Nosler Partitions?
 

I know lots of guys like Nosler Part.? I myself like the way they shoot and group out of my guns, but I don't hunt with them. Here's why, I have several Outfitter friends and they have banded the use of this bullet type in their camps. Why, poor results, lost animals, long tracks, etc. They just feel they are not as good as many make them & they come apart. Now my questions is, doesn't this defy logic?

B/C my hunting experience with this bullet doesn't dictate an opinion, I have relied on these guys experience and frankly their professional opinion. Is it just bad shot placement or is their merit? I only shoot prem. loads, I like ballistic tips (which always seem to get heat for blowing apart, but have always worked for me), Failsafes (great but my gun really don't like them) or Sierra Boattails.

Any takers?

Thanks guys, not meant to start a ping match...just looking for some thoughts, experiences, etc. I know their are many experience bullet man on this board, so fire away all.

RE: Nosler Partitions?
 

I have only good experiences with Partitions. The bullet has always anchored the deer and the bullet has always stayed together. As a matter of fact it's all I use sence I had two bad experiences with ballistic tips.
I have found what works for me.

RE: Nosler Partitions?
 

i have always liked partitions. but for deer i never seen a need for them. plus they never grouped well in any of my guns or there was just another bullet that grouped better than them.
i like the power points or bullet like them that mushroom up on contact yet still stay somewhat together.

RE: Nosler Partitions?
 

If they think partitions wont work then I am wondering what they think is necessary? I have only shot a few deer with partitions, but in all but one case they penetrated completely with good expansion. The one that I recovered had lost its foward portion, and retained about 60% of its original weight. Theres not a bullet made that wont kill deer and elk reliably as long as your shot is placed well. The bullet performance dialog is pretty much just something to talk about. Shot placement is the main ingredient for a clean kill. My personal feeling is that as long as you stay above about 160gr bullet weight it wont matter what the bullet does. Some bullet types tend to fly apart and make a big mess under the skin and some stick together and bore on through, either way, if you hit the vitals you have a dead deer.

RE: Nosler Partitions?
 

Well, I will tell you how they do on Moose here in a few weeks. On deer, I know they work better than coreloks out of fast guns. I believe you outfitter friend is working off of urban myths (or rural myths in this case). You know the ones around gun stores, local gas stations or whatever. I mean in alot of circles, I see alot of guns stores that still think the savage rifle is inaccuate and dangerous due to thier reputation they got 50 years ago. We all know that this isn't so.

Now the recovered bullets out of the large animals I have seen, did have about 60% retention, kinda like what they advertise. And out of 300Win mags, and Weatherby mags, I have seen, the jacket did seem to work its way almost off. But saying that you lost an animal due to a bullet. I would really think twice about trusting these guys. If you hit an animal broadsided thru the lungs (not hitting real high mind you) with coreloks, bullistic tips, sst's, failsafes, partitions, X, or gamekings, A-Frames, Scirrocos, bearclaws or whatever, and you can't recover the animal, you need to reevaluate your tenacity and skills for tracking, especially if your an outfitter.

[Deleted]
 

[Deleted by Admins]

RE: Nosler Partitions?
 

Yep Partitions really suck...I guess those Elk and Deer were laying pretty still fooling me into believing they were dead. I hate it when a bullet doesn't retain 90% of its weight to drive into the hillside next to the animal . As far as accuracy claims go Partitions,Failsafes,Ballistic tips have been the most accurate out of any gun I have shot. Any outfitter spreading that crap around should have his license revoked.

RE: Nosler Partitions?
 

My 7mm mag loves partitions, they group really well and they're all I use now for hunting deer and elk. As long as you put the bullet in the right place they will never fail you. The only problem I've ever had with them is me putting em in the wrong spot. If these people are getting poor results and tracking animals with them then you probably otta suggest they hit range and practice shootin or just take up shootin a bow.

RE: Nosler Partitions?
 

We ain't talk pea shooters here, mostly 7mm, 300 or 338.

It isn't just one outfiiter, but several. In fact had coffee this am with one and he said it is a growing majority thinking this way. It would seem the guys are good shots too, but think they need to take out the wheels on our large bucks. So I think where the real problem is shot placement! By the way some these guys have great operations and are widely known for outfitting & quality, so they aren't the type to shot from the hip (spread myths, etc.)

One outfitter is my school buddy and he is the best deer hunter I have ever met. I know when he says something he has experience and truth to back it up...not to say I don't question him on issues, but he does know his stuff.

I pretty much knew this would bring some heat and except that.

RE: Nosler Partitions?
 

i don't know why anyone would make a statement like that. partitions have been around for a very long time and have taken every animal in north american and many more overseas i'm sure. they feature an excellent bullet design and it baffles me to hear a statement like this. are u sure your buddy isn't pulling your leg or something? what does he say to use instead of partitions?

RE: Nosler Partitions?
 

PB, no he's/their not pulling my leg. Pretty much suggests anything but nosler...Seira Boattails, Barnes X, Trophy Bear Claw, failsafes, etc.

I agree can't see much bad with them. Placement is a key for all bullets, so why do they knock on Noslers. Maybe its a Roberston/Philips mentality, who know's.

I take it from the responses this wasn't a good topic to get much differing opinions on Partitions.

So lets change it a bit, what bullet would you say works the best for WT Deer? Of course we are assuming shot placement is where it should be.

[Deleted]
 

[Deleted by Admins]

RE: Nosler Partitions?
 

This guy suggest Sierra's unbonded boattails????????? And you actually converse with this guy? I suggest staying far away as you can from him. He sounds dangerous. I mean Sierras shoot well. I agree, but wieght retention ain't there.

RE: Nosler Partitions?
 

Anyone that recomends sierra boattails over partitions doesn't have a clue.

RE: Nosler Partitions?
 

i think we all know what he's full of if he recomends sierra boattails over partitions.
he doesn't have a clue concerning weight retention and bullet construction that's for sure.

RE: Nosler Partitions?
 

If a outfitter or guide told me I could not use a Nosler Partition because it is not a good bullet, I would not book a hunt with him due to his or her lack of knowledge. Nosler Partitons have taken whitetail deer, mule deer, caribou, elk, moose, brown bear, cape buffalo, etc. I'd keep an eye on these guys if I were you. Good luck.

[Deleted]
 

[Deleted by Admins]

RE: Nosler Partitions?
 

The only weird thing I've heard about Partitions was a tendency to roll end over end (Think about the physics involved). Needless to say, I told the hunter instead of trying to blame the bullet for missing his game (because we all know that bullets have computer guided trajectories) to take the half brain he had left and spend some time at the range.

Nosler Partitions have been a great bullet for years when used in the correct situation. By that I mean proper bullet weight for the load/muzzle velocity. I'm not an expert and I don't reload, but based on past posts where guys did alot of testing there are bullets that will give you deeper penetration with greater weight retention. But the NP still performed just as well.

But think of it this way, is the deer, elk, caribou or moose really gonna know the difference when its horizontal? Its all about shooter ability and ultimately bullet placement. My 2 cents.

RE: Nosler Partitions?
 

I hate to beat a dead horse here but even after my last post I will say that I believe Nosler PT are far from being a great performer out of fast guns. I have always recovered my animal within 30 yards or so, so I have no greif with the the bullet. There are many bullets that perform better I believe. When I say better I mean wieght retention, and the dad gone copper jacket staying on. So why do I continue to use them? They group for me. Not as good as matchkings, or Sierra gamekings but I believe its the right balance of mushroom performance, wieght retention and accuracy. I like A-Frames and Bearclaws, but they will drive a man broke to shoot alot. And my groups aren't near as good with A-Frames as they are with PT, and bearclaws copper my barrel up badly. This just freaks me out a little that an outfitter would say such a thing.

RE: Nosler Partitions?
 

This kind of stuff makes me wonder what kind of people want to be outfitters in the first place. I have always wondered if they really like to hunt, why are they out there leading a bunch of idiots around instead of hunting for themselves? The first guided elk hunt I went on, the subject of rifles came up pretty early on, and that guy had an ancient relic of a 721 rem chambered in 257 roberts. He told me he used factory loads, a roundnose 117 corelokt if I remember right. Now, this guy had pictures of a ton of elk he had shot over the years, but I couldnt help but think that he had almost no understanding of the differences in cartridges or bullets. Then on the other hand, he probably thought of me as another eastern dude with a cannon. I guess it balanced out since we both thought the other was stupid. I remember asking him if he had lost many elk and he said, these elk are really tough animals, if you can get one bleeding we can find him! I guess thats true if you are a good tracker and have a horse, but isnt it easier to just kill them on the spot? Takes all kinds.

RE: Nosler Partitions?
 

There are several types of premium bullets available. Some of them are every bit as dependable as the Nosler Partition jacket design. BUT, NONE of them will kill your game any deader, or any faster, at all ranges, than the Nosler. This has been proven in every hunting area all over the world, for at least 50 years. The fact that there is still any room for doubt or controversy over this bullet is a source of great wonder, amazement, and amusement to me!! <img src=icon_smile_clown.gif border=0 align=middle><img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle><img src=icon_smile_tongue.gif border=0 align=middle><img src=icon_smile_question.gif border=0 align=middle>

Keep yore powder dry!!

RE: Nosler Partitions?
 

I wonder what these &quot;experts&quot; think about the fact that anytime a bullet is evaluated, its performance is ranked on how it compares to the Nosler Partition. In my opinion, the Partition is the best bullet for anything above mule deer, up to moose, or the big bears. There are some bullets that penetrate deeper, such as the Fail Safe, but for expansion with penetration, I think it's hard to beat the Nosler. Smaller than mule deer, the partition is unnecessary, and too expensive for me to use... but I'm sure they would work splendidly.

&quot;Progress, far from consisting in change, depends on retentiveness..those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.&quot; Santayana

RE: Nosler Partitions?
 

...oh, and Skeeter, this is a VERY good topic... the fact that most people disagree with your &quot;experts&quot; should tell you something.

&quot;Progress, far from consisting in change, depends on retentiveness..those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.&quot; Santayana

[Deleted]
 

[Deleted by Admins]

RE: Nosler Partitions?
 

Anyone that would make the comments your outfitter friends made about Nosler Partitions has no credibility on bullet selection. As a matter of fact those comments are so far off that I would seriously question their credibility on any hunting related topic.

&quot;If you can't change your circumstances then you need to change your perspective.&quot;

RE: Nosler Partitions?
 

a ballistic tip I might believe this about, but saying this about a partition is crazy. My advice is to try not to be in the presence of one of these people if a firearm is present. Guns and people without knowledge are a bad thing. <img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle>

Later
Gone_Huntin

[Deleted]
 

[Deleted by Admins]

RE: Nosler Partitions?
 

I have never heard anything bad about partitions so I really don't know where these &quot;outfitters&quot; are coming from.

RE: Nosler Partitions?
 

Yes, guys I do have my own mind and don't take everything said as the truth, law or whatever. In fact this is one thing that I always disagree with them on, but my hunting experience with nosler's is basically 0. Thus I come to you and you have responded and I thank you.

To the comments that these guys are Dangerous. I say why? Just because their experience and opinion is different than yours? Really....common on guys! Some of the guys are &quot;self proclaimed&quot; know it alls, and frankly most they say is deaf eared by myself. I am afterall no stranger to the world of hunting and at that I have been very successful, so I too have my experiences and abilities to rely on. I do however have a passion for the sport and always search for more knowledge to keep moving forward. This being said a couple of these guys are the most down to earth guys you'll ever meet, with no ego trips to speak of. I frankly have meant and seen more &quot;EXPERTS&quot; in the local gun shops and on many of these sites, that make me say what? But b/c their opinion or views my differ from mine does not make them dangerous, morons or what have you. To suggest I should discontinue my relationships with them b/c you think their bullet knowledge is less than yours....is equally laughable. I don't know any of you personally, so why should I jump on your ban wagons! I do however respect and appreciate your knowledge.

Thanks For the record I do agree this bullet has no shortfalls in my mind and would have no problem using it in hunting situations.

No hate mail please, I just don't like the fact that I should disban myself from my buddies who don't agree with your opinion. This is Mine!!!!!!

RE: Nosler Partitions?
 

skeeter - take it easy. My remark at least was very tongue in cheek thus the <img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle> Do I think your buddies know much about bullets if they are preaching this - No; but hey like you said that is just my opinion and we all know opinions are like * everyone has one.

Later
Gone_Huntin

RE: Nosler Partitions?
 

Nosler Partition are awesome bullets. People should blame poor shot placement not the bullet. My brother fired a 180gr Nosler into a log at 30 yds from his 300 SAUM and the bullet still had 107 of the 180. The log had a 22in diameter. I would take a second look at that guide and like others said, keep an eye on him.

Why work when you can hunt???? Heck why work at all!!

RE: Nosler Partitions?
 

skeeter, I don't think anyone was banging on you. And it not cause these guys have different opinion. Its cause they made a statement that makes no sense. Take John Barshness, the outdoor writer, in handloader this month he did a comparison of Nosler PT, and several other bonded bullets. He had decent scientific data on penetration, wieght retention, and mushrooming. The nosler beat out all bullets, from ultra coreloks to onyx, to whatever. The guys made statements and at least tried to back them up or made a case. But when your friends say things so &quot;matter of factly as self proclaimed experts&quot; without much basis, they are opening up themselves for attacks. Thats why I try to say things like &quot;I think&quot; or IMO. No reason to be upset, I mean its only the internet. Nothing more. I don't think anyone expects you to call this guy and say &quot;I can't have any other dealings with you&quot;. Its the stupid internet. Have a little fun. I used to also get mifted alot due to posts. Finally about 1/2 year ago, I said why. Its just a chat room.

RE: Nosler Partitions?
 

My guess is that the animals shot with the Partition bullets are running further than say from a Bal. tip or other lighter designed bullet that blows up on impact. If you get 100% energy transfer from a Bal. tip once it hits the deer chances are that deer is going to drop like a sack of potatoes. The Partition will most likely go through and you'll have to track the animal further since some of the energy is carrying the bullet through the deer into the earth on the far side.

In my opinion for deer or smaller Partition might not be the best unless you are shooting for the biggest deer. Now for Elk, I can't see the Partition getting a bad rap at all. Same for Bear. I woulnd't use anything but a premium bullet for either of the latter.

Power
http://www.powerandfury.net/hunt.html

RE: Nosler Partitions?
 

If I came off mad, upset or distraut, that was not my intend. Sure I know some comments are made tongue and cheek, but to hear things like dangerous, stay far away, etc just b/c experiences or opinions vary is lauhable to me. I asked for your opinion and got it, I however did not ask for a character assessment, thus I responded no thanks to that portion of your replies. Hey I come here b/c i respect and enjoy your knowledge, so thanks again. I suspect their experiences are due to shot placement not bullet, but when they can only rely on the hunters story...hard to know what end is up.

So to my reply before, what bullet is best in your opinion for WT deer? I have to admit I like Ballistic tips and Boattails, we all have heard the knocks on them. I am looking to try a new bullet type, but not sure what. I have used Failsafes on Elk & Moose with good results, but my gun doesn't group great with them.

SO?

RE: Nosler Partitions?
 

....for whitetail deer, in factory ammo, I think the Remington Corelokt bullet is almost impossible to beat. When reloading my 6.5 Swedish mauser, I use the Horndady 140gr bullet.. it has worked flawlessly on two whitetails of very different body size...one very small &quot;frail&quot; forkhorn, and a large, big bodied prime 11 point. Both bullets impacted at about 150-160yds, and both exited after jellying the lung area....neither heart was hit, but both deer dropped on the spot, kicked once or twice, and expired. You can see why I like, and recommend the Hornady. I've had good luck with several different bullets of theirs.

&quot;Progress, far from consisting in change, depends on retentiveness..those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.&quot; Santayana

RE: Nosler Partitions?
 

The few deer I've harvested have fallen to either Remington Core-Loks or Ballistic Tips. My wife and I are now using handloads with Partitions but haven't shot a deer since 2000 so don't know how they'll work. Keeping our fingers crossed for this year.

Power
http://www.powerandfury.net/hunt.html

[Deleted]
 

[Deleted by Admins]

RE: Nosler Partitions?
 

I find it hard ro believe this topic. The Nosler Partition is the bullet all others have been judge by ever since it's introduction. It has taken big game all over the world and preformed well. For the most part it's one of only two bullets I consider (the other is the Trophy Bonded Bear Claw) that give me the accuracy and reliability downrange.
Also I can honestly say I've never recovered a bullet from and big game I've shot from antelope to black bear with a muzzleloader or modern high powered rifle. With shots from 15-350 yards all have passed completely thru with either a heart or double lung shot and never recovered,but can say the nosler has left some pretty impressive exit holes.

RE: Nosler Partitions?
 

I hate to beat this horse, I just read a post on the deerhunting forum, where I guy wouldn't use NP in a 300 win for deer.(topic deer cart. for 300 win.) Why, b/c he lost several, due to the bullet not mushrooming enough! Could this be the same reason? I know a great deal of the hunters use 300 wins....hmmm.

RE: Nosler Partitions?
 

The partition does not fail to expand but does not expand as much as the ballistic tip.As a result deer shot with partitions will usually run a little farther than those shot with ballistic tips.If the deer were lost the bullets were not placed in the right place.The bullet is often blamed when animals are lost due to poor shot placement and since the animal is not found noone will ever know where the bullet really hit.