Here�s my dilemma. I�ve tried more than a handful of different bullets in my 700 AWR in 300 win mag. The best precision hasn�t been with the traditional accuracy bullets like Ballistic Tip, Sierras or Sciroccos, but with either the 130gr Barnes XLC or 200gr Norma Oryx (tough blunt nose Scandinavian bullet) loaded near maximum. The Barnes 130 grainer leaves the muzzle at 3500fps and the Oryx at about 2850 fps, and both loads produce � inch group regularly. Recoil seems to be about the same.

Ballistics beyond 250 meters is of no great concern, but killing power is. And I want to use the same load for all my hunting this fall which will be: black bear, caribou, red stag and Norwegian moose. Which load would you prefer?

For the animals you just mentioned...this one is a 'no-brainer'....without a doubt go with the 200 grain load....that's what I would do!

This is not as simple as weight.Although the barnes xlc is much lighter it is also one of the best penetrating bullets available and will out penetrate much heavier bullets of conventional construction.In all honesty they would probably both work fine.

a120
You begged the question-So what was the accuracy of the other bullets at the middle weights? Just curious? Cause unless they are shooting to 4-6" groups- how accurate do they need to be!! If those others are producing 2" groups at 200 yds or 4" at 300 yrds why would they not be adequate for what your hunting? Unless your doing head shots at 400 yrds? If your getting and 1" to 2" group at 100 yrds those other bullets would do just fine. The reason I'm asking is all those animals mentioned have atleast a 10" kill zone? A 1" group at 100yrds gives you 8" at 400 yrds-plenty tight enough for the work at hand.

[ 08-04-2003, 22:21: Message edited by: Gunnut45/454 ]

Gunnut45/454:
how accurate do they need to be!! If those others are producing 2" groups at 200 yds or 4" at 300 yrds why would they not be adequate for what your hunting? Unless your doing head shots at 400 yrds? If your getting and 1" to 2" group at 100 yrds those other bullets would do just fine. The reason I'm asking is all those animals mentioned have atleast a 10" kill zone? A 1" group at 100yrds gives you 8" at 400 yrds-plenty tight enough for the work at hand.


IMHO it�s not that easy, even though I have been shooting for some years I just recently started training on 2 and 300 yard targets. An accurate load/rifle gives me much more confidence and saves time sighting in too. For instance say I was 4 inches low at 200y. Does my scope need adjustment? Not easy to say if one wonders if it�s one own fault or the rifle. An accurate rifle is a confidence builder, for me at least.

Also I don�t expect myself to shot as good during improvised hunting situations as I do at the range. A lot of thing will be less than ideal when hunting, and the last thing I want is to second guess my equipment.

Besides, with a 1500$ Custom Shop rifle and a passion for reloading, 1,5-2,5 inch groups is kind of��disappointing.

But my question was which 30 caliber bullet produces the best kill, a 130gr Barnes X or a 200gr Norma Oryx. My hunting experience is limited to just a few animals, and the results I�ve seen so far is not conclusive either way. I�ve shot a 200lb caribou, penetrating both shoulders with a 100gr Barnes X in my 270. The year before I found my 180gr Nosler BT inside the hide on the far side of a 100lb deer shot with my 300 win mag. Both were clean kills at about 150 yards, but bullet weight and caliber results weren�t typical textbook samples.

Use the 200gr bullet.

If it were me I would get some Nosler Partition 180gr quickly and H4831sc powder.
You should have no problem getting them to group 1 1/2 inches and your problem would be solved.

In the meantime use the 200gr bullet you have developed confidence in.

A120

I'd probably use the 200's. I'd venture that if the critter is close there'll be less meat damage from the large slower bullet given the same point of impact (based on experiences with whitetail deer). The 200 can probably do everything the 130 can with the exception of breaking 3000fps. You state you're not concerned about longer range trajectory and the difference between the two to 300 yards is probably insignificant for big game once sighted/zeroed anyway.

As a side note: I find a lot of bullets lodged (caught) under the off side hide on critters I shoot. I attribute many to the "catcher's glove" effect of the unimpeded off-side hide and the smooth (mushroomed) bullet. I believe the hide (in many cases) has enough elasticity and durability to stretch and "catch" the smoothed (mushroomed) bullet. ... Catch a baseball bare handed in an area where your hand is free to "recoil" with the ball, then try it with your hand solid against an object and unable to "recoil"! Next think of what it would be like if it were a sharpened object instead of a smooth baseball.

I'm a bigger bullet guy, I would go 200gr. The lighter 'x' may or may not cause you bbl. wear & add'l. cleaning. Just a thought.

What TXPO said, 200 grains..

A 120:

Since you can get the Oryx in Scandanavia, that makes it a no brainer. Lighter bullets and velocity don't make up for what a good heavy bullet will do.

Don't know if they are available on your side of the Atlantic, but a good old 220 grain Round Nose at 2950 will do a job on about anything, unless lions and Cape Buffalo get up to Norway on Holiday. Are probably cheaper than the Oryx maybe, since it is a premium style bullet.

I have just ordered some 156 grainers to try in My Winchester Model 70 in 6.5 x 55 this fall.

Good luck, from an American Nordski ( Christenson)