I have been using 160gn Nosler partitions in my 7mm on pigs and deer, mainly fallow, but I have to sau that I'm not at all impressed with the results. Often I get very little damage, and on raking shot low penetration. Would 180grainers work better?

I always like to load heavy for calibre bullets. I reckon weight (for me any way) is better than speed, particulary for penetration.

Color me different.

My preferences lie in the lighter weights and combine superb projectiles. It would be an utterly amazing Pig,that could stand the abuses of a 140XLC,to a well placed hit on his anatomy(grin).

Despite their ability to be pushed to higher velocities,their ability to dig deep,must be witnessed to be appreciated. I'm a devout fan of the "itty-bitty".284" 120gr XBT,I await their arrival in the XLC coating,with eager anticipation(understatement).............

Big Stick, on a different note, how should that 120grainer work as a varminter?

For a 120gr 7mm varmint projectile,I'm of the opinion that the Hornady V-Max is without peer. It trumps the Ballistic Tips,in my assorted 7mm barrels(regarding accuracy potential). As a side note,it shares a BC that coincides with the 120gr XBT(hint hint).

Weighing solely bullet weight,in a given diameter,is a misdirection in performance capabilities. That is my opinion of course.

Actual projectile integrity,is a facet that isn't weighed in SD values,nor projectile weight. It simply can't be weighed numerically. For my money(which I have little of)often BIG things come in small packages. The 120XBT,a case in point. I've shot them in 7-08's,284's,280's,7mmRemMags and STW's. To date,I've never cussed that bullet,regardless of launch speed. The 140XLC is the heaviest projectile I care to shoot,in that diameter,regardless of case capacity.

Your mileage may vary............

(sorry for the typos,I'm not much force with a keyboard)

[ 06-10-2002, 03:39: Message edited by: Big Stick ]

160's work well in the 7mm but I personally have never used anything but 140's in this caliber.I have used ballistic tips on deer and smaller game and have taken several moose and elk with 140 gr partitions.The construction of the bullet is more important than weight when premium bullets such as partitions,failsafes,barnes x's and others are used.I have never seen 180 gr bullets in 7mm caliber and even if they were available I would not use them.

I'm very familar with the 140 gr.-160 gr. 7 mm Nosler Partitions. If you want more penetration, go to a Barnes X, a CT Fail Safe, of a Swift-A-Frame. All of these retain 90-100% of their weight vs. 65-70% for the Partition.
A 120 gr. Barnes at 100%, is 120 grs. A 160 Partition at 70% is 112 grs. A 160 gr bullet would be that much more. I can't imagine needing more than that. E