Long range performance of ballistic tip and accubond bullets

[Kenster-Boy]

I searced through the previous posts and never found the answer to the question what is the advantage of either over the other. I know the accubond is a bonded core bullet but does it actually have any advantage over the ballistic tip to warrant paying the price difference. Just curious because I want to get the most range out of my 7mm rem mag since it is the smaller of the truly long range calibers but is the most recoil that I can handle.

[Varmint Hunter]

The bonded Accubonds would be preferable when a short range, high velocity impact is possible . Sometimes game animals just don't follow the game plan. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

I set up about 50 yards into the woods overlooking a pasture that had a bottleneck between tree lined outcropings. Deer used this bottleneck regularely to pass through, as it provided some level of cover. I was shooting a custom 7STW that was sighted in @ 400yds. Rifle was placed on the ground supported by the bi-pod.

Sat all day without seeing a single deer pass through the bottleneck. Looked over my left shoulder and saw a monster buck walking 40yds directly behind me in the woods. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif[/img] I leaned over slowly to reach for my rifle but the buck spotted me and stepped right back into the thicket. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img]

Darn whitetails never follow the game plan. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

[4ked Horn]

Other shooter with experience will have to confirm this but my understanding is that the B tips constructed for hunting (not the varmint grade design) work best at less than screaming fast velocities. If they are used at too high a speed they come apart and dont give the necessary penetration. The Accubonds maintain their integrity at a wider range of impact speed.

Just for total disclosure I have not shot any game animal with either bullet. I'm just reporting what I have gathered on the subject here at LRH.

If I'm shooting a 7mag, (and I'll probably get gnawed upon for this) I would never choose a ballistic tip bullet for game animals. I've talked several guys into reducing bullet weight & going with 140gr corelokt, sgk, Nos Part. etc. and they've never been happier. If you're going for elk, you'll want a heavier bullet, but Whitetail aint that tough. The 140gr kills fast and with less damage. I've used both corelokts and sgk's, & every Whitetail I've shot.. just drops in their tracks. Might try ballistic tips for varmints one day, but I doubt it. What I'm using is working and working well.

[7Rumloader]

Right on all accounts 4Ked horn! I have yet to try the accubond on game but have the BT and like you said they are more for lower velocities and varmints with explosive results IMO. They are the only bullet I have ever lost an animal with and it was a close shot (under 100 yards). It IMO came apart at the high velocity on impact causing very little damage to the deer allowing him to go on like what seemed forever until there was no trail to follow. The accubond I have heard and seen good results like goodgroupers on game performance and they are much better suited for hunting applications than the BT on larger game. The BT's seem to work better at lower velocities cause instead of blowing apart they actually penetrate but I dont think I will go back to them for big game hunting. I still use them for target shooting and water bottles so you can see your hit easily but thats it.

[Kenster-Boy]

thanks for your insights it will definitely help me settle into finding the right bullet.

The BT's work well for smaller big game... deer etc.. but the accubonds maybe well suited for both .. here's why...


WE have used them on everything from Antelope, Whitetail and Elk... they have done the job every time... both LR and short...