Lead Free bullets for predators

[bcott]

Currently trying to decide which way to get ready for the predator(coyotes) year coming up. I have a 6mmBRNorma with a 1:14" twist and one with a 1:10" twist. Thinking that the 55gr Nosler lead free bullet is a good option.

Anyone using the Nosler 55gr Lead Free bullet for predator hunting.

I should add that my winter hunting is in southern CA and probably will involve calling in the "lead free" zones. Otherwise I would not be considering "lead free" bullets.

My preference is to use the 1:14" twist rifle as it is a Nesika "T" based action, while the 1:10 is a Rem 700LH trued action. Both are fitted with PacNor SSSM 26" #3 contour bbls.

The load that I am using at this time, in the 1:14" Nesika is 55gr BK in front of 34.0/AA2230 and a CCI450 primer, Lapua 6mmBRNorma brass.

I am sighted dead on at 250yds with this load and just a hair under 2" midrange. I do not remember shooting a coyote at greater than 200yds though

Carl L.

 

[searcher]

In my 6BR (and .243), the Barnes Varmint Grenade is just the ticket on the coyotes. You have to hit one really bad to not put it down and past 70 yards or so, they seldom exit. Very accurate.

 

[bcott]

Searcher; thanks for the input. Carl L.

 

[watercam]

+1 for Varmint Grenades. They show more traditional bullet lengths/weight when compared to solid copper bullets. Your twist would require lighter solids to stabilize I think. You can check any of them using the Berger Bullets twist rate calculator on their web site. Find the length and weight of the bullets you are looking at on the Barnes site and then go to the Berger site and plug in the info. It will give you a stability factor - ideally above 1.5 at what ever velocity you use.
Best of luck on your hunt!

 

[MClark]

I have used the Barnes Varmint Genades, they work well except for bad angles. Quartering and straight away they do not penetrate deep enough.
Especially in areas I may call something bigger than a coyote I have switched from a 6mm 225 to a 300 Savage with 150 grain Barnes RRLP, similar construction and performance to VG. But the extra grains will work on the Texas Heart Shot.
Not "fur friendly"

Mark

 

[searcher]

Good point made on barrel twist. My 6BR is a 1-8" (wasn't built for these light bullets) and much more twist than needed. Works really good with the light bullets though. I'd be sure to sample a few of whatever you shoot in that 1-14" before buying a bunch as they may not stabilize. I have a 6PPC with a 1-14 twist and I tried shooting the Varmint Grenades (and NTX's and Lead-free Ballistic tips)and they ALL key-holed. It used to be my favorite varmint rig until California went to the dark side.