Bought a Valmet 412 years ago and shot it a few times, but hurt shoulder in an accident, so didn't shoot much for a long time. Now I have a Tikka 512 (going to sell the 412 and maybe get a Chapuis 9.3)) and find I have Privi 286, Nosler ballistic tip 250's, and some Barnes X 286 bullets.
Thinking of getting some Hornady 286gr bullets, along with Nosler partitions or accubond bullets. What else works with your guns and what should I stay away from? So far, Elk is the largest game I will chase. Thanks

I've had good luck with 285 gr Wooldleighs as long as you dont exceed there recommended velocities.
For practice Speer 270's or Priva 286's.

Have had good luck with the 286 gr Nosler Partition and the 286 gr Woodleigh. The 270 gr Speer is a great practice bullet but (I think) it is too soft to hunt with.

The 250 NBT is the only Ballistic Tip I've ever used that I really liked ... wouldn't you know it, they are no longer offered!

I personally would not use a Barnes bullet in a DR ... even the TSX.

My 2 favorite Softs in the 9,3x74R are the 286gr Woodleigh RN and the 286 Nosler Partition.

They work for ALL game large and small.

I used a Woodleigh Soft on my biggest cape buff. Only one was necessary.

Use 286gr Woodleigh Solids when you need a solid.

Woodleigh 286's work great for me. I have not used them on much heavy game but they are devastating on deer and black bear.

So far I have only used the 286 grain Nossler and 286 grain Hornadys. Both are very accurate and I feel more than adequate for any North American game animal except the realy big bears.

I am planning on trying out North Forks and Woodleighs in Africa

I haven't used the Woodys on bear but the NP's work great.

quote:

Originally posted by Mike Brooks:
I haven't used the Woodys on bear but the NP's work great.

I shot a Maine black bear using the Hornadys and it absolutely FLATTENED him.

This was a 175 pound bear (dressed weight)
For stuff real big and tough, such as African animals and Grizzly I would error to the side of caution with at least the Nossler Partition.
Or a bullet that is a bit tougher, such as a North Fork.

But that is just me, the Hornadys would probably be fine. I just like to always maximize my odds when dealing with stuff that is either dangerous or costs a lot of $$$$$$ to hunt.

I can think of a lot of ways to save $200 on an African hunt, my choice in bullets will not be one of them!!

Rockrat,
Could you please contact me directly at
rkmojo@aol.com

i have had great luck with 300 swift a frames

Let me add that I have shot several deer and pigs, including a 300+ pound pig with the Speer 270gr and it has worked perfectly.