300 PRC 215 VS 230 BERGER'S

[Jcook02]

I fought this same battle with myself last year, but out of a 300 RUM. I went with the 230 as I would use it once or twice a year to chase elk. I've killed several deer and one elk with this bullet and I have zero complaints. Nothing has caused me to second guess my decision. wishing I would have went with the 215. Deer from 30 yards to 350 and one cow elk at 300, nothing but impressive results, for me. They both are pretty hard to come by right now. If I never went after elk, I'd prolly go with the 215. JMO.

 

[Vol1975]

I didn't really have time to read the entire thread so I'll just add my experience.

I switched from 215s to 230s in a 30 nosler which is nearly a ballistic twin of the prc. I ran both to 3050 with H1k and no pressure signs. Both settled on 2950-75 for the best accuracy node. I feel they'll both run about the same speed due to similar bearing surface. It's only a 7% weight increase.

I switched to the 230s due to hearing about a slightly thicker jacket resulting in less blow ups.

I shot 5 animals with the 215 from 150-500 yards ranging from a cow elk to 150 pound white tail. No pass throughs.

I've shot 10 animals this year with the 230s from a red hind at 610 to white tail from 150-500 all pass throughs. The only one to stick was a a large hog at 325 weighing 200 pounds with a 1 inch thick shield. I've seen this type animal stop a 180 ttsx.

Both bullets are .5moa to 600 yards.

The chunk of lung was from a 180 wt buck at 250 yards.

View attachment 249936View attachment 249941

My goodness.

 

[MCOBB2]

I didn't really have time to read the entire thread so I'll just add my experience.

I switched from 215s to 230s in a 30 nosler which is nearly a ballistic twin of the prc. I ran both to 3050 with H1k and no pressure signs. Both settled on 2950-75 for the best accuracy node. I feel they'll both run about the same speed due to similar bearing surface. It's only a 7% weight increase.

I switched to the 230s due to hearing about a slightly thicker jacket resulting in less blow ups.

I shot 5 animals with the 215 from 150-500 yards ranging from a cow elk to 150 pound white tail. No pass throughs.

I've shot 10 animals this year with the 230s from a red hind at 610 to white tail from 150-500 all pass throughs. The only one to stick was a a large hog at 325 weighing 200 pounds with a 1 inch thick shield. I've seen this type animal stop a 180 ttsx.

Both bullets are .5moa to 600 yards.

The chunk of lung was from a 180 wt buck at 250 yards.

View attachment 249936View attachment 249941

This is exactly what I was hoping for. For the record are those with the 230's I presume?

 

[Slick8]

Yes the exit holes are from the 230s. The chunk of lung was a center shoulder shot to a 180 pound buck just t as those pictured. It was drt and sprayed flood 20 feet past the impact.

Here's a shoulder shot wt buck with the 215 at about 180 yards. Obviously no pass through on a 150 deer.

 

[Deleted member 103481]

I did have a pass through on a deer at 140-150 this year with a 215, passed through at 10 yards also

 

[MCOBB2]

Yes the exit holes are from the 230s. The chunk of lung was a center shoulder shot to a 180 pound buck just t as those pictured. It was drt and sprayed flood 20 feet past the impact.

Here's a shoulder shot wt buck with the 215 at about 180 yards. Obviously no pass through on a 150 deer.

View attachment 249969

Awesome! Your response is greaaattttlllly appreciated!

 

[VLD Pilot]

215

Lower form factor. Lil flatter and lil quicker at the mid to long range shots. 215 will also have a lil higher mv at that range ensuring bullet expansion. 230's increase in wind cheating ability wont make up for the other factors.

1000-1800 id start looking at the 230 or 245.

1500-1800 would be time to pick up weight. The 230s will serve well at 1000-1500. I think I'd stick with the 230s from 800-1800 tho. Very little difference in the 215 to 230s in drop and velocity. The 230s offer a bit more energy. Ultimately whichever shoots best but I'd bet on the 230s in most cases.

 

[shooters]

Following.
Would be awesome to get a full comparison with say the.....

215
230
245

...with same barrel length ( ) and same powder ( ) doped out to say 1500 yards.

 

[Canadian Bushman]

1500-1800 would be time to pick up weight. The 230s will serve well at 1000-1500. I think I'd stick with the 230s from 800-1800 tho. Very little difference in the 215 to 230s in drop and velocity. The 230s offer a bit more energy. Ultimately whichever shoots best but I'd bet on the 230s in most cases.

You have a valid point.

Ultimately its gonna depend on the acual mv you can push them at in YOUR rifle, because these two bullets are really that close.

The 230 is a lil longer 215.

If im looking at bullets that are this close in ballistics i typically use whichever one has the lower form factor. Unless i have a special need that warrants a higher SD, or more energy etc etc.

The 230's have a reputation of holding together a little longer and going a little deeper, but ive seen it go either way.

 

[VLD Pilot]

You have a valid point.

Ultimately its gonna depend on the acual mv you can push them at in YOUR rifle, because these two bullets are really that close.

The 230 is a lil longer 215.

If im looking at bullets that are this close in ballistics i typically use whichever one has the lower form factor. Unless i have a special need that warrants a higher SD, or more energy etc etc.

The 230's have a reputation of holding together a little longer and going a little deeper, but ive seen it go either way.

Can't go wrong with either. It's so close out to 1000 yards but beyond that, the 230 starts to show the extra coefficient factor even at the extra feet per second at the muzzle. IMO, the 245s are more designed for the 300 Wby, 300 NM or 30 Sherman Mag and a couple others. The extra velocity will really shine with that big bullet.

 

[skipglo]

I have 47 years experience shooting Whitetail, Mulies....can Anyone tell me the thought process of using, or thinking one would need Rhino weight bullets for 500 yard...300 lb animals! Witnessing and from my own experience killing hundreds of deer (10 year guide and outfitter) heavies don't do it. They punch thru so fast the animals don't know they are dead for 80 yards! And 80 yards is 75 too far in brush or tall grass!.....just me....145-165 gr. Works dramatically better.....been there, done it, have the postcards!

 

[Canadian Bushman]

I agree.

 

[Canadian Bushman]

Can't go wrong with either. It's so close out to 1000 yards but beyond that, the 230 starts to show the extra coefficient factor even at the extra feet per second at the muzzle. IMO, the 245s are more designed for the 300 Wby, 300 NM or 30 Sherman Mag and a couple others. The extra velocity will really shine with that big bullet.

I agree

 

[VLD Pilot]

I have 47 years experience shooting Whitetail, Mulies....can Anyone tell me the thought process of using, or thinking one would need Rhino weight bullets for 500 yard...300 lb animals! Witnessing and from my own experience killing hundreds of deer (10 year guide and outfitter) heavies don't do it. They punch thru so fast the animals don't know they are dead for 80 yards! And 80 yards is 75 too far in brush or tall grass!.....just me....145-165 gr. Works dramatically better.....been there, done it, have the postcards!

No but doesn't mean it can't be used. His range was out to 800 yards. No such thing as overkill