Accubond expansion at less then 1800fps

[gcamp54]

The Nosler web site recommends a minimum of 1800 fps for the bullet to expand as designed. My calculated velocities for my 300wm using a 200gr Accubond with a muzzle velocity of 2900fps drops below 1800fps at 750 yds at sea level and 950 yds at 5000ft above sea level air density. I looked for a thread about testing the expansion on the Accubond and didn't find anything. Has anyone done testing or have experience on this bullet's expansion performance at long range around or past these distances?

Gordon

 

[royinidaho]

my own personal test in my own personally developed media.

270 140gr NAB at stated MV and 200 yd impact.

 

[gcamp54]

my own personal test in my own personally developed media.

270 140gr NAB at stated MV and 200 yd impact.

Thanks for sharing your tests. That is an interesting comparison. With this test it appears that even 1800fps is not sufficient. I have a calculated velocity of 1778fps at 800 yds and 2028fps at 600 yds with the 200gr Accubond at sea level and 1776fps at 950 yds at 5000ft above sea level. Maybe I should reconsider using the Accubond for long range? I understand that there are other variables to consider such as the media you used as compared to a live animal. My dilemma is what to load for a possible moose hunt in Alaska next year which will be closer to sea level in elevation. The other aspects of this hunt are that most likely the range will not be that long and I need something to stop a bear if needed. I would like to have a bullet that does it all but I may have to develop a couple of loads depending on the situation as others have done on this sight. This will be a hunt of the lifetime if I draw the tag and I want to use the best bullet for the situation.

Gordon

 

[Ridge Runner]

have taken a deer with an impact velocity of just over 1500 fps with a 160 accubond, bullet exited and all I can tell you is the exit was larger than the entrance. some other impact velocities that I have taken deer with
1964
2386
2537
2614
here is a 1964 fps exit

2537 fps

to be honest if you hit the shoulder they all look like this, miss the bone and they are a bit smaller
here is one recovered from a maple tree at an IV of 3520 fps

and lastly this one was recovered under my 12x12 3/4" plate at 800 yards IV was
just under 2200 fps

RR