Woodleigh bullets, any good?

[Shootist43]

I didn’t have a chronograph back then but used 94 grains of 2209.

QuickLoad "says" expected velocity for that load with a 24 inch barrel is 2472 FPS. For what ever that is worth.

 

[Odinsraven]

Think Doctari nails it on velocity and what you need

 

[WAB]

What calibre was that? I had been thinking that I'd use Barnes TSX until I found these bullets. The cost saving is quite considerable so I am keen to use the Woodleighs. That said, it will be a long time before I actually get to do a hunt, so if I use them to get accustomed to the rifle and then change bullets to shoot the animals that will still work. If the weight is the same the loads should feel the same and shoot to a close enough point that with a little sight adjustment I won't know the difference.

375 H&H. I should probably not have loaded them as hot as I did.

 

[Dr Ray]

Hi all. I just picked up a few Woodleigh bullets to try in my .416 Rigby. How do they perform on big game? I have a few more available to me so once I find out if the gun likes them, would they be a good bullet to stock up on?

I've got a mix of 410gr solids and Weldcores, they were priced very reasonably so I'm debating whether or not to buy another 200 of each? I can't find a cheaper option anywhere but they need to work!

Woodleigh Bullets are world class and you cannot go wrong. Just note that they have specified velocities. I’m using Woodleighs in 416 Remington magnum with 86 grains of AR 2209 (IMR 4350). These are the 409 grain hydros.
Pressures with AR 2209 (Australian Rifle) are modest. If you use other Australian powders or other powders the pressures will probably be significantly higher.
These Bullets are “soft” on your barrel too - designed that way.

 

[njc110381]

I haven't decided what powder to use yet. Here in Britain I don't have access to a lot of the Hodgdon powders and US made stuff as they've just been banned due to one of the chemical components. Alliant and Vihtavouri are my go to powders, along with Reload Swiss, Ramshot and Lovex (who made a lot of the IMR powders I believe?).

It's frustrating that a lot of listed loads are US based. That may be a similar issue for you too?

 

[Tim Blackwell]

Fantastic projectiles and I've used them widely in many calibres on all manner of game. Haven't had a failure yet.

As noted, they work best as a 'heavy for cal, moderate velocity' bullet on big game. There's no need to drive them hard.

blacks

 

[Timbo]

If you load within their published velocities, they're superb projectiles. My kids have taken various plains game using the Woodleigh 180gr PSPs in my .30/06. The following year my daughter also rolled her NT water buffalo using this combination.

I also use their 500gr RNSN and FMJs in my 458WM. Off the bench my groups clover leaf at 60yds. I've taken 4 buff and 2 hippo so far, and all have been 1-shot kills. (My pet load is 72gr AR2206H pushing a 500gr projectile.) In Africa Woodleigh projectiles are well regarded: on my last hunt, one PH saying how effective their 400gr PSP is on buffalo.

Now deciding on which of their 9.3 calibre projectiles do I load up for my next hunt after eland and gemsbok.

 

[Opposite Pole]

Here is a before and after 500 grainer shot from a 470 N.E. double, taken out of a Water Buffalo. Performed as expected, 1 shot did it, broke one shoulder and stopped in the skin on the off side. Lost about 10% of mass though “gained” some due to bone fragment lodged in it.

 

[njc110381]

Here is a before and after 500 grainer shot from a 470 N.E. double, taken out of a Water Buffalo. Performed as expected, 1 shot did it, broke one shoulder and stopped in the skin on the off side. Lost about 10% of mass though “gained” some due to bone fragment lodged in it.

Only just spotted this. Thanks for posting - that looks like it performed perfectly! As long as my range testing shows the bullet to work ok from my rifle I think this is the bullet I will use. 410gr is reasonably heavy for calibre in a .416, I will probably only drive it at around 2300fps as I'm not a fan of hot loads. There isn't much the .416 Rigby will struggle with even with start loads I wouldn't have thought?!

 

[BenKK]

The great thing about the combination of .416 Rigby and Woodleigh 410 grain RNSN is that it is devastating on both buffalo and boar - and smaller or softer game! It really is an all-rounder!

 

[njc110381]

The great thing about the combination of .416 Rigby and Woodleigh 410 grain RNSN is that it is devastating on both buffalo and boar - and smaller or softer game! It really is an all-rounder!

Just what I need really! The only thing it won't do in that case is be legal in Scotland. Getting a 410gr up to 2450fps is pushing things a bit, I'm not even sure I can? Hey ho, I'll grab a box of 300gr Barnes TSX for the odd times I'll want to do that. I wouldn't bother, but the chap we stalk with is keen to have a go with it and he does a lot for us so it's the least I can do.

 

[Pheroze]

Just what I need really! The only thing it won't do in that case is be legal in Scotland. Getting a 410gr up to 2450fps is pushing things a bit, I'm not even sure I can? Hey ho, I'll grab a box of 300gr Barnes TSX for the odd times I'll want to do that. I wouldn't bother, but the chap we stalk with is keen to have a go with it and he does a lot for us so it's the least I can do.

What is the legal restriction in Scotland?

 

[njc110381]

What is the legal restriction in Scotland?

Minimum bullet weight 100 grains, minimum energy 1750ft-lbs, minimum muzzle velocity 2450fps. All of those restrictions must be adhered to, so the fact that the Rigby could have three times the energy and four times the bullet weight doesn't matter, it has to be doing 2450fps.

 

[Opposite Pole]

How do they verify it on handloads?

 

[njc110381]

It's like any other law I guess. Breaking it is only an issue if you get caught. Shooters are expected to have enough of an understanding of ballistics to make sure they comply with the law. A lot of short barrelled .243 rifles won't make the energy with all factory loads, and a 6.5x55 with a heavy factory bullet almost certainly won't make the velocity.

 

[Opposite Pole]

I can just imagine local constabulary dropping their speed cameras and switching to doppler radars instead ;-)

 

[njc110381]

I can just imagine local constabulary dropping their speed cameras and switching to doppler radars instead ;-)

To be honest the only chance of an issue is if something goes wrong and gives them a reason to take the gun and ammunition for testing. It's very unlikely but if it did happen there's a chance of having my firearm certificate revoked - no more shooting! I'll just buy some Barnes to be on the safe side!

 

[Opposite Pole]

Oh I’m not suggesting breaking the laws, was just curious. In Poland we have minimum energy requirement and that’s all, that and centerfire only.

 

[njc110381]

It's a very strange law and I'm not sure why it was introduced. In England the minimum energy is 1700ft-lbs and a minimum calibre of .240 for all but the two smallest species. No mention of bullet weight or velocity. For muntjac and Chinese water deer the minimum energy is 1000ft-lbs and minimum bullet weight is 50 grains. Interestingly that's the rule in Scotland for roe deer too. I guess northern roe are more delicate than southern ones? It really is baffling!

 

[Excessexpress]

I’d suggest the 340Gr PP Woodleigh for your deer.

If you want to push 410gr projectiles really fast, try Hydros. They’re great!