I am in the process of developing hunting loads for 30-30 AI & 7-30 Waters contenders and do not need to reinvent the wheel. I have both BTs & SSP bullets for both. The 30 cal BTs are 125 gr and the SSPs are 135 gr. The 7mm BTs are 120 gr. and the SSPs are 130 gr. All chronograph acceptably and group adequately for my purpose. The question that remains is bullet performance from a 14" bbl.

Assuming muzzle velocity around 2400 fps (+or-), does anyone have personal experience with the performance of these specific bullets on deer sized game? Alternatively, I would welcome your thoughts.

I've only used the 7mm BT's in my 7-30 and terminal performance on a deer was impressive. I'm biased toward Nosler because I know some of the guys there and I've visited with John Nosler in the past and something about him, he's basicly just one of us and a neat guy to talk to but bottom line is I don't think your going to see a big difference in terminal performance between the two mentioned bullets and if performance from the gun is the same with both bullets then it becomes a matter of personal choice.

I don't think you can go wrong with either bullet.

x2

I agree with the others but, as Rod said, I'm biased toward BT's. That's what I've shot in my TC's for years. I've taken 75+ whitetails with the 150 BT in my 30/30 win14" Contender with excellent results.

I love those nosler bt's. I use them in my 30-30 AI and they bring deer right down. 125 gn is my flavor. Fast and deadly.

Lars

Thanks for the responses. KRal -- I would be interested to know more about your experience with the 150 BTs in the 30-30. I presume that you are using a regular 30-30 (not improved)? What kind of velocity are you getting? Do you feel that this load would work for something a little bigger than whitetails (for example -- red deer)?

I had thought that I might go on to the 165s for larger animals, but the 150s might be better. I need something that will be relatively flat to about 250 yds. Probably can get a little more velocity with the 150s if the performance is there.

Wtroper,

When the 7-30 first appeared on the Contender scene many years ago, I had to have one. After initial shooting with the Federal factory 120 gr flat point, I experimented with a Hornady 139 gr interlock btsp. Hornady still stocks that very bullet (#2825). I "think" (it was a long time ago) I was using 35 Gr of IMR 4064 for a estimated mv of 2300 fps 'ish.(I didn't have a chrono back then - had to rely on charts). That load did fly VERY good in my 14" barrel. I made some gentle 200 yard chuck kills with that combo. Muzzle blast also got alot of attention on the range!

Renster

Thanks, Renster. I loaded for a friend's 7-30 years back (10 or so). Seems like I loaded a 120 gr (do not remember the brand). Shot very accurately. Made 7mm holes (in & out) through every animal shot with it. This time around my focus is on bullet performance.

I would like to identify a good performing bullet that is heavier than the 120-130 gr, if such exists. While these contenders will be mostly used for deer sized animals (the 120s are fine for them), occasionally they may be used for a little bigger or tougher animals (various exotics). My 7-30s were acquired mostly for use as loaners to "new" handgun hunters. Thus, it particularly important for the bullets to perform well. Most of you can remember the first time that you looked through the scope on a wiggling handgun & saw the crosshairs bouncing all over an animal. Such can unnerve even experienced rifle hunters.

Personally, I have never used the SSP's but they have a great record for those MV's.

I have used NBT's for years and have successfully taken big game up to elk with them.

Yes, mine is the 30/30 win. I've never run it through a chrony but, I would guess it's around 2100 fps + or - 100 fps, out of the 14" tube. The load I use is a max charge of Win 748. With a 25 yard zero, it's about 5" low at 200 yards. I'm not up to snuff on the 30/30 AI but, someone here should have some data for you. Wish I could help more...

I have used the 125 Nosler Bt out of 10" 30 Herrett. Chrono is right at 1950 with my load. I have had excellent performance on whitetail from 90 - 180 pounds but all have been under 125 yards. I have tested the 150 in Nosler Bt, Hornady interlock and Hornady sst. All would begin to mushroom but expansion was much less than the 125s. The Herrett doesn't seem to have enough steam at the 1875 fps I could generate. Your 30-30 ai however should have the added velocity especially out of a 14 inch barrel to make those 150 be about perfect.

Use the one that's the most accurate and or the least expensive given acceptable accuracy. Both are great bullets.

Over the years on the hunts I've been on, and talking to others and seeing what I've seen, the Nosler Ballistic tips work great, in about any caliber. Some consider them a bit explosive, some of my hunters nicknamed them "ballistic bombs." For a broadside chest shot they can't be beat.