Cast bullets vs Partion/A-frame

[orchemo]

Am loading a 45-70 for black bear hunting. Shots are less than 125 yards, mostly 50-75 yards.

Have worked up a load for Lazercast 350 gr bullet that shots well in my Marlin.

Question that I have is what is the difference between a cast bullet and something like a Nosler Partion or Swift Aframe. I realize the cast bullet will not mushroom, but will carve a straight through 45 caliber hole.

During the spring hunter my partner shot a bear in front of the left hind quater from an elevation (bullet was a Partion). The bullet destroyed the kidney and left without any other damage. Seems a cast bullet would have done the same.

Thanks in advance for your input.

Eric

[Redhawk1]

It has a lot to do with the area hit, if no bone is hit the bullets will zip right through them. I try to take out a shoulder when shooting bear.  I like a good cast bullet, I am not worried about bullet expansion but penetration.  I am going to Maine next month again and I am going to use my Marlin GS in 45-70 with a 405 gr. hard cast GS bullet. 

[EsoxLucius]

I've heard some concern over the LaserCast bullets shattering sometimes when hitting massive bone.  However, I would think a 350 grain LaserCast would do just fine on the average-sized black bear.  You could look at Cast Performance or Beartooth bullets if the brittleness of the LaserCast is a concern.  That said you couldn't go wrong with the 300 grain Partition either.

[BRL]

Sorry to get off topic. Redhawk1, where in Maine are you going? Do you use a guide service? I have relatives in Maine and would like to hunt there in the next few seasons. I'd consider bear or deer...and eventually moose. Any recommendations?

Thanks!!

[Redhawk1]

Sorry to get off topic. Redhawk1, where in Maine are you going? Do you use a guide service? I have relatives in Maine and would like to hunt there in the next few seasons. I'd consider bear or deer...and eventually moose. Any recommendations?

Thanks!!

BRL, I go to Wilton Maine, I use Stony Brook Outfitters. Great people and they have a very good success rate. I am putting in for Moose also, if I get drawn ever, they will guide me.

[Dee]

Am loading a 45-70 for black bear hunting. Shots are less than 125 yards, mostly 50-75 yards.

Have worked up a load for Lazercast 350 gr bullet that shots well in my Marlin.

Question that I have is what is the difference between a cast bullet and something like a Nosler Partion or Swift Aframe. I realize the cast bullet will not mushroom, but will carve a straight through 45 caliber hole.

During the spring hunter my partner shot a bear in front of the left hind quater from an elevation (bullet was a Partion). The bullet destroyed the kidney and left without any other damage. Seems a cast bullet would have done the same.

Thanks in advance for your input.

The cast and the jacketed bullets kill somewhat differently. The jacketed mushrooms and expands more energy quicker setting up hydro-static shock in the faster bullets (dis-placement of body fluid) while the hard cast does what was earlier mentioned. It plows right on thru breaking what ever it come into contact with. The biggest thing I have shot with my 1895CB in 4570 is a 375# hog. It was a hardcast 405gr flat nose travelling 1750fps. I hit the hog just above (1/4") and to the right (about 1")of the left eye as the hog faced me at about 30 feet. The bullet travelled the entire length of the hog and exited to the right of the hog's poop shoot. Death was obviously instant. Your buddy made a not so good shot but, with a load simular to mine you can break both shoulders of a very big bear with one broad side shot. A friend of mine once was invited to shoot a bison on a private ranch with a simular load as mine. The rancher pulled up and stopped about 60 yards from the bison he wanted him to shoot and instructed him to do so. My friend killed the bision with one shot and the bison 10 yards behind the first one. All with one shot.  Both bison fell where they were shot.

[BRL]

Thanks Redhawk1, I'll have to look into them.