handi 25-06 and 115 nosler bt

[Deerhunter#1]

I wanted to see if anyone has had good results with this bullet in the handi. I know that there has been much talk about  the 110 interbond but didnt want to break the bank to shoot them at 50 plus cent a piece. I have had descent results with the 120 speer hot core and h4350 in another one but was thinking of trying the 115. one concern is even if they fly well how have they performed on deer. are they to explosive on deer and shood i stay with the standard sp bullets. Also has anyone tried the 90 grain hornady bonded bullet on game. man that would be a screaming load and a dealer has them at good price rite now.

[Sourdough]

I checked the different bullets before I got my 25-06.  I was looking at the maximum effective range.  Minimum of 2000fps, and 1000fps of energy.  Here is the results of the ballistics charts showing the Maximum Effective Range.  I selected the hardest hitting bullet of the six at maximum range since my targets are often running away as fast as they can run.  I often hunt with a guide, he recommends his clients carry a 25-06 loaded with the Nosler 110gr Accubond.  That is what I shoot with my 25-06s, both my Handi and my Custom 25-06 shoot this bullet and the same load very well.  The lighter bullets just don't have the initial energy.  The heavier bullets have a lot more energy at the muzzle, but bleed off real fast. 

 85gr  Max Range 410 Yards
 90gr  Max Range 335 Yards
100gr Max Range 360 Yards
110gr Max Range 525 Yards
115gr Max Range 460 Yards
120gr Max Range 420 Yards

[Deerhunter#1]

sourdough thanks for the info. My shots are usually pretty close 75-150 yards with few locations i can shoot 300. I see the reason you picked the 110 as it performs ballistically perfect at the longer ranges that you usually get your shots. I have been looking at various bullets most of standard cup and core design to try and select one that would meet my shot distance needs and hold together. I think the 115 ballistic tip with be to frang for my needs. The 115 partition might be a good one. I contacted hornady and sierra as they both list a 120 grain hp with no exposed lead on the tip. They both explained that this bullet would retain more weight than the sp bullets they offer as the extra copper in the bullet would help retain weight while controlling expantion better than the exposed lead desigh. The sierra tech even said at these ranges he would even aim for shoulder shots as he was confident this bullet would hold together and drop deer in its tracks. I am going to try the sierra as its a bit shoter of a bullet for stability and try to get accuracy around the 2900 ft second mark. They had load data pushing it 3100 but if 2900 is accurate with the powders i have i think i will stop there. If not 110 will get a try. Thanks for the info

[yukondog]

My Savage seems to like the 110 AB the best, running them around 2600 fps. most all of my shot's would be under 100yrds.

[Sourdough]

I admit I have not tried an other bullets than the Nosler Accubond.  At close range and slower speeds there may be better bullets for your application.  I'm partial to Nosler bullets my self, and have been looking at the 115 and the 120gr Partitions just in the event I run into a nice Caribou while out looking for Predators.  I might also give the Speer 120 a try.