Anyone using these? I have 3 rifles in 3 different calibers. Long story short I tend to use my .223 it’s a good shooter and the places I’ve been hunting shots range 25-275 yards more often closer to 100. The 40 gr BT performs well for me, but I have family in California and wouldn’t mind a lead free option for when I visit. Do this splatter? Do they exit? If so, how nasty are they?
Nosler 35 gr BT LF .224
- Thread starter Jay
- Start date
derbyacresbob
Well-known member
I have shot the Nosler 40 gr BT Lead Free bullets quite a bit at ground squirrels. If you are going to shoot coyotes I think I would go with the 40 gr BT Lead Free.
I have shot lots of ground squirrels with the Hornady NTX 35 gr Lead Free bullets.
I have shot lots of ground squirrels with the Hornady NTX 35 gr Lead Free bullets.
DiRTY DOG
Well-known member
The Hornady 35 NTX shot better in my 223 than the Nosler 35 NBT-LF. Killed a coyote double with the Hornady, it did ok but suspect it didn't penetrate as deep as I'd like. Expected for such a light bullet. I think you'd be better off with a 40 or 50 for lead free[/i].
If you want a great performer without having to test anything, just get a box of Barnes 40gr TSX or 50gr TTSX and use that.
If you want a great performer without having to test anything, just get a box of Barnes 40gr TSX or 50gr TTSX and use that.
derbyacresbob
Well-known member
You may need a 1-9" or 1-8" twist barrel to shoot 50 gr to 55 gr Lead Free bullets.
derbyacresbob
Well-known member
Originally Posted By: WyoBullHave you tried the Barnes 36 gr Varmint Grenade? It is lead free, very explosive and I have loaded it for 220 Swift, 22-250 and 222 with very good accuracy results.
I try not to use Barnes bullets because Barns helped convince the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to go lead free for the Condor Zone and now on July 1st 2019 all hunting in California will have to be done with lead free shot and lead free bullets.
From what I have seen the Varmint Grenade bullets have a great name but they are not as explosive as lead core varmint bullets of the same weight are.
The 224 cal 50 gr Varmint grenades and the 243 cal 62 gr varmint grenades didn't impress me at all as far being explosive.
I had way more exit holes on coyotes shooting Barnes 62 gr Varmint Grenades than I got with 75 gr Hornady V-Max bullets.
The 224 cal 50 gr Varmint Grenades didn't pop ground squirrels nearly as good as lead core 50 gr and 55 gr varmint bullets do.
Having to shoot 35 gr to 40 gr lead free bullets in 1-12" and 1-14" twist 223 Rem's, 22-250's and 220 Swifts really sucks.
I try not to use Barnes bullets because Barns helped convince the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to go lead free for the Condor Zone and now on July 1st 2019 all hunting in California will have to be done with lead free shot and lead free bullets.
From what I have seen the Varmint Grenade bullets have a great name but they are not as explosive as lead core varmint bullets of the same weight are.
The 224 cal 50 gr Varmint grenades and the 243 cal 62 gr varmint grenades didn't impress me at all as far being explosive.
I had way more exit holes on coyotes shooting Barnes 62 gr Varmint Grenades than I got with 75 gr Hornady V-Max bullets.
The 224 cal 50 gr Varmint Grenades didn't pop ground squirrels nearly as good as lead core 50 gr and 55 gr varmint bullets do.
Having to shoot 35 gr to 40 gr lead free bullets in 1-12" and 1-14" twist 223 Rem's, 22-250's and 220 Swifts really sucks.
Originally Posted By: derbyacresbobYou may need a 1-9" or 1-8" twist barrel to shoot 50 gr to 55 gr Lead Free bullets.
My .223 is 1-12” and shoots 40’s very very well. I was wondering if this would be the case. The Varmint Grenade could be an option. I’ve not had the best results using flat based bullets In the past, but I wouldn’t be opposed to trying them.
My .223 is 1-12” and shoots 40’s very very well. I was wondering if this would be the case. The Varmint Grenade could be an option. I’ve not had the best results using flat based bullets In the past, but I wouldn’t be opposed to trying them.
Originally Posted By: derbyacresbobOriginally Posted By: WyoBullHave you tried the Barnes 36 gr Varmint Grenade? It is lead free, very explosive and I have loaded it for 220 Swift, 22-250 and 222 with very good accuracy results.
I try not to use Barnes bullets because Barns helped convince the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to go lead free for the Condor Zone and now on July 1st 2019 all hunting in California will have to be done with lead free shot and lead free bullets.
From what I have seen the Varmint Grenade bullets have a great name but they are not as explosive as lead core varmint bullets of the same weight are.
The 224 cal 50 gr Varmint grenades and the 243 cal 62 gr varmint grenades didn't impress me at all as far being explosive.
I had way more exit holes on coyotes shooting Barnes 62 gr Varmint Grenades than I got with 75 gr Hornady V-Max bullets.
The 224 cal 50 gr Varmint Grenades didn't pop ground squirrels nearly as good as lead core 50 gr and 55 gr varmint bullets do.
Having to shoot 35 gr to 40 gr lead free bullets in 1-12" and 1-14" twist 223 Rem's, 22-250's and 220 Swifts really sucks.
My experience with flat base anything is they tend to exit more often as opposed to boat tails.
I try not to use Barnes bullets because Barns helped convince the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to go lead free for the Condor Zone and now on July 1st 2019 all hunting in California will have to be done with lead free shot and lead free bullets.
From what I have seen the Varmint Grenade bullets have a great name but they are not as explosive as lead core varmint bullets of the same weight are.
The 224 cal 50 gr Varmint grenades and the 243 cal 62 gr varmint grenades didn't impress me at all as far being explosive.
I had way more exit holes on coyotes shooting Barnes 62 gr Varmint Grenades than I got with 75 gr Hornady V-Max bullets.
The 224 cal 50 gr Varmint Grenades didn't pop ground squirrels nearly as good as lead core 50 gr and 55 gr varmint bullets do.
Having to shoot 35 gr to 40 gr lead free bullets in 1-12" and 1-14" twist 223 Rem's, 22-250's and 220 Swifts really sucks.
My experience with flat base anything is they tend to exit more often as opposed to boat tails.