Nosler 220gr RN #30181 with 300aac

[Benny]

Who has had success with this bullet, particularly in 300aac?
For the life of me I can't get this thing to fly straight in any firearm I've tried. Every single one key holed.

Most of my loads have been with 11.5gr to 12.0gr of AA1680 used in a:
16" 1:8" twist barrel,
11 1/2" 1:8" twist barrel,
8 1/2" 1:7" twist barrel,
7 1/2" 1:7" twist barrel.
Velocities averaged 1195fps in the 16" barrel and 1116fps in the 7 1/2" barrel.
COAL was 2.095" with a light crimp from a Lee factory crimp to no crimp used at all.

I even tried it in a .308win with a 1:10" twist at 930fps and it also key holed.

I'd please love to here any success or failures with this bullet.
Obviously I don't know what I'm doing with it.

[JeffreyDeGraff]

I have nothing constructive for you. I have never tried this bullet, but am interested to see what others have to say.


JTD

[EUDE75]

My guess is that it's to heavy. Try a 165 or 168gr bullet. I know the 308 was designed to shoot those two bullets. Maybe be the 300aac is the same.

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[Macinudo]

I think it would be worth contacting Nosler to see what they say.

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[SAWMAN]

There should be a caution on the box. Something about velocities. "Close range .30-'06 and faster"
Not a ballistics guru but guessing . . . nose design,with all that weight/lead so far forward as compaired to a 220gr SMK.
With these,forward velocity AND rotational velocity is you friend. --- SAWMAN

[Benny]

From the Nosler site:

"New in 2018, the .308 Ballistic Tip® Round Nose bullet was built for subsonic use, designed for much lower velocities than its product family counterparts. Loaded into a 300 BLK and impacting at 1000fps, this bullet maintains 95% weight retention after 12" of expansive penetration.Optimal Performance Velocity: 1000-2500 fps"


At one time Nosler did have a suggested twist rate of 1:8" or faster but I can no longer find that on their site.

Bad part is, it cycles fine, groups well, expands as advertised at velocities listed but I can't make it stop flying sideways in 5 different firearms.

[JeffreyDeGraff]

Based on their advertisement, you’re doing everything right. I wonder if you tried a different powder, if that would affect it any. Maybe call Nosler and see if they have any tips or tricks for you.


JTD

[Benny]

At 25 yards I would get a slight print on the paper of a yaw in the bullet. At 50 yards it is very pronounced. At 100 yards, it looks like a side view of the bullet.
I'll look back and see if I still have pictures.

Gonna try some 2400 with the next box.
No reason for it to work but got the bullets and powder, might as well try it.

[Benny]

For some reason at the moment my computer refuses to resize the pictures of the target.
These were retrieved from a dirt pile at about 25 yards.
Note the slight side impact expansion.
2017-07-23 18.56.12.jpg

[JeffreyDeGraff]

I can see how the mushroom is off to one side. I’m curious how the 2400 will do. Definitely keep us posted.


JTD