ORIGINAL: fusion
Chap,
if I can get good accuracy out of the Barnes TSX that would be my first choice as I think the terminal performance would be the best out of the four I had listed. Although Sabotloader's info on the Nosler is very impressive as well. I'm switching powder this year, going from AA5744 to IMR-SR-4759. Have you had any problems with hang fire or mis-fire with the 4198? . I am thinking 43 grains of the 4759 should get me near 2200 feet per second.
Yes. The very first time I shot 4198, I was shooting a Parker Ballistic Extreme with an MMP12, and it would pop the primer the bullet and all the power would shoot about 20 feet onto the ground. I did that 3 times and gave up, shot AA5744 the first year with PBE and MMP12, that ignited every time. Asked over on the Savage Forum what my problem was and it was "loose sabots" and not compressing the charge. Switched to .458 bullets with CR and they are VERY tight with 4198 and no swabbing, but if you put your ENTIRE weight into the bullet when seating it, then you don't have misfires. I like PBE, but they are a .450 bullet and sabot tightness is just not there for a Savage, should be good with BP or Subs, but not Blackhorn 209.
I have shot deer between the ribs and the Noslers that didn't expand, the MZ and TSX I am sure would because of huge hollow point and the grooves down on the inside of the TSX causing it to open quickly. I agree that would be the best terminal performer. In a Savage I think the TSX is better because it is .458 and it is designed for a 2000-2200fps 45/70, I think the MZ is designed for 1500 to 1900 inlines and basically that is the difference. I think the 45/70 are stronger, both open equally well in my opinion. I shot 3 deer last year with the Barnes MZ and all of them were DRT or within 20 yards. I like that type of terminal performance of the huge Hollow Point Barnes.
Chap