber combination for that situation.

Speed does not kill(unless in a vehicle), the correct bullet that expands to 2-2.5 x diameter and stays together, correct placement and penetration does.

 

[NESTOR]

Muchas gracias por tus opiniones! Entonces tenía razón. Desde el principio pensé que no era el peso ideal para los 300, pero el profesional insistió en que era un buen consejo y la verdad es que no quería entrar en controversia con él. Pero obviamente no es adecuado para animales del tamaño de un orix, kudu, etc.
Llegué con la experiencia de haber usado en Namibia, también en un 300, el TTSX Barnes de 180 granos y se comportaron de maravillas con los grandes antílopes.
Gracias de nuevo por sus opiniones y experiencias personales.
Mis cordiales saludos.

Nestor

Thank you very much for your opinions! Then he was right. From the beginning I thought that it was not the ideal weight for the 300, but the professional insisted that it was good advice and the truth is that he did not want to enter into controversy with him. But obviously it is not suitable for animals the size of an orix, kudu, etc.
I arrived with the experience of having used in Namibia, also in a 300, the TTSX Barnes of 180 grains and they behaved of marvels with the great antelopes.
Thanks again for your opinions and personal experiences.
My cordial greetings.

 

[Fred Gunner]

I had great success using the Nosler AccuBond Bullets .375 Diameter 300 Grain Spitzer.

 

[Divernhunter]

Not my choice of bullet especially for that game animals.

 

[IvW]

I had great success using the Nosler AccuBond Bullets .375 Diameter 300 Grain Spitzer.

They are a better bullet but for PG only at longer range.

At least they are bonded whereas the Ballistic tips are not.

 

[sestoppelman]

The Accubond is a good bullet and much better suited for larger plains game in the appropriate calibers. I used a 250 gr in 9.3x62 in Namibia and had no complaints about bullet performance.

 

[IdaRam]

I had great success using the Nosler AccuBond Bullets .375 Diameter 300 Grain Spitzer.

The Accubond is a good bullet and much better suited for larger plains game in the appropriate calibers. I used a 250 gr in 9.3x62 in Namibia and had no complaints about bullet performance.

I agree, the 300 gr, .375 cal Accubond is an excellent all around performer. One of my favories!
I’ve used it to take impala, warthog, bushbuck, gemsbok, waterbuck, kudu, blue wildebeest and also a lioness. Distances have been 20 yards to 220 yards. Muzzle velocity of 2450 fps. Out of my RSM they shoot 1/2 MOA.
In my small sampling I have yet to see anything besides what I would call “perfect” performance. It would not be my choice for Cape Buffalo as it expands a bit too quickly for deep penetration on heavy Dangerous Game, but it is a great PG, Lion and Leopard bullet.

 

[PHOENIX PHIL]

I arrived with the experience of having used in Namibia, also in a 300, the TTSX Barnes of 180 grains and they behaved of marvels with the great antelopes.

That would be a very good choice for animals including up to Eland no matter what the range. Proper bullet weight and the TTSX will hold it's weight whereas the Ballistic Tips will shed weight quickly due to their frangible design.

 

[gordon kings langley]

Ballistic tip are not suitable for plains game.
Go for Nosler partition or Barnes TSX

 

[Fred Gunner]

I agree, the 300 gr, .375 cal Accubond is an excellent all around performer. One of my favories!
I’ve used it to take impala, warthog, bushbuck, gemsbok, waterbuck, kudu, blue wildebeest and also a lioness.

What's your thoughts on using 300 gr, .375 cal Accubond for Zebra? I'm booked on a Leopard Hunt next June and Zebra are on the menu?

 

[IdaRam]

What's your thoughts on using 300 gr, .375 cal Accubond for Zebra? I'm booked on a Leopard Hunt next June and Zebra are on the menu?

I would not hesitate to use them on zebra or even eland. My hunting partner shot an eland in Zim this year with one and it worked perfectly. Took out both lungs and top of heart. You will likely not get an exit on zebra, definitely not on eland. As always, proper shot placement is key.
Good luck on Mr. Spots. He usually requires every ounce one can obtain!

 

[1dirthawker]

Nestor,

i personally feel a 165gr bullet (especially that bullet which is a very soft bullet) is too light for a 300 win mag, mostly because you can shoot them so fast. couple that with a pretty frangible bullet, you are looking at explosive expansion, poor penetration.

a tough bullet like a swift A frame, barnes or north fork would be a much better choice in a 165 gr.

that said, i think 300 win do their best work with 200 gr pills,

my 2 cents

 

[oldhoward]

I don't care for BT on game. Rather use partitions in 165 grain weight or 180 would be a better choice.