Nosler partition reduced load

Using up a few 140 gr partition bullets in my 260 compact.
Loading them over a charge of imr 4198 and they shoot much better at around 2000 fps
then they did with 4350 at 2460 fps. 1/2 in groups at 50 meters. With the 4350 group at 50 meters was around 1 3/4 in. Even at 1/2 in they can't compete with 140 Hornady soft points, bug holes at 2458 fps. Only 2 rifles I've loaded partitions in shot them with acceptable accuracy for hunting, 1 1/2 in 3 shot groups. My F&N Winchester extreme weather likes the 150s but 130 ttsx shoot 1/2 in groups at 100 meters so I bought a bunch on sale. Not knocking partitions just an observation.

Nosler Partition bullets were never noted for extreme accuracy. They typically shoot acceptable groups for hunting, which is all that I expect of them, personally.

At 2000 fps I doubt you would get very much expansion or range from those bullets. That is about the velocity I shoot copper plated bullets at in my 30-30 ...but they are fun to target shoot.

At what range would those numbers coincide with "standard loads"? Maybe 250-300? If so, I don't see a big problem with expansion. It won't be nearly as fast/explosive as a higher velocity but it won't fail to expand some.

At normal velocity from 22 to 24 in barrel 300 - 400 yards. I'd not hesitate to shoot a deer at 50 yards with them.

My Tikka T3 in 6.5x55 shoots 140 gr. Partitions better than anything else. Groups at 100 yds are routinely under one inch with a velocity right at 2500 fps. I use 45 gr of H4831SC to get there. Puts deer and hogs down fast.

TRied Nosler Partitions 60 gr in my 223 on 3 occasions. No better than 3+" 'groups' so I quit trying. Maybe they are too long for the 1x9 rifling??

The 25/06 we had set up for my handicapped Son killed 2 bull elk with 3 shots(Son shot his twice even though the first shot was fatal) using a 115 grain Partition pushed by a starting load minus 5% of IMR 4895. This load was recommended by a Sierra ballistician and was both accurate and effective. I didn't chronograph the ammo but still have some in case the need arises again.

Enigma said:

Nosler Partition bullets were never noted for extreme accuracy. They typically shoot acceptable groups for hunting, which is all that I expect of them, personally.

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+ 1 , they we're designed for hunting not target shooting.

Wigwam said:

Using up a few 140 gr partition bullets in my 260 compact.
Loading them over a charge of imr 4198 and they shoot much better at around 2000 fps
then they did with 4350 at 2460 fps. 1/2 in groups at 50 meters. With the 4350 group at 50 meters was around 1 3/4 in. Even at 1/2 in they can't compete with 140 Hornady soft points, bug holes at 2458 fps. Only 2 rifles I've loaded partitions in shot them with acceptable accuracy for hunting, 1 1/2 in 3 shot groups. My F&N Winchester extreme weather likes the 150s but 130 ttsx shoot 1/2 in groups at 100 meters so I bought a bunch on sale. Not knocking partitions just an observation.

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The 260 compact as you call it,,,, What twist rate? 1-9? I am thinking a Remington ? 1-8 works far much better !!! Big Green's mistake.
I have a Mod 7 with a 18" barrel in the 260 and use the 140 gr Partitions with RE 19 slightly compressed load from the Nosler handbook.
I can shoot three shots into one hole at 100yds. With the 120BTs I can shoot three shots and cover them with a dime. After htree the little barrel warms up and they begin to rise. Yes it has the 1-9 twist and that has always been a problem, but I finally worked through it.

Alliant recently came out with RE 16 and from what I have heard it works great with the lighter bullets. Hornady 90-95 gr. with a 24" tube has been clocking 3000-3200 FPS But I do not have exact info on the group size on that one. The 95gr worked good with Benchrest Powder for me. No bugholes, but certainly good enough for the coyotes around here.
Partitions cost too much money for me to target shoot with them. I have lost count of how many hogs I have killed with the 260 and the 140gr Partitions. If you are going to hunt with them I certainly would not be reducing any loads.

Enigma said:

Nosler Partition bullets were never noted for extreme accuracy. They typically shoot acceptable groups for hunting, which is all that I expect of them, personally.

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I beg to differ.

1. 7x57: Win. M70 FWT 150 gr, Nosler Partition .75" groups
2. 7x57: Ruger #1A 150 gr. Nosler Partiton .1.00" groups
3. 7x57: Custom M
Paul B.auser 150 gr. Nosler Partition .50" groups
4.270 Win.: 150 gr. Nosler Partition .50" groups.
5. .300 Win. Mag: 200 gr. Nosler partition .375" groups.
Groups sizes averages for several three shot groups at 100 yards.

You might play a bit with seating depth to find good tight groups. That's how I found mine.
Paul B.

Chuck 100 yd said:

Enigma said:

Nosler Partition bullets were never noted for extreme accuracy. They typically shoot acceptable groups for hunting, which is all that I expect of them, personally.

Click to expand...

+ 1 , they we're designed for hunting not target shooting.

Click to expand...

They are great hunting bullets and perform but being an open base bullet is what I think hinders it's accuracy. Same thing with a fmj. Open base bullets will never be as accurate because the base of the bullet contributes the most to accuracy. If you have a load that shoots minute of deer then that is all that's needed.

I shoot 140 grain partitions in a 15" barred XP100 and it is essentially a reduced load with the velocity loss in the shorter barrel. I've dropped more deer with that over the years than any other rifle I own and it hammers em! I had one shot straight on and the bullet ended up under the skin in the hind quarter and was perfectly mushroomed. Can't ask for much more than that.