I am debating whether to use 450 grain North Fork solids or 450 grain Barnes solids on an elephant hunt.

"Everybody" says that the North Forks (which look just like G.S.) will penetrate deeper than round nose solids because of their flat point. However, "everybody" does not include Kevin Robertson, who says just the opposite in his book.

Moreover, this North Fork flat point measures about 8mm. While the Barnes monolithic looks more round, it too has a flat point, on the end of its round nose, that mesures about 7mm in diameter. Both bullets have a shoulder like a wadcutter. Barnes solids are easier to load because they have wider (and fewer) crimping grooves. Both shoot equally well in my rifle and get in the 2250--2300 fps range, with Barnes a mite faster. I have heard this is because Barnes solids are a bit undersize.

Since I am, so far, a shooter of paper only with big bores, any experiences would be appreciated.

In truth I suspect both will work fine..I like a flat point solid but both Northfork and Barnes make them..

BTW,the round nose has been killing elephants with aplomb until a couple of years ago it seems.

Indy,

I think your splitting hairs here. Whichever one shoots and feeds the best is probably the one you need to take. The elephant will not know the difference.

Mark

Oh no, there is much more to it than that!

quote:

Originally posted by MARK H. YOUNG:
Indy,

I think your splitting hairs here. Whichever one shoots and feeds the best is probably the one you need to take. The elephant will not know the difference.

Mark

Ahhh . . . the sweet nectar of common sense.

Thank you, Mark.

I say get some of each, load them up and go to the range. Whichever gives you the best group at what velocity you are looking for, go with it and don't look back.

What caliber are these in .458? The Barnes 500's in .458 have a flat meplat, and not round nose.

I doubt you can get the RN Barns anymore.

Mark is right, see which one feeds the best.

If they both feed great then pick the one that groups the best.

Kyler

Good point. The NF FP's may not feed.

quote:

Originally posted by Will:
Good point. The NF FP's may not feed.

That is a rifle problem not a bullet design problem. A properly set up rifle will feed NF FPs like a kid eat'n gobbers.

Keith

In my 450 No2 Ihave shot elephants with 480 Woodleigh Solids, and the North fork 450 FP Solid. The North Fork has given me deeper penetration.

The NF FP and the Cup points worked well on a giraffe too.

Have you ever seen a bullet from one of Barnes competitors open up as nice as a TSX opens?

I'm with Shootaway! A frontal brain shot on an elephant at 10 yards with a TSX and then look at the beauty of the expansion. You may have to do it from the inside of a jelly glass, but boy that pretty petal would be "nice".

There are oxygen thieves amongst us.

Ernest; That is SO way above his head I doubt he'd understand you just basically he has the mental capacity of a Zygot. jorge

I understand you but you don't understand me.I did not say I would shoot a big ele with a TSX.I am saying that Barnes has a very good reputation when it comes to making bullets.Barnes bullets have been put to test on large and dangerous game more than any other.That is why I would have more trust in shooting a Barnes solid on ele than any other bullet.They have the best track record.Besides with the size of the eles being shot lately I would think a 500 grain Barnes TSX would do the job well.

Damn, JudgeG, that was funny!

quote:

Originally posted by shootaway:
I understand you but you don't understand me.I did not say I would shoot a big ele with a TSX.I am saying that Barnes has a very good reputation when it comes to making bullets.Barnes bullets have been put to test on large and dangerous game more than any other.That is why I would have more trust in shooting a Barnes solid on ele than any other bullet.They have the best track record.Besides with the size of the eles being shot lately I would think a 500 grain Barnes TSX would do the job well.

RUN FORREST RUN...

We......are......talking......about.....Barnes....solids......NOT

TRIPLE........SHOCKS........was that slow enough for you or do you need a picture....shoot...away.

Your sure to strike-out when you get your turn at bats Surestrike!

Dang, Surestrike, you gonna be able to live with that eloquent put down from Zippy The Pinhead? You must be devastated! jorge

Jorge,



I need my helper animal, NOW!