I'm loading for an 8x57 short barrel black timber rifle. Ranges are 25-75yds, and might be through thick stuff with possibility of hitting branches/brush along the flight path. I've got a small stock of older 180gr Barnes-X bullets that I've hoarded for this rifle when I finally get to use it.
Are these a good brush busting bullet, or is the there a better option?

I like the Remington cor-lok in 185gr has done a fine job on the deer and bear we have shot with it.

I think the idea of "brush busting" bullets has pretty well been put to rest. I'm sure your X-nullets would do fine but there are some nice bullets available in the 195gr to 225gr range. Have you tried any of those bullets?

I need to do some research. I wasn't aware that "brush buster bullets" had become discredited. My Barnes-X may be just fine after all and I won't need to change bullets.

I'm sure those will work just fine, no matter what bullet you use I wouldn't intentionally try to shoot through brush. I'd always try to snake them thru an opening. It's been proven that no matter the shape a bullet can be deflected by relatively small branches.
Those 180's will work well for Deer, Elk and Bear, so will any bullet from that weight to 220.
Good luck with your project!

Don't intentionally shoot thru a branch or you'll miss! IT's possible if game is real close to the brush that you may hit, most likely not where you intend to though.

This is a subject that's been tested thoroughly by quite a few writers and reported in the rags for years. Sounds like you don't read much about such things from your comments.

George

Brush busting is a myth.Several prominent gun writers have debunked as far back as the mid 1960`s.

Whooee! Tough crowd!
Glad I asked the question, though, learned something new and worthwhile.

The Remington 185 coreloct bullets are dandy in my short barreled 8x57. Kill very well. Great tight cover gun.

Bruce, the 8mm is a very underappreciated caliber. but very effective. It'll do just fine for you. Are you talking Whitetails and Black Bear in WVA heavy timber?

Save your Barnes for elk and/or really big hogs pard. In that short barreled 8x57, your speeds will run with a 308 with similar barrel length. For that, the sierra 175 Pro Hunter is custom made for your little rifle! If you want more 'thump", try the 220 Sierra, but it may/may not open up as quick. Midway USA has the 175PH in stock...inexpensive but high quality and the pro hunter is tough enough to handle any angle on game...
I have not ever used a 8x57, but I have used so many similar rounds up close that I feel I am not blowing smoke. I know that almost always, in any part of the world, 90% of the game lives in 90% of the thickest stuff there is for 90% of the time, ha. I get on a game trail and ease along like I'm bowhunting or squirrel hunting. sometimes I will sit and watch a trail intersection or fence crossing, etc. I do know that ol Al Miller the gun writer said to get the most out of a 8x57 ( for real thump) load a 200 partition out as far as you can over a case full of slow powder. If you want mild and sweet, heck, factory loads are about like a 30-30 ( well, really more like a 32 special) have a ball pard. What rifle make do you have?

Thank you Jim for a very helpful reply.
This is a Nazi bringback that I found in C-Springs. Ugly outside, but good bore and sound. Modified to be a black timber elk gun by local gunsmith. Great NEGC sights for the task, but has sat in the safe because I was recalled after 9/11 and never got to take it to the mountains. Its going to my son still in the mountains, and I'm sending along a variety of custom loads for whitetails, mulies and elk.

The 200 Speer is terrific as well. I used to pull 198 grain ball from NC machine gun ammo and seat the 200 Speer. Deadly in the deep woods. Old Syrian Mauser with a peep sight.

The rifle is bare bones, parkerized, stocked for snap shooting, and shoots 1" groups at POA at 50 yards with boring consistency. Thanks for all the info; I'll be glad to be able to gift him this gun and a good variety of ammo options.

He will be well armed! That's a dandy.

Nice looking piece.

Bruce in WV
What rear sight is that on your rifle?

Bruce that is a good looking rig. I have a similar set up for black bear on a Rem 660.

That's a rear sight off an M1 carbine with a dovetail cut into the rear bridge on the same axis as the bore. The front sight is the NECG banded ramp with removable hood and night sight.

ETA: picture added

Once upon a time, Norma used to make a 236 grain Round Nose in 8MM.. I'm not sure if they still do, or if anyone else is making something similar, but i would think that would be ideal for your purpose.

I have had very good results with the 200 gr. Nosler Partition. Accuracy is always good, performance is always good, what is not to like.
Doug

My old and beautiful full rib 8x57 Mauser with 200 gr. Noslers works like a charm for what you describe..Ive used it in the thick black timber of Idaho where you can't see past maybe 40 yards at best, its North of Sun Valley, its a light short rifle and that 200 gr. Nosler will punch through to the vitals with any shot angle even going south..