Barnes bullet expansion in large calibers (375 and up)

colorado · Dec 31, 2025

dgr416 said:
I like Swift bullets alot better than barnes x bullets .I had a good friend almost get mauled by a 10 foot 6 griz from barnes 400 gr 416 bullets at 2300 fps out of a 416 taylor .The bear had already been shot 3 times with a 358 norma with barnes x bullets then 4 times with the 400 gr barnes bullets .The petals blew right off going into the bear .The bear fell at their feet in the 200 yard charge .My friend who was the assitant guide changed to 410 gr woodleigh bullets for the 416 taylor that expand to .92.Bears are tough critters when charging they might be dead but still bite and run two mins .

My .375 caliber 300g A-Frame that penetrated a 9' brown bear diagonally starting at the right shoulder still weighs 299.5 grains. Your friend got a 10 1/2 foot bear I'm jealous what a monster!

Velo Dog · Jan 1, 2026

Greetings Fellow Hunters,

It’s been a bit over 5 years since this thread was first launched.
And regarding hollow pointed bullets, especially sharply pointed ones made from harder than lead material, the tatty old mongrel (yours truly) still says “bah humbug”.

Happy New Year to All,
Velo Dog.

MLindsay · Jan 1, 2026

ftrovato said:
Have you recovered any of the .510 diameter? I'd like to see them and hear the hunting report if you will.

I have taken 6 buffalo with my 500 A2. About 50% of the broadside shoulder shot pass completely through. The ones that I have recovered are picture perfect! Heading to the BVC in July for a double non trophy buff hunt

coreydb · Jan 1, 2026

I love Barnes, but with any bullet design, all are purpose built. I've always used min and max distance for max bullet expansion and hunted within those parameters. I tried Norma Bondstrike bullets during my last two African safaris and must say they had the farthest distance/max expansion of any other bullets I tried thus far. I've hunted with great success using expanding bullets from Nosler, Hornady, Federal, Barnes, Remington, Winchester, and Swift so far, and they all performed superbly. The thing to remember is every bullet has a point of diminishing return in terms of expansion. Just know what they are so you know what you can use for the type/conditions of your hunt.

Barnes bullet expansion in large calibers (375 and up)

colorado

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