Woodleigh RNSN vs PP Softs for Expansion

Gents, I am wanting any first-hand experience with the expansion properties between these two bullets on light sided game—like maybe a cat. I am bringing along a scoped 375 Flanged Mag on a trip to Zim in October. Primary items are larger, dangerous game and will have either my 500NE or 450NE to handle.

I will likely take some various plainsgame, possibly another croc and while this is not necessarily a leopard hunt, it technically is NOT “not a leopard hunt” either. It’s October so not what I’ve heard is prime leopard hunting weather. I also don’t like sitting blinds for very long, so not sure how I’ll fare…especially with other things ranking priority. But, running around making and checking baits will also provide times to cut tracks of primary targets too…and under the circumstances having the option only added a few days to the plan…so would seem foolish not to at least try.

And after laying hands on a bud’s leopard in April, there are days where I think…maybe I should…so admit I’m excited at the possibility.

So…looking at bullets. My 375 Flanged adores 300gr A-Frames and have a supply that I’ll likely take along. I also got in some Woodleigh RNSN that I heard expand well and more rapidly than the A-Frames. Then had some bullets arrive from Canada yesterday for my 450/400s and forgot I had added some of the protected point softs in 300gr for the 375 as well.

The PP softs are shaped much more akin to the Aframes, which admittedly fly more accurately than the RNSN in my rifle. Both are accurate enough out to 200yds for plainsgame…so I think once I’m finished tweaking the loads, either is a fine option, I’m just more curious how the PP expand in comparison to the RNSN.

I also picked up some factory Nosler 300gr loaded rounds from a forum member that shoot reasonably well at 100yd and under.

So was considering bringing my A-Frame handloads for everything but possible cat, and use a RNSN, PP or partition should triggers pull on a cat. Thoughts?

The A-frames cut a single hole out past 100yds when I do my part. The Woodleigh RNSN are still sub-MOA, when I do my part closer to .6-.7. Haven’t shot the PP yet to see if maybe a Goldilocks of sorts. Wanted to hear experience on expansion before spending the time on one in particular.

Thanks for any input.

W

I’m a Woodleigh fan with no cat experience, but if I were in your shoes I’d use the Partition.

I used the 300 gr woodleigh PP in 375 H&H in 2021. I found them very soft but worked well on PG. I used a combination of trophy bonded bear claws and woodleigh PP because ammo was short that year. I wouldn’t use 300 gr woodleigh on DG if I had other options.

Woodleigh PP fragments pulled from Roan. Main bullets did exit. 2 shots high shoulder 75 yards.


Trophy bonded bear claw on left. Woodleigh PP on right from kudu maybe 50 yards. Behind the shoulder angled in on both shots.

I’ve used Woodleigh RNSN and PPSN in both 535 grain .500 Schüler and 410 grain .416 Rigby. The RNSN was successful on Plains Game and the PPSN was successful on Cape Buffalo. Very good accuracy.

Woodleigh 196gr RNSP 8x57JS shot into a couple of Blue Wildebeest and recovered. Both shots were at about 100m. Velocity was approximately 2550 fps. These are the only ones I’ve recovered and kept as most have penetrated completely through on shoulder shots. One was a frontal chest shot and found in the stomach, the other was a frontal quartering shot and found close to opposite back leg. Both animals dropped to the shot. The recovered weights were about 90% if I remember correctly.

I have been very impressed with these bullets at the mild velocity and range that they are shot at.

I have used the Woodleigh PP & RNSN extensively in big calibres and I really haven't seen any difference in performance.
The PP are a good option in bolt action rifles as the tip of the bullet doesn't get knocked around in the magazine under recoil.
In a double I don't think you would notice any difference between the 2, the RNSN may regulate better just because of the shape.

Wildwillalaska,

I don't shoot the Woodleighs because they have not been as accurate as other bullets in my rifles. I have used the SAF a lot on game from bushbuck to buffalo in Africa. Don't worry about a bullet specifically for the leopard. Your 300 SAF will work just fine for everything providing you do your part.

Mark

I believe the PP has a tougher jacket... Woodleigh bullets are rated for impact velocities and PP is listed at a higher velocity than the RN. I would expect the RN to expand more readily at low velocity.

The bullet on the left is a Woodleigh .416” 410 grain RNSN recovered from this Kudu Bull.