Author Topic: Barnes O 250gr in 30-06 (Read 1505 times)

Cabin4 · « **on:** June 09, 2003, 03:00:17 PM »

Has anyone ever loaded the 250 gr Barnes O in a 30-06 ? If so what was the performance like ?

Thanks

DennisB · « **Reply #1 on:** June 09, 2003, 05:23:06 PM »

Cabin4: I loaded a few of 'em once back when I lived in Alaska. They didn't group well in the Model 70 I used them in. That's a l-o-n-g bullet, seated pretty deep into your powder space. I may still have the rest of them in a box somewhere. Had to get loading data from Hogden's book, I think. I'll see if I can find my notes on it.

Cabin4 · « **Reply #2 on:** June 10, 2003, 03:57:44 AM »

I am considering using that bullet in my M77 for bear over bait. Close in shooting so I like the idea of a large bullet if I decide to use my 06.

Thanks

Zachary · « **Reply #3 on:** June 10, 2003, 04:16:36 AM »

You don't need a 250 grain .308 caliber bullet for hunting bear over bait. (although it would certainly work.)

A stout 180 grain bullet from you 30-06 would work just fine. Consider bullets such as Nosler Partition, Barnes X, Trophy Bonded, and Swift-A-Frame to be excellent choices.

Zachary

DennisB · « **Reply #4 on:** June 10, 2003, 04:54:20 PM »

I agree with Zachary--a good 180 slug (I'm partial to Partitions) will do a dandy job. However, if you've already got some 250s and just want to try 'em, why not? You may be happy with their performance. The loads I used long ago for the 250 Barnes I found in Hogden's manual #25. It listed a starting load of 48.0 grains of H4350 (not IMR) and max of 50.0 grains. I used 48.5--just didn't like the sound of those granules crunching in a compressed load.

Cabin4 · « **Reply #5 on:** June 11, 2003, 03:31:47 AM »

I also agree with the use of a 180 Partition. I just want to try something differant. Under these hunting circumstances, the 250 or a 220 would be the better choice and reduces the associated risks of the smaller/faster bullets have at these close in shots.

Lawdog · « **Reply #6 on:** June 11, 2003, 11:59:46 AM »

cabin4,

Are you talking about the old 250 gr. Barnes' Original in .308? If it is I don't find them anymore on the web site or listed by any of the dealers around here. The smallest Barnes' Original I can find in a 250 gr. is the .348. I don't think Barnes makes a 250 gr. Original in .308 anymore. Also a 200 gr. Partition even at close range is going to open EVERY TIME. Was me I'd stick with the Partition. Lawdog

Cabin4 · « **Reply #7 on:** June 11, 2003, 01:59:33 PM »

http://www.barnesbullets.com/

go to products, then Barnes Original. They have a 250 listed under 308. In fact its the only 308 they listed at all.

todbartell · « **Reply #8 on:** June 20, 2003, 08:17:50 PM »

For a real close range bear thumper, try the 220 gr. Nosler Partition at around 2400 fps. It will give you sufficient penetration and more. The 250's will probably work, but there is the chance they will not stabilize in your barrel, and hit the bear at an angle or sideways, and penetrate very little. To be realistic, any 165 gr. premium bullet on up through the 180's and 200 gr. bullets will work very well on a black bear. You don't need the high speed for a close shot over bait, so a 200 gr. load makes sense, as does the 220 gr. weight. Accuracy will be really a non factor for shooting at close range, so almost any load will work. My choice would be a 165 gr. Barnes X, as they are superb killers, and penetrate like a bullet weighing 200 gr., like a Partition, Grand Slam, etc. I never really understood the need for a 250 gr. bullet in a 30 cal., and it makes less sense now than ever, with the super bullets like X's & Fail Safes.

Zachary · « **Reply #9 on:** June 20, 2003, 10:50:13 PM »

Quote from: todbartell

My choice would be a 165 gr. Barnes X, as they are superb killers, and penetrate like a bullet weighing 200 gr., like a Partition, Grand Slam, etc.

How true. I have used the X-bullets on numerous and various hunts over the years and I can attest to their unbelievable penetration.

I shot a 165 grain X bullet in my 30-06 and it shot through BOTH the grisle plates of a 150 pound hog! Now, a black bear may be bigger, but, pound for pound, and bone for bone, a wild boar is VERY tough to penetrate.

I would feel VERY VERY comfortable with a 180 grain X bullet on black bears as I think that they would penetrate better than any 220 grain conventional bullet.

Zachary