The only expanding bullets I have used are in a contender and were 125 Nosler BT's (someday I'll use one on a deer). At full power loads they would blow up ground squirrels at over 150 yds., I was really surprised at how much damage they did. The other bullets I used were 120 cast HP's at full blast, they were also quite destructive and suitable for my Win. M1 carbine. I used many different bullets in the SSK Contender bbl. w/some up to 180 Sierra match kings, all shot well but anything over 125 gr would not expand. I also used various 224 bullets in sabot's w/good luck in the TC but never tried them in the carbine, Anyway my stuff-Muddy