Well, deer season starts Monday here in Pennsylvania and I can hardly wait to use my 378GNR for the first time in the field. I have a Burris 2-7x scope on it. It is loaded with 260 gr Nosler BT�s behind 63 grs of IMR 4350 powder. The load chronys at exactly 2000 fps. I have it sighted in 3� high at 100 yds. This gives me a fairly decent trajectory for PA whitetails.

According to my RCBS Ballistics Program:
I�ll be 2� high at 50, 3� high at 100, 1.5" HIGH at 150, and 3� low at 200.
impact velocity at 50 yds should be 1920 impact energy at 50 yds should be 2128
impact velocity at 100 yds should be 1842 impact energy at 100 yds should be 1960
impact velocity at 200 yds should be 1693 impact energy at 200 yds should be 1655

If the deer cooperate, I�ll share the terminal ballistics / performance with everyone.

Yes, Thank you for checking me out on the trajectory! I recorded my 150 data incorrectly.
Bill

[ 12-04-2002, 16:56: Message edited by: pahandgunhunter ]

Be sure to keep us posted on how things work out. Have you chronographed any 220 Hornady loads? Is the brass expensive?

I hope that bullet works well for you. I have not personally tested this one, but Nosler indicates it was designed for heavier game at higher velocities, so you may be getting only minimal expansion. But the 220 grain Hornady is a proven commodity in this velocity range and may be worth a shot. Just my .02

Please note my corrected 150 yd trajectory figure as 1.5" HIGH. Sorry for the inaccurate data recording.

Bobby you were correct with your post to this, they (Nosler BTs) are for bigger critters. I liked the BC of the bullet. And in my other forearms the Nosler BT work superb.

Well, as for the 260 Nosler BT for deer, the following inforamtion will be provided:

A 50yd shot was taken a big corn-feed PA doe and the bullet passed straight through! No recovery was made. Bullet had vitually no expansion what so ever. .375" hole in and .375" hole out. I was hopefull that it would expand or fragment at the impact velocity. The animal was knocked down and rolled a bit but wasn't an instant kill. Not happy with that aspect.

I think I may try a lighter bullet next year to eliminate the "pass through" of the bullet. May try a 200 flat nose. Any input will be greatly appreciated.

Bill