Thanks for the ideas -
I've seen so many recommendations for the gold dots and the price, to me, seems reasonable for target - and would be great since it can serve dual purpose. I think those are .451 so I'll look at the hph24 to match them with.

The Barnes DVD 'performance vs deformance' has an awesome slow-mo of a Varmit Gernade bullet... like this: http://www.ebaumsworld.com/video/watch/224049/

I mean.... really??? A couple of rednecks, case of beer and a load of Varmit Gernades? I've died and gone to heaven. Hopefully it's not run by prarie dogs... :action-smiley-099:

Actually the 250gr DeepCurls/GoldDots from my last two boxes ran a bit large at nearly .453. The 300gr DC HP though has been on the money .452 every time. The OTHER .451-300gr is a cheaper UniCor soft point and only a buck or two cheaper than the 300gr DCHP.

I can tell you this,,,,the 225gr FTX can make a ground hog nearly explode. :D

It would seem that the FTX should be better at long range than a HP because the conical shape seems more aerodynamic... is that a too simpistic way of looking at it?

It "should" be better than a similar caliber hollow point of a similar weight made from similar materials. :D

The BC is still pretty bad though, roughly equal to a 250gr .452 hollow point. I just like them because they are cheap and accurate even at smokeless speeds.

Has anyone tried the barnes xpb pistol bullets for ML?

Yep. I knew I pulled one with the 110gr load so I fired a 4th which dropped right in there. Targets shot at 100yds with my Pro Hunter with Encore Bergara barrel. They loaded very very very easy though. A couple recovered flowers were found in the dirt mound behind the target.

you don't save a thing over the Barnes TEZ bullets since they come with the sabots and the TEZ'S are poly tipped.Ray