The Nerve! Nosler 64gr Bonded Solid Base bullets

[Barnacle Brad]

I spent a little time today researching deer loads and bullets in particular, for use in my rem 700 22-250. It seems that I hit the jack pot last year when I loaded up some 64gr Nolser Bonded Performance bullets. Over 33gr IMR 4064, I did not have to adjust POA from the 50gr Hornady's I use for varmints. It also produced a sub moa 3 shot group and the penetration on game is really good.

My partner and I took two pronghorn last year and both were pass through shots. I hit mine in the short ribs behind the shoulder. He fell dead in his tracks at 100 yds. My buddy made a vitals shot at 75 yds - down in twenty yds.

We were considering increasing the bullet weight this year, but it seems that the heavier bullets do not do well from what I have read and are designed for target or match shooting as opposed to hunting.

Read the reviews on Midway USA and you will find that people who use the Nolser Bonded Performance bullets love them. One exception I read, regards the seating process. Some guys had trouble with their seater plugs not fitting the bullet right and deforming the nose. Not the bullets fault though. I had no issues with the bullet in that regard.

I have read so many posts about the ethics of hunting with the 22 caliber that I could vomit. So please don't use this thread to go off on a tirade of righteousness, though you may feel compelled to do so. This is just a simple review of a very good bullet for killing deer and antelope in a small caliber.

I took a few pictures while cutting meat to illustrate the effective penetration. Sorry if these are gross, gory, excessive or other wise disturbing or offensive.

 

[Art Eatman]

As I have said many times before, the last fifteen or so years of R&D in bullet design have changed the equation for using the centerfire .22s on such as antelope and deer.

Not the be-all and end-all, of course, but definitely usable.

 

[Colt46]

People been shooting deer sized game for generations using .22 lr

Right or wrong, it can be done easily and humanely if you have the skill.
I don't think a centerfire with a bullet up to the task is too far of a stretch when it comes down to it.

 

[AllenJ]

As I have said many times before, the last fifteen or so years of R&D in bullet design have changed the equation for using the centerfire .22s on such as antelope and deer.

+1

Bullet technology has come a long way since I started reloading 38 years ago. Cup and core bullets are still out there but for hunting bonded and monolithic are very popular. It also helps that the ammo manufactures are putting these premium bullets into their loads. I wonder what advancements they'll make over the next 15 years?

 

[Barnacle Brad]

I am happy that bullet makers recognize the need for game specific r&d to wring the full potential out of this caliber and are willing to fill this niche.

I have .25 and .30 cal rifles I use for mid size game as well as the .22. But I like to shoot and reload and develope loads. I like the variety and can choose the tool that suits the conditions or my confidence level appropriately. My 250 is the most accurate rifle I own, with great optics. Having it available and a 'no question' confidence in it is priceless.

 

[amflyer]

Two things I have question about:

1. the profile of that bullet looks pretty blunt...what's the ballistics look like?

2. Any problems with stabilization out of your Remington? Is is a 1:14"?

 

[Lucas McCain]

You need to try your loads at some longer distances. Most factory 22-250's have a 1-14 twist and they have a tough time stabilizing a 55 grain bullet beyond 100 yards. That's why the 223 has a 1-12 twist so it can handle 60 grain bullets.
You wouldn't want to find this out some time, when that 17 inch goat is broadside at 250 yards.
Nothing unethical about using a 22-250 for deer sized game, but need to be aware of its limitations.

 

[Barnacle Brad]

1) Nosler calls it a 'Protected Point' design for reliable feeding in ARs. The B.C. is 0.231.

2) My 700 has a 1:14 twist as far as I know. Stabilization not an issue with it or Stevens M200. Posted a .75" 3 shot group with one called flier, at 100yds.

 

[Barnacle Brad]

One more pic to illustrate the pass through...

 

[tahunua001]

the chest cavity picture is so blurry that I really don't understand what's going on there. not a bad exit wound for a 22 though. if my AR didn't hate the heavy stuff so much I would like to try that bullet out but it doesn't so I probably wont.

 

[Barnacle Brad]

It is a cratered spine with remnants of liquified lungs.

There is a calculator you can search for - input bullet weight, length and other parameters, it should tell you if your rifle will stabilize the bullet.

Good luck!

 

[603Country]

My 220 will stabilize the 63 gr flat base Sierra SMP (33 gr of 4064), but not the 60 gr Partition or the 65 gr Sierra GK. The stabilization calculator says my 220 won't stabilize the 64 gr Nosler BSB, so I haven't tried it. I sure wish I could use it in that 220. I'd try the bullet if I thought I had a tiny chance of it working.

Hmmm, I should at least compare it to the 63 gr Sierra in the calculator program. And that 63 grainer is stable to at least 200 yards.

I want to shoot that bullet....

 

[Barnacle Brad]

What is the twist rate of your 220?

The Nosler Load Data, was tested with a 1:14 if that helps.

NOTE: I used 33gr 4064 which is NOT listed in this data.

 

[Unlicensed Dremel]

Very nice.... For awhile, Savage was making a rifle (think it may have been the LRPV or similar - a long heavy rifle), which offered both .22-250 1 in 12, AND .22-250 1 in 9. Too bad they didn't make a hunting version of that rifle. I suppose you could turn down that barrel and put on a different stock, but for that money, may as well go custom. I've long thought that a 1 in 9 twist .22-250 with proper bullets is the perfect Southern whitetail rifle, including being a beanfield rifle.

That's an impressive bullet indeed - designed just right for 12 or 14 twists, and performs well in all aspects. And still a laser to 275. Plus, with that flat point, it should do the job well even with neck shots. Thanks for the info. Jackpot indeed.

 

[603Country]

220 twist is 1 in 14. Heck, I'll buy some. I'll order them right now. I can always shoot em in the 223 if they don't work in the Swift.

 

[603Country]

I ordered some. By golly, we'll see if they will stabilize in my Swift. I'll let ya'll know....as soon as I know.

 

[Barnacle Brad]

Good timing! On sale at Midway USA! Good luck, I hope they work well for you!

 

[.300 Weatherby Mag]

Brad.. Just a question about conditions.. Be honest how often does the wind blow to the point that it limits the use of the .22-250 as a viable option?

 

[Barnacle Brad]

Your request for me to be honest perplexes me Sir.

Since the 22-250 has only been legal to hunt with in our state going on two years (the upcoming season being the second) I have limited experience or exposure to windy conditions. Last year I hunted two days with the 250. The wind was not a factor either of those days.

Could wind be a factor? I suppose. Conditions might determine one or two outcomes as far as I am concerned: wait to hunt when conditions have settled, or hunt with my .25 or .30-06.

It is ok to have a different rifle for different occasions right? I love all my rifles and therefore I make it a point to take critters with each. A one size fits all rifle does not fit my personality or needs.

Last year, out of 4 animals harvested, 3 were taken with the 25-06. Two fifty being the longest shot taken. I never stopped to consider if it was too windy for a shot.

The only time I have ever considered the wind that I can think (honestly) is shooting the 45-70 Trapdoor and Rolling Block at BPCR events. I have had more issues with the wind doing range work, than hunting.

 

[.300 Weatherby Mag]

Brad,

I have family that lives in the same general area you are from.. From listening to their experiences and from my time visiting them... It seems that the wind is always blowing.. That reality could make it difficult to hunt with a .22-250 in that area...