Anybody tried all copper bullets on big game?

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Old Goldwing

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I searched but couldn't find an existing thread for this so... I'm looking at working up a new hunting load for longer range (<400yd) deer, moose, elk for my new .308 Win. I've used Hornady Interlock 165gr bullets for years with good success (<250yds) but the lead tip deforms getting bumped around in chambering, in the mag, in the bag. In recent research, I see that Barnes and Hornady (and probably others) have all-copper bullets (TTSX and GMX). They have a good BC and plastic tips. I kind of like the idea of no lead in my food. Also, the interweb says some jurisdictions are banning lead projectiles (e.g. Scotland). Has anyone tried them on big game? How do the expand? Do they retain energy? Are they worth looking into?
 
I have shot moose, deer, cougars, and wolves using mono-metal bullets.

I use Barnes TSX and TTSX in 250-3000, 25 WSSM, .270 Winchester, .308 Winchester, 30-06, and 338-06. I use the 168 grain Nosler E-Tip exclusively in my 300 WSM.

Distances ranged from 40 feet to 400 yards. Most of the animals that didn't drop very near where they were standing never traveled further than 50-60 yards.

The only "failure" I encountered was years ago with a 180 grain Failsafe ( a hybrid metal bullet with lead rear core) out of a 30-06. The deer went probably 300+ yards after the shot and had very little internal damage even though shot through both lungs. The moral of that story is to not use a bison bullet on a 150 pound deer.
 
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Good question
Am also interested if anyone here has been able to get/try Hammer Hunter copper bullets first hand - the info I have read seems quite positive. Cutting edge bullets too.
 
Old Goldwing said:
I searched but couldn't find an existing thread for this so... I'm looking at working up a new hunting load for longer range (<400yd) deer, moose, elk for my new .308 Win. I've used Hornady Interlock 165gr bullets for years with good success (<250yds) but the lead tip deforms getting bumped around in chambering, in the mag, in the bag. In recent research, I see that Barnes and Hornady (and probably others) have all-copper bullets (TTSX and GMX). They have a good BC and plastic tips. I kind of like the idea of no lead in my food. Also, the interweb says some jurisdictions are banning lead projectiles (e.g. Scotland). Has anyone tried them on big game? How do the expand? Do they retain energy? Are they worth looking into?
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When using Barnes it is recommended to go light for caliber as you want to stay about 1,800 FPS for them to work well and work well they do for sure.
I have only killed a few deer with the 150 grain TSX in my .303, but know lots of people using them for everything from deer to Grizzly bears with great success.
Cat
 
I’ve been using Barnes TSX and TTSX in 7mm Rem Mag for quite a few years. I usually shoot 2 whitetail deer each season. I love them. Mostly bang-flop kills, from 75-300 yards.
I’ve been using the 150 grn bullets, plan on trying the 120s.
I’m currently working on a load for 308 with 150s.
 
Started using Barnes copper bullets in 2008. I've killed a few moose with 225 TSX and 210 TTSX in my .338WM, from 300yds to 450yds. No drama and no tracking. Just started using TTSX on deer a few years ago, but get the same results, no tracking.
 
There's some more information here. Myself, I've had ok luck with 300gr tsx in my 375HH, however I acknowledge lots of penetration with narrower wound channels. I have a friend who shot one deer with them in his 270, and promptly switched back to cup and core because he wasn't happy with performance.

Essentially they function within correct velocity ranges, but very importantly, downsize to a light for caliber weight. They need speed, but not too much speed as petals can shear. Also, ballistics aren't as good as lead.

There's some more discussion here. There's probably other threads as well, this was just from this past week.

https://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php/2096774-Allergic-to-monos
 
Your .308 with a mono at 400 yards is going to be less than ideal for reliability.

You'll be slowing down at those speeds so something more fragile would be a better choice at .308 velocities.

I know you aren't favoring a lead tip but for what you just described for parameters would be very appealing to a Nosler partition.Still hold together up close yet soft point for expansion down range.The 165gr would be worth looking at.
 
Kelly Timoffee said:
Your .308 with a mono at 400 yards is going to be less than ideal for reliability.

You'll be slowing down at those speeds so something more fragile would be a better choice at .308 velocities.

I know you aren't favoring a lead tip but for what you just described for parameters would be very appealing to a Nosler partition.Still hold together up close yet soft point for expansion down range.The 165gr would be worth looking at.
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I agree wholeheartedly with this. Dave.
 
Kelly Timoffee said:
I know you aren't favoring a lead tip but for what you just described for parameters would be very appealing to a Nosler partition.
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The way the partition is designed the nose shears off and the rear core continues to produce an exit. Great bullet but the OP specifically stated he didn't want lead in his meat which the Partition excels at.
 
i have shot bear and deer with my 7 mag. hornady gmx 139 grn. all close range and very dead, usually on the spot. wouldn't want to use at extreme long range. i would switch to ab long range if i had the desire to shoot 400 yards.
 
It took some looking on my old laptop but I knew I had some pictures saved.

This deer was shot at nearly 400 yards using a 168 grain TTSX @ 2850 fps M.V. out of a 30-06. Expansion appears to have been adequate at moderate impact velocity.


ENTRY
168ttsx_entry_small.jpg


EXIT
168ttsx_exit_small.jpg
 

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I’ve used them lots in my 30-06 rifles, liked them lots... always had good success but once on a moose at around 180m they were GMX.... I think the TSX OR TTSX are better, they seem to expend more and are possibly stronger where the pedals/petals seems to stay attached better!
 
'Boo said:
The way the partition is designed the nose shears off and the rear core continues to produce an exit. Great bullet but the OP specifically stated he didn't want lead in his meat which the Partition excels at.
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Ummmmmm, yeah , I read what he wanted hence why I stated what I did.

The OP wants a projectile that doesn't really exist yet, he wants traits from a few different bullets.

The odds are WAY higher you will die from the deer accidentally impaling your circulatory system with an antler when you are loading it than you are to suffer any health effects from lead exposure or consumption of wild meat taken with one and besides, why are you putting lead in your meat?Shooting them in the ass at 400 yards?

Option 2 is an Accubond or Scirocco or an Interbond although slightly tougher with less initial expansion than a partition.

Not saying the OP isn't allowed his preferences and being cautious is always best but we are merely stating what would be a better choice for his intended on game performance.

If the OP is dead set on using mono metals he either should consider getting closer with the .308 or a rifle that carries more speed down range.
 
I saw the 308 180g cup and core bullet recovered from a moose shot at 425 yrds. Other than the rifling marks, it was pristine. Could have been reloaded. It was a Norma bullet.

Long range is the challenge for expansion in a 308 Win. The best compromise would be a Nosler partition.
 
monometals have been out since the late 80's, and these days they're better than ever

In a 308 I would look at the 150gr TTSX for big game hunting
 
Yes I have a little experience to share using copper bullets on large game.

I use to hunt with the late Lutz Moeller and we shared many trips testing his bullets in different scenarios.

They work and there are no issues.

He never tried or slag off other designs but always offered an alternatives

What he did came to fruition in 2014 when certain states in Germany started to ban lead projectiles hunting.

He also resisted selling out to RWS and sellier over the years.

We can moan and complaint about it but it’s coming weather you like it or not. Just like waterfowl ....

Unfortunately he passed away not too long ago pursuing his other passion.

Many estates in Germany now will not allow hunting with lead cores and there is a pending EU directly on the statue books.

Plenty on that on accurate reloading.

As you folks know once EU adopts then England will do so and Canada inevitabily follows.
 
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