I was wondering how soft the noses are on the .416 cal. 400gr partitions. I read that they made the front half of them stronger to handle the big game they were intended for. does this mean that they are too stout for medium big game like black bear and the like. I saw pictures of recovered ones and the partition was clearly closer to the front making the expanded bullet longer much like the x or failsafe bullets.

They are more stout.

You might be happier with 350 grain Swift A-Frames or 400 grain Hornady softnose bullets for Black Bear.

lawndart

You will be hard pressed to find a better bullet than the .416 400 gr. Nosler partition, I have used it on all manor of plainsgame such as the tiny duiker to the massive Eland, shot a lot of Cape Buffalo with it, along with a couple of elk and deer and found it perfect in every case.....

On Black bear I want two holes and the bear fur will suck up blood like a sponge, and the Nosler will always give you two holes from any decent angle...It simply works, at least on Idaho Bear.