I'm trying to finalize a bullet choice for my wife's 260 for her mule deer hunt. She has a 20" barreled Browning plus boss. Shots will be in open country out to 300 yards. I would like to use eather the 100 grain ballistic tip or 125 partition. Will the 125 partition open at 260 velocities out to 300? Will the 100 bt penatrate at closer ranges? Thanks for your input.
Jim the Plumber

Jimbo;

I used the 100 grain ballistic tip in my 260 Remington last year. The load is 43.5 grains of IMR 4064, and it chronographs at 3350 fps from a 22 inch Ruger's muzzle.

Also took a deer with it at 300 yrds last year. Had the luxury of a friends F 250's Hood for a rest at the time, and watched the deer go straight down when hit in the scope ( 3 x 9 Leupold, set on 4x at the time).

Howver, even at that distance, the Ballistic tip destroyed about 10 pounds of meat on the off shoulder, totally blood shot.

This year before season, I pulled the Ballistic Tips from the cases and reloaded them with 100 grain partitions. That was my choice over the 125s.

Reasoning, flatter trajectory, more velocity. I am looking at it as a 300 yd load, no more.
The 125 is also a tough bullet. I have carried it in the 260 for Elk, but have not gotten a shot when in the field with it yet on them. However I have seen the damage a 125 partition did to an Elk out of a 6.5/06. The bullet is more than up to the task.

Just reflecting my field experiences. Good luck to you and the wife on your hunt.

I have a Remington Mountain Rifle that likes the 120 grain Sierra bullet. I've only used it on whitetail so far. It worked very well.

Bob257

Jim, to answer your questions...YES, the Partition will open at 300 yrds at 260 velocities. And, MAYBE the BT will penetrate at close ranges.

I used these two exact bullets (and still do) for the past 10+ years in a .264 Win Mag. While the velocities are higher in each situation, it still has provided me with a bit of experience in the area.

I would use the 125 Partition. Or 100 Part if you want. They just don't ever seem to F up. Ballistic Tips are great for paper and varmints, and game most of the time, but if you shoot enough animals with them, you will F something up.

For me, it was the first deer I shot with the 100 gr BT. I never shot at a game animal with one again...

I know this is not a direct answer to your question, but I'ad had good results with the Speer 120 - they are cheap too (only about $10/100).

Jim,

[url= http://"http://www.hunt101.com/?p=63476&c=500&z=1"] [/url]

I really need to educate deer like this that they ought not to die when I shoot them with a 100gr ballistic tip @3000fps from my 6.5x55 at 100yards. At least they should have the decency to run further than 20yards afterwards.

They do require a near broadside hit of a vital area. Shoulders are defeated without much mess. 300yards is perhaps pushing it on a deer which I suspect might be bigger. In the US with more space, etc I'd use the partition but the 100gr ballistic tip in my experience is an excellent hunting bullet.

[ 10-09-2003, 17:37: Message edited by: 1894 ]

After spending several years helping with cropping work on a game ranch in Texas, and using many caliber and bullet combinations to see how they preformed in actual field conditions, I now will not use a Balistic Tip or boat tail of any kind on game animals. The examination of the animals was conducted by a veterinarian. The bullet, or it's remains if recovered I examined.
The only bullets I use now are Nosler Partitions or an occasional Hornady Interlock, flat base only.

Just the way I do it,,,,,,,,,,,

Ma Belle.....I fully concurr

I would agree with those that recommend the Partition in this application, although I have never had a 120 BT fail at any range or angle from my 6.5-06AI at 3000 fps. I think the 100 is much more frangible. I used a 125 Partition on a quartering away 300# buck at 300 yards without any problem at all. One shot, one buck.

I would go with a 120 grain bullet, although not necessarily a Partition. Over the years, I've come to the conclusion that premium, controlled expansion type bullets(partitions, fail safes. etc) aren't really necessary for deer. I prefer a standard softpoint design, like the Sierra someone mentioned. That said, the partition will certainly work, but so would the BT.

I shoot a 6.5x55 Swedish Mauser and use the 125 gr. Nosler Partition. Excellent bullet that does exactly what it was designed for...drop a deer in its tracks.

David.