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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 19,185
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Mar 2006
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The 30 caliber 180BT is much tougher than the 30 caliber 180 hornady BTSP. It is now, wasn’t always.
”Every citizen a soldier.” Thomas Jefferson Stand against tyranny.
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Joined: Jan 2009
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Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,447 |
Both are great bullets in my opionion and by great I mean good performance at a reasonable price. Interlock flat bases are my first choice for a lead tip cup&core bullet and Ballistic Tips my first choice for a plastic tipped bullet. If I want a tougher bullet for larger game like sambar deer the Accubond does the job. I could quite easily get by with these three bullets alone.
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Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 512
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Jan 2010
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I could be wrong, but I believe hunting legend Bob Foulkrod liked using 180 grain B/T in his 300 Win. Mag.
That should be all that needs to be said.
Texas
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 9,305
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Feb 2005
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I have killed around 40 elk with a 165 grain Hornady Spire Point bullet with great success. It worked better than most would think among those that place the highest value on Nosler Partitions. Nosler Partitions do perform well, but I haven’t ever felt I needed them when the 30-06 and a 165 grain Hornady worked so well.
After getting bumped out of a stalk on some elk, I decided I needed a longer range 30 caliber cartridge and went to a 300 Weatherby with 200 grain Accubonds, before my brother talked me into a 30-378. I shot the 200 gratin Accubond bullets in the 30-378 and only shot a few elk with it before I realized it was too much gun.
I went back to the 300 Weatherby and 180 grain Ballistic Tip and have killed dozens more elk with about the same success as the 30-06 and the Hornady bullet. I have concluded that it isn’t necessary to shoot bonded or partition bullets to kill elk… The 180BT is about the best cup and core bullet going.
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Joined: Feb 2005
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Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
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The 30 caliber 180BT is much tougher than the 30 caliber 180 hornady BTSP. It is now, wasn’t always. 30 some years ago it was less tough. It's been tough bullet for a very long time. I used the first versions in 7mm snd despite the claims to the contrary they never failed me.
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Joined: May 2004
Posts: 4,587
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 4,587 |
I never used them cause I heard several stories of them not holding up at all. I used Core- locs and Hornady Interlocks. Lately though, I have been seeing Speer bullets for a lot less than Hornies so I bought some but have not used them yet. I am sure they will be fine too. It seems getting what you want is the problem now days.
But the fruits of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness,faithfulness, Gentleness and self control. Against such things there is no law. Galations 5: 22&23
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 2,417
Campfire Regular
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OP
Campfire Regular
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 2,417 |
I have killed around 40 elk with a 165 grain Hornady Spire Point bullet with great success. It worked better than most would think among those that place the highest value on Nosler Partitions. Nosler Partitions do perform well, but I haven’t ever felt I needed them when the 30-06 and a 165 grain Hornady worked so well.
After getting bumped out of a stalk on some elk, I decided I needed a longer range 30 caliber cartridge and went to a 300 Weatherby with 200 grain Accubonds, before my brother talked me into a 30-378. I shot the 200 gratin Accubond bullets in the 30-378 and only shot a few elk with it before I realized it was too much gun.
I went back to the 300 Weatherby and 180 grain Ballistic Tip and have killed dozens more elk with about the same success as the 30-06 and the Hornady bullet. I have concluded that it isn’t necessary to shoot bonded or partition bullets to kill elk… Thanks for your post Shrap - very informative!
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Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 42,488
Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 42,488 |
I have killed around 40 elk with a 165 grain Hornady Spire Point bullet with great success. It worked better than most would think among those that place the highest value on Nosler Partitions. Nosler Partitions do perform well, but I haven’t ever felt I needed them when the 30-06 and a 165 grain Hornady worked so well.
After getting bumped out of a stalk on some elk, I decided I needed a longer range 30 caliber cartridge and went to a 300 Weatherby with 200 grain Accubonds, before my brother talked me into a 30-378. I shot the 200 gratin Accubond bullets in the 30-378 and only shot a few elk with it before I realized it was too much gun.
I went back to the 300 Weatherby and 180 grain Ballistic Tip and have killed dozens more elk with about the same success as the 30-06 and the Hornady bullet. I have concluded that it isn’t necessary to shoot bonded or partition bullets to kill elk… This is great info. I also love the 165gr Hornady spire point as well. The btsp version takes second place when it comes to those 2 bullets. They (spire point) have always shot well in every 30-06 I've tried them in. If I had some IMR4350 on hand, I'd load some up for my new to me 30-06 and do some testing.
I try to stick with the basics, they do so well. Nothing fancy mind you, just plain jane will get it done with style. You want to see an animal drop right now? Shoot him in the ear hole. BSA MAGA
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Joined: Sep 2013
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I've used them both and never recovered one of either. I still use Interlocks quite extensively, along with TTSXs. But I’ve gone away from BTs because of excessive meat damage.
My heart's in the mountains, my heart is not here. My heart's in the mountains, chasing the deer.
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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 7,934
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Sep 2004
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I’ve a pile of great experience with Hornady Interlocks but not much with Nosler Ballistic Tips.
Reason being that back in the late 80’s I had a ballistic tip blow up on the entry side of a medium Blacktail. - never tried them again. Time has passed & improvements have occurred. I could use your thoughts in comparing the two.
Especially curious how a 150gr .308 IL compares to same BT? After years of success with an Interlock 130gr .270win im pretty bummed to report that we had one explode on the surface of a 150-160" class whitetail this year. For that reason I'd say find a different bullet. Don't use either. Not worth it. Buck of a lifetime for many 60yds. Nothing but hair in the sky like shot out of a cannon. Or go ahead and wing it.
Your Every Liberal vote promotes Socialism and is an attack on the Second Amendment. Period. You will suffer the consequences.
GOA,Idaho2NDAmendmentAlliance,AmericanFirearmsAssociation,IdahoTrappersAssociation,FoundationForWildlifeManagement
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,611
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
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I agree with those who have said that there isn't much difference between the two bullets on game. However, I'm going to say something I can't prove, in my experience, the BT seems to be generally more accurate at ranges beyond 300 yards. That being said, the Interlock is a great bullet.
Last edited by super T; 01/31/23.
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Joined: Dec 2022
Posts: 295
Campfire Member
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Campfire Member
Joined: Dec 2022
Posts: 295 |
Every animal I've shot with an interlock in the shoulder or chest cavity has died within 100 yards of where it stood. Massive blood loss. Mainly in a 243 or 30-06. Several in a 6.5-06. My favorite deer bullet is a 150 interlock in an 06. Those suckers pound animals. I've shot coyotes to 300 pound mule deer with it. Can't speak for elk, but every deer I've shot on the point of the shoulder died. Would normally find the bullet on the offside just under the skin and it would retain 40-50 percent. Behind the shoulder exited 100 percent of the time. Freak deals happen but I trust that interlock. If I was to pursue an elk, I think I'd go parition or accubond.
Last edited by Coyote10; 01/31/23.
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Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 41,667
Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 41,667 |
[ After years of success with an Interlock 130gr .270win im pretty bummed to report that we had one explode on the surface of a 150-160" class whitetail this year. For that reason I'd say find a different bullet. Don't use either. Not worth it. Buck of a lifetime for many 60yds. Nothing but hair in the sky like shot out of a cannon. Or go ahead and wing it. When did you acquire the bullets? I have some suspicions about some relatively recent 150 grain .308" Interlocks.
"In the real world, think of the 6.5 Creedmoor as the modernized/standardized/optimized version of the 6.5x55/.260." John Barsness 2019
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Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 12,180
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 12,180 |
[ After years of success with an Interlock 130gr .270win im pretty bummed to report that we had one explode on the surface of a 150-160" class whitetail this year. For that reason I'd say find a different bullet. Don't use either. Not worth it. Buck of a lifetime for many 60yds. Nothing but hair in the sky like shot out of a cannon. Or go ahead and wing it. When did you acquire the bullets? I have some suspicions about some relatively recent 150 grain .308" Interlocks. What’s your suspicion?
Semper Fi
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Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 1,628
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
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Back when Nosler made bullets to sell, the Ballistic Tips covered nearly all of the possibilities. These days, it’s no contest. Hornady bullets get to the dealers’ shelves, so they by default.
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Joined: Sep 2004
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Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
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[ After years of success with an Interlock 130gr .270win im pretty bummed to report that we had one explode on the surface of a 150-160" class whitetail this year. For that reason I'd say find a different bullet. Don't use either. Not worth it. Buck of a lifetime for many 60yds. Nothing but hair in the sky like shot out of a cannon. Or go ahead and wing it. When did you acquire the bullets? I have some suspicions about some relatively recent 150 grain .308" Interlocks. What’s your suspicion? Well 3040fps @ muzzle maybe too much for said bullet at 60yds? At your .308 velocity I'm thinking your good to go. My only experience is with the 130gr .270. This Particular rifle is MOA with 140gr Partitions so I'm headed that way.
Your Every Liberal vote promotes Socialism and is an attack on the Second Amendment. Period. You will suffer the consequences.
GOA,Idaho2NDAmendmentAlliance,AmericanFirearmsAssociation,IdahoTrappersAssociation,FoundationForWildlifeManagement
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Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 41,667
Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 41,667 |
I had a couple come apart at 300 Savage speeds in modest size hogs. Not what I'm used to from that bullet.
"In the real world, think of the 6.5 Creedmoor as the modernized/standardized/optimized version of the 6.5x55/.260." John Barsness 2019
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Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 41,667
Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 41,667 |
[ After years of success with an Interlock 130gr .270win im pretty bummed to report that we had one explode on the surface of a 150-160" class whitetail this year. For that reason I'd say find a different bullet. Don't use either. Not worth it. Buck of a lifetime for many 60yds. Nothing but hair in the sky like shot out of a cannon. Or go ahead and wing it. When did you acquire the bullets? I have some suspicions about some relatively recent 150 grain .308" Interlocks. What’s your suspicion? Well 3040fps @ muzzle maybe too much for said bullet at 60yds? At your .308 velocity I'm thinking your good to go. My only experience is with the 130gr .270. This Particular rifle is MOA with 140gr Partitions so I'm headed that way. I haven't needed to buy any of the 130 grain .277" in a while. The ones from two or more packaging changes ago worked fine on deer and hogs with full blow loads from a couple of 270s I've loaded for.
"In the real world, think of the 6.5 Creedmoor as the modernized/standardized/optimized version of the 6.5x55/.260." John Barsness 2019
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Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 12,180
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 12,180 |
[ After years of success with an Interlock 130gr .270win im pretty bummed to report that we had one explode on the surface of a 150-160" class whitetail this year. For that reason I'd say find a different bullet. Don't use either. Not worth it. Buck of a lifetime for many 60yds. Nothing but hair in the sky like shot out of a cannon. Or go ahead and wing it. When did you acquire the bullets? I have some suspicions about some relatively recent 150 grain .308" Interlocks. What’s your suspicion? Well 3040fps @ muzzle maybe too much for said bullet at 60yds? At your .308 velocity I'm thinking your good to go. My only experience is with the 130gr .270. This Particular rifle is MOA with 140gr Partitions so I'm headed that way. I haven't needed to buy any of the 130 grain .277" in a while. The ones from two or more packaging changes ago worked fine on deer and hogs with full blow loads from a couple of 270s I've loaded for. Too bad when they change up good stuff that works!
Last edited by beretzs; 02/01/23.
Semper Fi
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Campfire Outfitter
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Maybe I missed it but when did Hornady change them? Until this season I'd always thought of them as a poor man's Partition.
Your Every Liberal vote promotes Socialism and is an attack on the Second Amendment. Period. You will suffer the consequences.
GOA,Idaho2NDAmendmentAlliance,AmericanFirearmsAssociation,IdahoTrappersAssociation,FoundationForWildlifeManagement
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