Hey CodyAdams,
I like your analysis. I, too, was struck by the 'variety' of weights chosen. As you pointed out, it would have been more interesting to see a closer 'apples-to-apples' comparison. They did give velocity loss at 800 yards, BUT...what was the STARTING velocity? Weird they opted to not include that. It was still thought provoking.
https://www.fieldandstream.com/long-range-shootout/
No bullet is a 'sure thing', all the time, at all ranges. Get something that will still expand at 800 yards (or 1000?) and it will likely evaporate on an animal shot 90 yards away...or pencil right on through.
That's the genius of the Partition bullets - works well in 'all' conditions (high impact speeds down to 1800fps.) But it is not an aerodynamic, long-range projectile. I think that's what Nosler was trying to achieve with the Accubond/LR Accubond - great weight retention, but better BC with still 'good' performance in 'most' conditions. Berger, too, with the VLD Hunting bullets.
I like the HP/OTM style more than the 'tips' as long as the HP/OTM is OPEN and can 'work'. I like the IDEA of the 'heat-shield' tips used in Hornady bullets because I don't want the tips to be melting on their way down range. The old Bronze Tips from Remington surely didn't melt, right?
I don't envy the bullet designer his/her job. Trying to make a bullet do 'everything' is impossible, and wherever you 'compromised', the competition is ready to pounce and make their bullet seem so much better IN THAT AREA. Whaddya gonna do?
I like that people TEST bullets, in gel, and share the results. People's anecdotal reports on animal performance is 'good', too, but tainted with bias (pro or con.) You know a bullet is good when it has become 'the reference point' for all other bullets to be judged against. For now, and for some time now, that has been the Nosler Partition. Examples:
"This bullet has a better BC...than the NP"
"This bullet expands at lower impact velocity...than the NP"
"This bullet punched through more bone without shedding the front half...compared to the NP"
What is interesting is now that "long range" shooting and hunting is growing in popularity, the reference point is shifting. Which bullet is most ACCURATE? Which bullet has the highest BC? These are not strong suits of the Partition (not that it is inaccurate or that it has a horrible BC) so people are trying to find a 'new reference point' for comparing the LRH-type bullets. And this is why (I think) people 'fight' so hard over these things. They want their 'favorite' to be the new reference standard. Only time will show us which bullet stands the test of time.
But technology and development moves so fast now, even if a bullet starts to get a reputation for excellence, it isn't long before someone else comes out with something to better it, shifting the reference point again and again. That's all good for us! (I think...)