215 vs 230 Berger

[4xforfun]

I need to press one of my 1k Match tubes into service this fall for LR/ELR dear. I have loads worked up in at least 6 tubes with either the 215 or the 230's in 300 WBY. 2950-3150 range. Some tubes I have loads for BOTH worked up.

What is your choice? I read lots of good stuff about the 215, but can't find much on the 230 for hunting. Nor is there much for a comparo between the two out there.

Thanks,
Tod

 

[WeiserBucks]

215s are tough to beat unless you plan on serious ELR shooting.

 

[pondskipper]

215s are tough to beat unless you plan on serious ELR shooting.

I second this guy! 225gr eld works wonders as well. I honestly would be comfortable with any of the three taking deer out to 1100 or so, as long as we're talking white tail. For mule deer I would probably stay in the 800 ish range and only shoot the heavier two bullets for added insurance.

 

[Mach 1]

Providing a 1 in 9t barrel is recommended for the 230 grainers, I think alot of people are still running 1 in 10t or slower barrels so not as many people shoot the 230s. I love the 215 hybrids but I have no doubt the 230s with perform just as well. My 300wsm with the 215 hybrids have as much knitec energy at 1000 yds as a 6.5 creed. At 575 yds so I don't see the need to stay at 800 yds for mule deer with the 215s.

 

[AZShooter]

I cannot tell you how the 230 match target hybrid will work at ELR. They sure work well on elk in the 150-250 yd range from a 300 RUM! Both elk were DRTs. Both animals had 2 1/2" exit wounds.

Here is a guy who used the 230 in Africa:

https://www.longrangehunting.com/threads/230gr-berger-used-in-africa-with-success.138852/

 

[Tumbleweed]

I have used both the 215's and 230 Hybrid Targets for hunting. I am very pleased with the terminal performance of both out of a 300 RUM. We've taken elk between 70 yards and 750 equally well. If your rifle is more of a factory size and barrel length I would suggest staying with the 215 especially in 300Wby with less case capacity.

I just finished load development in a friend's Wby MarkV Stainless/Synthetic 26" using the 215's and Reloder 26. It shoots sub .5MOA at 3000fps which is excellent for a factory Wby and sloppy freebore.

 

[dennisinaz]

You don't need to back off of mule deer to 800 yards with this weight of bullet at Magnum velocities. I have seen too many deer and bear shot at 1000-1050 with a 7 RUM and 180 Bergers to worry about the 215s for mule deer. I think they will probably work out to 1200 or so.
Also, I know guys are getting the 230s to work with 10 twists as long as you don't live in coastal Alaska or somewhere else with really dense air.

 

[geo4061]

I am shooting the 230's in my 1 in 10. They are amazingly accurate and deadly on big hogs out to 520. They even kill quickly when you hit the wrong end of a big hog.

 

[cjuve]

I have been having some luck with the 230's Hybrid targets which are starting to become my favorite bullet, they really hit hard at distance when being pushed at 3140 fps out the muzzle. I cant wait to try them on deer and elk at the end of the month. I really need a big AR 500 plate. 960 yds and 100 yds

 

[4xforfun]

I punch through 1/4 inch every time at 1500 with my 230's at a little under 3100. Don't with the 300 Grn elite hunters at 2840.

 

[Canadian Bushman]

The 215's have a lower form factor.