Northfork VS Swift?

[Wilkup]

As I’ve stated in another thread, I’m putting together a 35-300 WSM and am curious if anyone has experience they’d be willing to share as it relates to these bullets on game.
More specifically:
250gr or 270gr Northfork Semi Spitzer
VS.
250gr or 280gr Swift A-Frame

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

As I’ve stated in another thread, I’m putting together a 35-300 WSM and am curious if anyone has experience they’d be willing to share as it relates to these bullets on game.
More specifically:
250gr or 270gr Northfork Semi Spitzer
VS.
250gr or 280gr Swift A-Frame

@Wilkup
Not to derail you but haven't used either.
Have used the Woodleighs 225gn at over 2,900fps in my Whelen and they were devastating on game.
A big zebra stallion at 120yds was flattened with both shoulders broken and the internals destroyed.
The retained weight was 174 gn
Bob

 

[Wilkup]

@Wilkup
Not to derail you but haven't used either.
Have used the Woodleighs 225gn at over 2,900fps in my Whelen and they were devastating on game.
A big zebra stallion at 120yds was flattened with both shoulders broken and the internals destroyed.
The retained weight was 174 gn
Bob
View attachment 737967View attachment 737968

Whoa! That is very impressive performance!
25.4mm to an inch puts that mushroom over 1”

 

[Pheroze]

This 400 gr Swift A-Frame grazed the spine of a walrus and stopped just under the skin. That’s a lot of hide, blubber and bone to go through. But, I suspect you would get the equivalent from North Forks. I have recently switched to NF because they are easier for me to get.

 

[ftrovato]

I suspect they are both the best of the best of bonded bullets for the big stuff.

Here are a few Swifts out of a 416 Rigby (400 grain from a Zebra) & 500 NE (570 grain from a buffalo).

The solid is a Barnes flat nose 400 grain from the 416 Rigby & a head shot on a buffalo.

 

[Wilkup]

This 400 gr Swift A-Frame grazed the spine of a walrus and stopped just under the skin. That’s a lot of hide, blubber and bone to go through. But, I suspect you would get the equivalent from North Forks. I have recently switched to NF because they are easier for me to get. View attachment 737971

Where can you hunt walrus!?

 

[Pheroze]

Where can you hunt walrus!?

Canada. I don’t think you can import the ivory to the USA, unfortunately.

I went with Canada North Outfitting. They were very good

 

[Wilkup]

Canada. I don’t think you can import the ivory to the USA, unfortunately.

I went with Canada North Outfitting. They were very goodView attachment 737974

That is unreal! I’d love to hear the story of that hunt. Had not idea that hunt even existed.
My mind is blown for the year brother!
Congrats on a very unique and badass hunt

 

[V.Veritas]

Canada. I don’t think you can import the ivory to the USA, unfortunately.

I went with Canada North Outfitting. They were very goodView attachment 737974

Is that the 400 H&H?

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

Whoa! That is very impressive performance!
25.4mm to an inch puts that mushroom over 1”

@Wikup
Considering the size of the stallion. He was one big SOB.
The good old 250gn Hornady Round nose also give great performance it was coming out the barrel at 2,680fps and left a golf ball size hole out the other side in an oryx/ gemsbok bull and you saw the whole body ripple at the impact.
For ranges upto 250yards the Hornady or the 225gn Woodleigh round nose would be great on
PG.
My zebra with the 225 Woodleigh PPSP. You can see the entrance wound just above the chevron in the front leg. Bullet was found just under the skin on the off side. Zebra made a 20 yard dash and nose dived into the Kalahari sand.

 

[Pheroze]

Is that the 400 H&H?

Yes sir

 

[DmacD]

400 gr. North Fork .423 (404 Jeffery) loaded to 2200 fps at the muzzle. Recovered from a Cape Buff that was hit at 25 yards. This bullet entered behind the from leg, through a rib, lungs, then another rib, and came to rest in the offside shoulder. I was happy. I could not locate any Swifts, but believe that they both make fantastic, tough bullets.

 

[375Ruger416]

400 gr. North Fork .423 (404 Jeffery) loaded to 2200 fps at the muzzle. Recovered from a Cape Buff that was hit at 25 yards. This bullet entered behind the from leg, through a rib, lungs, then another rib, and came to rest in the offside shoulder. I was happy. I could not locate any Swifts, but believe that they both make fantastic, tough bullets.View attachment 738100

Better than tough - by reputation the A-frame and North Fork have a superb reputation for big expansion AND deep and straight penetration. As good as the mono’s are (I’m a big Barnes fan), I do think bonded, lead core bullets with a solid rear shank have an advantage in that magical combination of expansion and deep penetration.

I have read reports of TSX not expanding or not penetrating straight when striking at an oblique angle - perhaps not all of the petals open due to the steep incident angle? - in any case I would happily use ANY of the premium bullets for buffalo though I do think North Fork, Swift, and perhaps TBBC are the best of a very good group. I will emphasize that I do not have enough, nor do I expect to ever have enough experience to make a definitive statement on this.

 

[atrious]

I was hoping to try the 140 gr North Fork in my 264 WM but they are really expensive.

 

[Hedge774]

Did anyone else get their A Frames delivered today? I'm just waiting for venison to start falling in my yard!

 

[APB]

I shot a deer with the NF 180gn SS last fall in 308. One shot and down. Plan to look at the NF 300gn SS for my 375 Ruger or the 370gn for my 416 Taylor for a Buffalo hunt this summer. I just can’t find A-Frames in my neck of the woods.

 

[358 Norma]

Did anyone else get their A Frames delivered today? I'm just waiting for venison to start falling in my yard!

Looks like mine are stuck in Denver.

 

[Russ16]

I shot a deer with the NF 180gn SS last fall in 308. One shot and down. Plan to look at the NF 300gn SS for my 375 Ruger or the 370gn for my 416 Taylor for a Buffalo hunt this summer. I just can’t find A-Frames in my neck of the woods.

Mine are out for delivery.

 

[Hedge774]

I've got two bulls and a cow so far. They heard I got A Frames in the mail and just have up hope. Laid down in the driveway.

 

[Fatback]

I have had great success with Aframes out of a 458 win and a 416 Rem mag on buffalo. I have also seen Northfork SS have fantastic results. I would not hesitate to use either.