Trophy Bonded Bear Claws?

[dharvey]

Now that I have taken advantage of the great deal on the .280 Federal Vital-Shok 140 gr. Trophy Bonded Bear Claws at Midway that I posted about earlier, I am having trouble finding any info, ballistics, etc. on this particular weight of bullet in the Federal factory loads. Being a 7mm, 140 gr. bullet, I am assuming that it will be a good, if not excellent, deer bullet. Has anyone had any experience or have any opinions with this particular bullet on deer? I am sure I will have some personal experience in a week or so, but like I have always said before, I am an information junky.

[jro45]

I've always used Serria bullets 140gr in my 7mm for deer. I would think that the Trophy Bonded Bear Claw bullets would be better for long shots on Deer.

[Smokin Joe]

I've used them in .30 and .45 caliber. They work as advertised. They're unnecessary for deer unless you just want to spend money.

[Coyote Hunter]

My buddy Dave andI just returned form a deer/elk hunt.  He took a mulie doe with a 7mm Mag and a 160g Trophy Bonded.  Muzzle velocity was around 2900fps, range 303 yards.

One hole in, one hole out.  Doe dropped in its tracks.

[Yukon Jack]

Now that I have taken advantage of the great deal on the .280 Federal Vital-Shok 140 gr. Trophy Bonded Bear Claws at Midway that I posted about earlier, I am having trouble finding any info, ballistics, etc. on this particular weight of bullet in the Federal factory loads. Being a 7mm, 140 gr. bullet, I am assuming that it will be a good, if not excellent, deer bullet. Has anyone had any experience or have any opinions with this particular bullet on deer? I am sure I will have some personal experience in a week or so, but like I have always said before, I am an information junky.

I thought Federal published the ballistic charts on the back of the ammo boxes?  If not, I think their website may have that information.

Gotta agree with those that posted above, TBBC are good bullets, but not really needed for deer, especially from a 280.  If you were using a marginal cartridge or pushing the bullets at speeds not common for the design (say the 7mm RUM) then they would be a good idea, but the 280 should be okay with any of the non-premium bullets for deer.

[Lawdog]

Now that I have taken advantage of the great deal on the .280 Federal Vital-Shok 140 gr. Trophy Bonded Bear Claws at Midway that I posted about earlier, I am having trouble finding any info, ballistics, etc. on this particular weight of bullet in the Federal factory loads. Being a 7mm, 140 gr. bullet, I am assuming that it will be a good, if not excellent, deer bullet. Has anyone had any experience or have any opinions with this particular bullet on deer? I am sure I will have some personal experience in a week or so, but like I have always said before, I am an information junky.

TBBC's are excellent bullets and the 140 gr. .284 caliber is an excellent choice for deer.  Some will try and tell you they are not needed for deer.  True to a certain point.  Where/when I hunt deer there is a bear tag in my pocket at the same time.  I prefer to use bullets that I know will hold together.  I have seen to many times when non-premium bullets fragmented on deer.  Give me a premium bullet, the difference in price isn’t worth talking about.  Lawdog
 

[dharvey]

[/quote]
I thought Federal published the ballistic charts on the back of the ammo boxes?  If not, I think their website may have that information.

Gotta agree with those that posted above, TBBC are good bullets, but not really needed for deer, especially from a 280.  If you were using a marginal cartridge or pushing the bullets at speeds not common for the design (say the 7mm RUM) then they would be a good idea, but the 280 should be okay with any of the non-premium bullets for deer.[/quote]

Federal does post info on their web site, but they only had I believe the 160 grain Bear Claw listed for the 280. Once I got the ammo in, it had the ballistics on the box, 3200 fps muzzle velocity, but what I was really looking for was bullet PERFORMANCE, not necessarily velocity, etc. I know these bullets are designed for deeper penetration but would be hesitant to use a 140 grain bullet in anything larger than deer so am curious why Federal offers this particular weight bullet in the 280. Not complaining though.  :-)  I have pretty much used Winchester Supreme 140 grain Ballistic Tips for deer with deadly accuracy and results, but for about half the price I wanted to try the Trophy Bonded Bear Claws. Unfortunately my gun got dropped right before we went on our hunt and messed something up internally on the scope so that it won't hold zero, so had to use a back-up.