180gr or 200 gr in 30cal Mag

Pheroze

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I think the 180gr is the standard. But, the Perfect Shot refers to 200gr often. I am thinking 200gr at a more sedate 2800fps (approximately) would not blow up the little guys, and do great on the big guys. Thoughts?
 
I would focus more on your bullet choice than the grains. On my last several hunts, the only animal we’ve actually had to seriously track has been a duiker. One was shot with a 300 180 grain TSX and the other with a 375 250 grain TTSX, both at less than 50 yards. The duiker was too thin skinned to really initiate expansion. I think if I had used any of the Nosler bullets, there would have been zero tracking, but would have had a huge exit hole because the bullets initiate expansion so much easier.
 
I agree. Bullet construction matters more than weight, but I also prefer heavier bullets for most hunting.
 
Pheroze, I asked IvW that same question. His answer was 200 gr. bullets, so that is what my son's took to Africa in 2016 and 2018.
 
I was thinking the same type of bullet. The ones I am playing with here are woodleigh.
 
I believe bullet construction first, but closely followed by weight. I prefer heavy for caliber with most hunting rifles and bullets and after talking with many people about this I will be using 200gr in my .300 H&H when it comes
 
I would focus more on your bullet choice than the grains. On my last several hunts, the only animal we’ve actually had to seriously track has been a duiker. One was shot with a 300 180 grain TSX and the other with a 375 250 grain TTSX, both at less than 50 yards. The duiker was too thin skinned to really initiate expansion. I think if I had used any of the Nosler bullets, there would have been zero tracking, but would have had a huge exit hole because the bullets initiate expansion so much easier.
for many uses, the nosler partition is not much of a bullet.
I have often stated that this bullet is what you need to make a big gun into a little gun
duiker and 30 cal is a classic example.
bruce.
 
I like using heavy for caliber bullets too and usually do. It's that mass and momentum thing and there is generally less meat damage. But then I also look back to my son using a 8x57 with a little 160gr TTSX on two safaris, slaying all manner of plains game with none going more than 50yds. I guess there is more than oneway to skin a cat.

The nice thing about using larger calibers on Duikers and such is they generally just punch a hole with little damage to the pelt unless you hit bone. 22LR is another good option.
 
for many uses, the nosler partition is not much of a bullet.
I have often stated that this bullet is what you need to make a big gun into a little gun
duiker and 30 cal is a classic example.
bruce.
I agree 100%. I only shoot/trust Barnes and Swift bullets myself. I used Nosler as an example of a different bullet performance.
 
Even a 220 grain round nose at 2700 fps has a 219 yard MPBR (4 inches) and would be suitable for bushveld hunting. This is what Taylor recommended for the .30-06, and, I believe, the .300 "Super". Of course, he had only cup and core and solids available to him.

I have to say I like the look of that bullet.

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/101047634?pid=348088
 

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200gr premium bullet especially if it is a H&H.
 
I like using heavy for caliber bullets too and usually do. It's that mass and momentum thing and there is generally less meat damage. But then I also look back to my son using a 8x57 with a little 160gr TTSX on two safaris, slaying all manner of plains game with none going more than 50yds. I guess there is more than oneway to skin a cat.

The nice thing about using larger calibers on Duikers and such is they generally just punch a hole with little damage to the pelt unless you hit bone. 22LR is another good option.

22LR would be illegal for use on duikers in SA.

( a) .22 or 5.56mm rimfire rifle for the hunting of- (i) furred game up to and including the size of rock hyrax; and (ii) feathered game;
(b) .22 or 5.56mm centre fire rifle for the hunting of furred game up to and including the size of springbok;

22 Hornet or 222 Rem may be better but will be a pain in the arse to bring such a rifle all the way just for that, rather use normal hunting caliber with solids even up to 375 H&H for that matter..
Some of the forest duikers are best shot with a shotgun with small buckshot or course bird shot, Nr1, AAA etc.

I have used combination gun such as 9.3x74R/12ga or 7mm/12ga with great success while hunting duikers in forestry areas and thick forest, you are at the same time ready for a bushbuck, nyala, bushpig or whatever for that matter.
 
200gr premium bullet especially if it is a H&H.
It's the 308 Norma, so it also has a good long neck to hold the bullet. Is the 200gr equally effective on small or light antelope?
 
The answer to you question is simple use the 200 grain Trophy Bonded Bear Claw (TBBC). The TTBC is one of the best bullets ever designed but it is the most often overlooked. Best of all if your not a reloader Federal has a 200 grain TBBC factory load for the 300 WM. My Encore in 300 WM love the Federal load so much its the only load I use in the 300WM.

20180506_153109.jpg
 
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It's the 308 Norma, so it also has a good long neck to hold the bullet. Is the 200gr equally effective on small or light antelope?

If the twist rate is 1:10 or 1:9 should be perfect.

Yes the 200gr is just as effective on smaller antelope.
 
TBBC and Rhino(bonded front core that opens up into petals and a solid rear shank-the best of the best) are the two best expanding bullets available in my opinion and close behind them is the Swift A frame
 
The answer to you question is simple use the 200 grain Trophy Bonded Bear Claw (TBBC). The TTBC is one of the best bullets ever designed but it is the most often overlooked. Best of all if your not a reloader Federal has a 200 grain TBBC factory load for the 300 WM. My Encore in 300 WM love the Federal load so much its the only load I use in the 300WM.

View attachment 338849

Superb...now tell me if you place that 200 gr bullet in the right place from an impala to the largest eland it ain't going down....I will eat my hat....

Great bullet at reasonable velocity placed in the right place has always been a winning combination in Africa.
 
PS. 1 click left may be in order.....if you want to improve on that :ROFLMAO:
 
IvW, you may or may not remember this, but it was because of your recommendation that my son Art Lambart II purchased and used this round for his Safari in 2018. BTW I believe that he made the adjustment suggested prior to departure. :D:D
 
See what bullet weight your rifle shoots best.
Some rifle barrels just won't group with a 180 grain bullet, no matter the maker.
There are factory loads from 130 to 220 grains, lots of good options out there.
 

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