Berger bullets vs Nosler partition

[Keyfer 55]

Which one is best suited whitetail deer ?
I've never tried Berger bullets.

 

[Fine Figure of a Man]

It won't matter as long an adequate cartridge is used and, if you use Berger, make sure it's a hunting bullet.

 

[jmr40]

They are on opposite ends of the spectrum, but both will work on deer. Partitions are designed to penetrate deep and are a good choice for larger game especially if shot from less than perfect angles. The front half expands, but the back 1/2 of the bullet stays together for deep penetration. They aren't noted for super accuracy and they have poor BC's which means they slow down quickly as range increases. But for "normal" hunting ranges are more than adequate. I think it is safe to say Partitions are never a bad choice.

Bergers are designed to penetrate 3-4" before expanding violently. If you put one broadside into any animal, even game larger than deer they put game down quickly. But they are not a good choice if you need lots of penetration for shots from bad angles.

They also tend to be extremely accurate and their high BC's maintain velocity well at extended ranges. They also expand well at slower speeds encountered at distance. A great long range bullet, but you have to pick shots more carefully.

 

[patmccoy]

I had poor performance from the Nosler partitions on deer and antelope at ranges under 100 yards (usually 80-85). Lost the entire front 1/4 from violent expansion. Went to a heavier (162gr vs 140gr) Hornady bullet, and never looked back. The Nosler folks told me to try their solid (non-partition) bullet ofn such thin skinned animals at the close ranges.

 

[VoodooMountain]

I had poor performance from the Nosler partitions on deer and antelope at ranges under 100 yards (usually 80-85). Lost the entire front 1/4 from violent expansion. Went to a heavier (162gr vs 140gr) Hornady bullet, and never looked back. The Nosler folks told me to try their solid (non-partition) bullet ofn such thin skinned animals at the close ranges.

That is bizarre. Never heard of partitions not doing their job with 100 yard shots and have never heard any bullet manufacturer recommending a solid bullet for hunting.

The partition is designed with a very soft lead front half which is supposed to mushroom or fragment in some cases so losing the front 1/4 sounds like it worked as designed. Did you lose the animal?


Something like 90% of deer are shot well within 100 yards.


What velocity are you running these at ?