To maintain high ballistic coefficients of the Ballistic Tip, the AccuBond too had a sharp polycarbonate tip—in this case, white, across the spectrum of calibers—and a boattail base. The tip also resisted damage in the magazine and, acting as a “wedge,” initiated expansion, which, combined with skiving on the jacket, effectively lowered the functional velocity to 1800 fps. Unlike the Ballistic Tip, though, the AccuBond had no listed upper velocity limit, meaning it could withstand tremendous impact velocities its elder tipped cohort couldn’t.

As the AccuBond’s terminal ballistics are similar to those of the Partition, wherever the latter is appropriate so too is the former. AccuBonds are currently available in calibers and weights from .25-cal., 110 grains to .37-cal., 300 grains.

E-Tip
Introduced in 2007, the Energy Tip (E-Tip) bullet was developed to provide consumers with Nosler bullets for hunting in lead-free areas. It also offered hunters a higher-weight-retention option in the Nosler lineup. Manufactured from 95-percent copper/5-percent zinc—identical composition to the jacket material of the Partition, Ballistic Tip and AccuBond—via an undisclosed process, the non-jacketed E-Tip was Nosler’s first projectile to offer weight retention in excess of 70 percent—typically the E-Tip retained 95-percent-plus of the bullet’s pre-expansion weight. The gilding metal composition also reportedly reduced fouling and offered excellent accuracy and consistency. But its composition also required that, for a comparable weight, the bullet’s length increased markedly over that of lead-core projectiles. That meant that it occupied additional case capacity—reducing usable propellant space, especially in smaller capacity cases—and increased pressures. For example, the .30-cal., 180-grain E-Tip measured 1.474-inches long, which was 0.114-inches longer than a Ballistic Tip of the identical caliber and weight.

Like the Ballistic Tip and AccuBond, the E-Tip featured a polycarbonate tip, this one in OD green, and a boattail base, and the numerous benefits reaped from the duo. The tip, combined with the E2 Cavity (Energy, Expansion) and skiving, provided reliable, uniform expansion at velocities ranging from 1800 fps to 3200 fps.

The E-Tip’s wide useful velocity range, along with its penetration and expansion characteristics, make it applicable to most cartridges and for most big-game animals. Nosler E-Tips are currently available in several calibers and bullet weights, ranging from .24-cal., 90 grains to .33-cal., 200 grains.

Solids
Nosler’s latest—unveiled in 2008—big-game bullet was designed to complement the company’s first, but it can be a stand-alone, too. As hunting dangerous game oftentimes calls for a “soft,” or expanding bullet, followed by a “solid,” or non-expanding projectile, Nosler Solids were profiled to provide similar points of impact as Partitions of the same caliber and weight. But, with its solid, lead-free alloy construction and flat-nose design, the Solid was designed to provide deep, straight-line penetration through the largest creatures, regardless if it’s the first shot or a follow-up.

Unlike the company’s other big-game projectiles, Solids have a wide relief groove for crimping with a range of cartridges, as well as to help to reduce pressures. Like the E-Tip, the Solid’s lead-free construction lengthens the projectile, thereby reducing usable propellant space; however, since Solids are only available in calibers and weights from .36-cal., 286 grains to .47-cal., 500-grains and shot distances for dangerous game are relatively close, this is a moot point. As Solids are just that, solid, there is no minimum or maximum functional velocity.

Put To The Test
To test the terminal performance of Nosler’s bullets, while at the Nosler facility in Bend, Ore., Nosler’s engineers and I shot .30-cal. samples from a .308 Win. into two, 12-inch-long ballistic gelatin blocks at 10 feet, resulting in extreme impact velocities. New blocks were used for each test. For consistency, bullets of similar weight were loaded to comparable velocities. First, penetration was determined, and then each projectile was removed from the gelatin, or recovered from the fabric backing, weighed and measured for expansion.

The first bullet tested was a 165-grain Ballistic Tip. Expelled at 2600 fps, the bullet penetrated approximately 15 1/2 inches of ordnance gelatin before the jacket and core separated, creating two wound channels. Total penetration was about 17 inches. The recovered projectile weighed 106 grains—core and jacket combined—for 64-percent weight retention. The bullet expanded to 0.756 inches.

The second projectile evaluated was an AccuBond, which weighed 165 grains and had a muzzle velocity of 2750 fps. The recovered bullet weighed 114.3 grains—for 69-percent weight retention—expanded to 0.630 inches and penetrated all 24 inches of gelatin. Closely following the performance of the AccuBond was the 165-grain Partition, which, when fired at 2765 fps, weighed 109.7 grains— 66.5 percent its original weight—expanded to 0.571 inches and penetrated both gelatin blocks. A 168-grain E-Tip fired at 2550 fps retained all its weight—minus the tip, of course—expanded to 0.597 inches and penetrated both gelatin blocks, stopping in fabric backing.

Because Solids are non-expanding, and penetration is a non-issue, points of impact between Partitions and Solids were tested. Using a machine rest 9.3x74 mm R barrel, we fired two, three-shot groups—one each with 286-grain Solids and Partitions—and then, with an acoustic target system, evaluated accuracy at 100 yards. Three Solids grouped into 0.310 inches, and three Partitions averaged 0.640 inches. Together, the six-shot group measured 1.12 inches.

So, which Nosler bullet is the best choice for your next hunt? There are many factors to consider, including the quarry, situation, range, terrain, cartridge and firearm, to name a few. However, by knowing each bullet’s characteristics, you’ll see Nosler has you covered, no matter what.