What to do with bullet shortage in 30-28 Nosler

[Sub_Elect]

New guy looking for advice. I recently bought a used Piercision 30-28 Nosler from a guy (not sure if he is a member here) about a year ago. Load work was pretty much done. I did change a couple things but the rifle shoots as good as all Ryan's stuff always does. It is unbelievable at its worst. I didn't change much in the way of powder or load. I am running 230 grain Berger Target Hybrids in it now over H1000 and it shoots sub 1/4 MOA at all ranges I have the ability to shoot (out to 700 yards). I was a bit pushy on a couple other forums in trying to trade some components for stuff I need or would like to shoot. I believe I am still in the probation period here and need to follow all the things that comes with that. So here goes.

My load data is;
Piercision 30-28 Nosler Round count 289
230 Berger Hybrid Target roughly .028" off the lands
83.2 gr H1000 with Fed 215M primers at 2985 fps on my Magnetospeed
I have 8lbs of H1000 with the same lot number and an 8lb jug of Re26 but no Vit powder

My question is;
I have 91 of the 230 Berger Hybrid Targets left and should draw some really good tags for this year and would still like to shoot this rifle leading up to that. I know I don't need 100 rounds to kill a deer but don't want to short any target shooting to save the 230's if possible. There is a known donut problem with the necked-up case but truthfully, I haven't seen any problems in that regard yet so it is a non-issue at this time. I do have 100 28 Nosler brass that I have not necked up so if I do see a problem in that regard I would just switch to that brass. I do have 200 of the 215 Bergers and at this time, could get more if I needed to. Would you guys switch to the 215's and do load development to get that all figured out or sit with fingers crossed and refrain from shooting. I'm sure that the rifle would be a hammer with the 215's and very little load development would be needed, but I would need to do some load development and use up some of the 215's doing so. I have plenty of components with the exception of bullets. I did contact Berger and they said the 230 Target Hybrids are not on their list to build in the next 30 to 60 days. So, do I switch or hope to find the 230 Target Hybrids?

 

[Straightshooter1]

It's always good to have a backup.

 

[358WCF]

Would it harm anything to have 2 diierent loads for the rifle? Recent events have proven to me that alternatives can be a good thing.

 

[Sub_Elect]

I agree, so you would use the 215's and make a backup load?

 

[jepp2]

but don't want to short any target shooting to save the 230's if possible

Would you guys switch to the 215's and do load development to get that all figured out

should draw some really good tags for this year and would still like to shoot this rifle leading up to that.

1. I avoid using a bullet designed for target on game. I don't know what your experience has been, but it can be a disappointment.
2. You don't say what you tend to want to accomplish with your target shooting this year, but it seem like the perfect opportunity to develop a load using a bullet designed for game animals and not paper.
3. You join date is almost a year ago. You should have no restrictions. Place a WTB listing and keep it bumped up near the top for your 230's.

 

[Sub_Elect]

1. I avoid using a bullet designed for target on game. I don't know what your experience has been, but it can be a disappointment.
2. You don't say what you tend to want to accomplish with your target shooting this year, but it seem like the perfect opportunity to develop a load using a bullet designed for game animals and not paper.
3. You join date is almost a year ago. You should have no restrictions. Place a WTB listing and keep it bumped up near the top for your 230's.

First of all, thanks for the replies!

1. Both bullets listed are Target Hybrids, I haven't killed anything with either. My go to is Nosler Accubond Long Range bullets but this shot so well that it's hard to switch. People all claim the 215 is one of the deadliest hunting bullets made. I figure a 230 Target Hybrid has to be just as good.
2. I usually practice out to 700 yards but found a place to go out to over 1000, which makes shots inside of that a breeze.
3. Thank you.

 

[Timeless61]

Work up a load with the 215s. There are threads on here with data for the 215 and H1000.

Both the 215 and 230 have a lot of data as very good hunting bullets, more information on the 215 out there.

215s have been available with much greater frequency lately as well.

 

[jepp2]

I've killed most of deer and antelope with Sierra and Nosler bullets designed for game. I wanted to extend my distance and from what I had read, the Berger VLD-H was a bullet that would perform well at distance. But I also read where some of the VLD-H didn't perform as desired (penetrate 2-3 inches then basically come apart). I shot about 12 deer and antelope with the VLD-H always broadside at distances up to around 250 yards. I stay behind the shoulder, all bullets exited and the damage was acceptable (130 gr 6.5 CM, 105 gr 6 CM, and 115 gr 25-06).

Then last year, I shot a deer (pic below) walking toward/in front of me (6.5CM 130 gr). So my only shot was in the chest between the brisket and the front of the shoulder. The bullet struck exactly where I was aiming. Solid thump, deer wheeled and ran, fell down, got back up and it was over. When I skinned the deer, the majority of the bullet stayed on the outside of the chest cavity. Ran under the front shoulder on my side and ended about the diaphragm. A very few tiny fragments of the bullet entered the chest cavity and took out the plumbing on top of the heart. This year I will have at least 1 Nolser Accubond in my bullet for a potential frontal shot. For pure broadside I will use the VLD-H.

I also was one of the early adopters of the Nosler Ballistic Tip hunting bullets back in the early 80's. First 3 whitetails I shot, the bullets never penetrated the rib cage (100 gr 257 Roberts). Stopped hunting with them and went to the Nosler solid base spitzer bullets. Everything was fine. With the advent of the internet, I have read my experience was shared by many and Nosler redesigned the Ballistic Tip bullets which eliminated the problem. So I've had enough disappointment in bullets.

 

[Walt Krafft]

For practice, put some loads together with the 155 gr bullets. Less recoil will let you shoot more.

 

[Sub_Elect]

For practice, put some loads together with the 155 gr bullets. Less recoil will let you shoot more.

Doesn't really give you accurate data for wind calls though.

 

[Orr89rocz]

Im willing to bet running the 215’s at similar seat depth of .025-.035 off lands and working around your current 83 gr h1000 and up, you’ll find something good. Probably wont use up too many of them.

I have multiple loads for my rifle and can switch back and forth as necessary with just a couple clicks to scope to rezero. Its all been figured out and tested.

So far i havent had a bad experience with a vld hunter or a hybrid although only a few shot with the vld and one with the hybrid.

 

[Sub_Elect]

Thats great to know. I may have to get into the 215's

 

[Sub_Elect]

I did talk to my reloading supplier dude, and he said they are getting a load of 215's on the 10th. Worst case scenario I will buy another 3 boxes and be good for the life of the barrel.

 

[Capt. Oblivious]

Work up a load with the 215s and buy some more, they won't disappoint you

 

[Sub_Elect]

Thanks Captain Obvious! Haha

 

[Ryan Schams]

I also have a Piercision 30-28 Nos shooting h1000 and 215s. Switch to 215s and don’t look back. Stock up on them now while they are available.
When 215s and 230s were completely unavailable I played with 208 LRHT and 220 LRHT and they shoot very well, but I was concerned about use on game. When it comes to long range shooting and hunting, the 215 has been incredibly successful.

 

[Sub_Elect]

I also have a Piercision 30-28 Nos shooting h1000 and 215s. Switch to 215s and don’t look back. Stock up on them now while they are available.
When 215s and 230s were completely unavailable I played with 208 LRHT and 220 LRHT and they shoot very well, but I was concerned about use on game. When it comes to long range shooting and hunting, the 215 has been incredibly successful.

Thanks Ryan, looks like I will sit on my 215's for now.

 

[nakneker]

You could offer up your 215s for trade, try and trade them for 230s, they are both in demand. I’ve used both the 180 VLDh and VLD hybrid in my Saum. We shot a lot of game with them, they perform well at distance. The only bad experience I’ve seen was when my cousin shot a bull elk at 80 yards with his 6.5-06 improved with a Berger VLDh, it was walking and he hit it center on the shoulder bone. Bullet didn’t even penetrate the chest cavity, the bull stopped and allowed a follow up shot behind the shoulder, through the ribs and the bullet destroyed just about everything inside the chest, had a complete come apart. We only use those bullets for long range, that’s where they shine, same with the ELDx, at least that’s been our experience on a lot of deer and elk. If you know you’re gonna be shooting inside 2-400 yards I’d use Nosler partition, accubonds, Barnes makes some great bullets for those ranges too, Hornady SST And such.

Btw, if you need an extra box of 230 hybrids I’m happy to help. I’m not selling any but if I can help a fellow shooter in need I’m happy to. The 230s I have are the Hybrid OTMs.

Berger 30cal 230gr Hybrid OTM Tactical #30112

Product Information Caliber: 30cal Bullet Diameter: 0.308" Bullet Weight: 230 Grains OAL: 1.608" Bullet Style: Hybrid Open Tip Match Tactical G1 BC: 0.710 G7 BC: 0.364 Recommended Twist Rate: 1 in 10" or faster Part Number: 30112 Quantity: 100

www.bluecollarreloading.com

 

[Sub_Elect]

Thanks a ton. I will let you know what I come up with.

 

[FeMan]

I shoot the 215s and my buddy shoots the 230s in our 30-28s. Both shoot so well neither of us are inclined to try the other. Out of the 3-28, they are so ballistically similar (drop, drift and energy) within 1k that I don't think it matters. Buy the 215s while they are still available! As \has been said, they will not disappoint.