Dear AR members,

If I missed this subject being discussed in the past please excuse me but I'd still like your opinions or better yet field experience with the Nosler 260 gr. 375 cal. bullet.

I'm still trying to figure out what rifles and loads for Tanzania next year. I really like my 375 H&H and I'm thinking of taking it for my light rifle and something over 40 cal. for the big stuff. Yes! I'm aware that the 375 H&H will do the whole thing but rifle and load selection is half the fun of safari.

Anyway the 260 BT would give me a little flatter trajectory for oryx and such in Masailand but does it stay together well enough for closer range shots that I might encouter in the brush? I wouldn't try to use it on buffalo,eland or lion but would probably use it for leopard and everything else.

I know the history of BT'S and that the big calibers have thicker jackets but who has killed what with them? That is the info. I am after.

All your comments will be much appreciated.

I am interested also, got a half dozen boxes of the 260 BT's sitting on the loading bench. Think I will section one and see how thick the jacket is. I am thinking of Elk sized game.

The photos below are of a 260 Gr. Ballistic Tip recovered from a 250 pound hog shot at approximately sixty yards. The portion of the bullet recovered was just the jacket and only pieces of the lead core were found. The bullet entered behind the left shoulder broke a rib and was found on the opposite side after breaking a second rib. No major bones were struck only the two ribs. The hog was a sow with lots of fat but did not have a heavy shield like a boar. Total recovered weight was 117.1 grains.

This it the only experience I have on game with this particular bullet. My load choronographs at 2,850 and are very accurate. I'm planning on deer hunting with them this year but would hesitate to hunt elk and like size animals unless only broadside shots were taken.

cfore,

I reckon if that range had been 150-200 yards they would have hung together better. Probably it is a bit like the Africa 2400 fps is ideal rule which is what they preach on the African forum.

Well I am convinced. Looks like another bullet made for a purpose that does not exist: Varmint hunting with a 375!

Thanks guys! So far the BT doesn't sound like a safari bullet by any stretch of the imagination.
Think I'll try the 270 Swift and live with the lower B.C.

It sounds like if a guy took a rear entry shot on an elk with that bullet, it would not reach the vitals.

Mark,

try the woodeligh 270 gr SP SN it has a BC of .380 and I doubt if it will break up like the Nosler BT.

Russ,

I read the Barness article and that's what originally got me interested in the 260 BT. I'm way more interested in the situations were the bullet doesn't work than when it does.

I'd be very interested in your experience with the 260 BT this fall.