We don't seem to hear much on this particular thread about Nosler's E (solid) Bullet like we do about Barnes and other makers.

Wonder why that is.

I have only shot a few so far, but the seem to shoot fine in my Ruger #1 in 9.3x62.

I've only tried a couple in 22, 264 and 375 calibers and they just didn't shoot as accurately in my guns as Barnes bullets did.

It was a lot easier to find accurate loads with the Barnes.

They look good on paper.

I wonder why they do not shoot so well??

Theoretically they should have an equal accuracy potential as both brands are monos.

But, in all the ones that I tried: the first loads with the Barnes would be submoa - 1.5" and the same weight E tips would shoot 2-3" groups.

I started adjusting powder charges, then seating depths and got most E-Tip groups down to near MOA but I burned a lot of powder doing so.

At the same time, I could try 2-3 loads with the Barnes bullets and be less than MOA every time.

So the possibilities are there but it just takes a bit more time and powder to realize them.

finding them on a shelf in a local shop would be pretty helpful too.

I have used E-tips in 277 and 308 cal. I found them to be much fussier that Barnes TSX or TTSX bullets . I had to adjust the seating depth with the E-tips to get the groups down. I have found the Barnes bullets to be much more forgiving. I've got the 130 gr E-tips shooting around an inch in a 270 WSM. The same rifle shoots the TSX bullet into 5/8 inch @ 100. I have played with the 168 gr in 30 cal in a 30-06, 308 Norma and a 300 Win. Best groups I've got so far are in the 1 1/2 to 2 inch @ 100 yds. I also have some 150 gr E-tips I want to try in a 308. I haven't tried those yet.........don't need more frustration in my life right now.

Very interesting.

In practically all our loading, we never bother about seating depth.

We always load to the maximum allowed for that cartridge - unless the bullet is very light.

In which case we load a full caliber inside the case.

And unless the rifle is inherently inaccurate, we got very good results.

quote:

Originally posted by Fjold:
Theoretically they should have an equal accuracy potential as both brands are monos.

But, in all the ones that I tried: the first loads with the Barnes would be submoa - 1.5" and the same weight E tips would shoot 2-3" groups.

I started adjusting powder charges, then seating depths and got most E-Tip groups down to near MOA but I burned a lot of powder doing so.

At the same time, I could try 2-3 loads with the Barnes bullets and be less than MOA every time.

That was my experience also.

Fortunately for me I'm fine if the bullets hit a few inches from where I am aiming in a hunting rifle, and I don't take long long shots, so maybe I will give them a try because I like the idea of a no lead bullet.

quote:

Originally posted by lindy2:
Fortunately for me I'm fine if the bullets hit a few inches from where I am aiming in a hunting rifle, and I don't take long long shots, so maybe I will give them a try because I like the idea of a no lead bullet.

Lindy, try the Barnes first, it will save you a lot of time and powder.