Ballistic Tips vs. Deer

Bella:

I've been using 120gr. BTs @ 3000 fps in a 7-08 for years. I started more than 15 years ago so I know some were the 'old type'. They weren't available in a factory load back then and that's one of the reasons I started handloading metallics. I've never felt like they wasted more meat than any other bullet and none of my deer ran more than 30 yds. most just fell over DRT. I wouldn't hesitate to load up with them and go hunting tomorrow.

FWIW - I usually try for double lung broadside shots but I've also taken shoulder shots and I love these bullets.
 
I've has a few negative experiences with NBT's, but it could just be due to my application and prefrences. I've shot (and killed) numerous whitetail deer with Win. factort NBT loads in my .300WM. Two stand out as negative IMO. About 80 yards broadside shot in the ribs, bullet failed to exit. Saw the deer drop about 25 yards away though. Poor blood trail. Second was about 65 yards quartering to me, shot went into right side, failed to exit, no blood trail. There was a light mist and I couldn't find deer. Found it the next AM by accident as I was driving along the trail. It went maybe 40 yards. I lost a good buck from a shot at 50 yards due to no blood trail. Quartering towards, good lung shot, no exit or blood trail. I prefer good blood trail and full penetration due to the heavy brush I hunt in. I think the bullet/gun combo in my case causes the NBT to open up too quickly and reduces penetration. It shoots identical to the Accubond, so that's what I shoot now. I would not hesitate shooting it at distance through my .300, but I don't have that range in the area I hunt.
 
I hunt with a choice of 3 rifles. Ruger M77 in 30.06, with Federal Premium 165gr. NBT--Savage 110 in 30.06, with Federal Premium 165gr. NBT and Hornady 165gr. SST--Remington 700 SPS in .308 with Federal Premium 150gr. NBT. All these rifles are "dead nutz" zero at 300yds. 9 years- 23 white tails, 5 mule deer, 5 pronghorn, 4 elk, 2 moose, 2 black bear, too many ferel hogs to count, and all these critters fell over dead bang with "ballistic tip rounds." They make a mess of where ever they hit,, without a doubt. Depending on the circumstances, I try to take one of three shots. 1. low behind the front leg (turns the heart and lungs to pudding) 2. high behind the front shoulder (done right it severs the spine-- ya loose some backstrap with this one) 3. neck shot. If your rifle "likes" a certain ballistic tip round, then by all means use it. Its a confidence thing that you need with your rifle,, and remember--their may be 10,000 guys on this forum, and all of them have probably taken game of some sort,, but not one of them has taken "your shot' with "your rifle". You have a rifle and a round that you have confidence in-- then go for it and never look back--just my 2cents.
 
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