Modern version of Win Supreme Failsafe

[Grayrock]

Probably decade(s) ago I bought several boxes of .270 Win in the 140grain Failsafe. I have 2 bullets left and have been looking for a replacement. My particular version was discontinued, so I am looking for the newest incarnation. I see on the website that Winchester shows an Expedition Big Game bullet with Accubond CT construction in 140grains. However, I can NOT find any to purchase. Who made the Failsafe bullet? Was it Barnes, Nosler? I did locate a Sig Sauer ammunition offering in .270Win with a 140 gr bullet. The original cartridges performed the best out of several different choices in my Weatherby Vanguard. Most gun show vendors tell me they have never heard of the Failsafe line. Any suggestions? I do not reload tapered cartridges.

 

[Grayrock]

 

[someguy2800]

kinda looks like a speer grand slam

 

[JmacD]

I haven’t seen that since late 90’s/ early 00’s. If I recall(emphasis on the if) they had a steel core and were similar to a partition. Tended to work well on big stuff, but not so much on lighter critters. It seems Nosler had a hand in it and it was instrumental in the development of the trophy bonded? But I’m not 100% sure. I know it was to expensive to make so it’s no longer with us.

 

[bfoosh006]

I haven’t seen that since late 90’s/ early 00’s. If I recall(emphasis on the if) they had a steel core and were similar to a partition. Tended to work well on big stuff, but not so much on lighter critters. It seems Nosler had a hand in it and it was instrumental in the development of the trophy bonded? But I’m not 100% sure. I know it was to expensive to make so it’s no longer with us.

https://www.barnesbullets.com/produ...eight-gr=130&attribute_pa_bullet-type=ttsx-bt

For the OP, maybe a Barnes TTSX load would work for you,

 

[illinoisburt]

The old fail-safes had a reputation for drilling through critters, regardless if heavy bones were in the way or not. They 'improved' it a little by adding a ballistic tip to encourage expansion but in the end it was dropped for better mono designs. I would agree your best option for similar performance is one of the X lines.

 

[Peakbagger46]

I think you would find the Nosler Accubond (original, not the softer long range one) would equal or better your on game performance with Failsafes.

 

[Grayrock]

So is the Winchester loaded with the Accubond CT bullet the same bullet, Peakbagger? Does anyone have a source for a box or 2?

 

[GooseGestapo]

No!
The Accubond isn’t the same as the original fail safe!
It’s a revised version of the Nosler Ballistic Tip. Unlike the ballistic tip, it has a bonded jacket to prevent core slippage and shedding the jacket.
They expand with a broader mushroom than a Nosler Partition, but “supposedly” doesn’t break up like a ballistic tip occasionally will.

Nosler AccuBond Bullets 30 Cal (308 Diameter) 150 Grain Bonded Spitzer

AccuBond represents the most advanced bonded core bullet technology to date. Through a proprietary bonding process that eliminates voids in the bullet...

www.midwayusa.com

Actually, I think you’ll prefer either the traditional Nosler Partition or the Swift A-frame. The A-frames have a smaller front lead section and longer rear base. As such, they expand with a smaller front mushroom, and penetrate deeper.
In my experience, the A-frames are more accurate but also more expensive.

Don’t confuse the fail safe with the Winchester Combined Technology Ballistic Silver Tips. They are just coated Ballistic Tips. Very explosive expansion.

Combined Technology Ballistic Silvertip Hunting Bullets 30 Cal (308

Combined Technology bullets are state of the art, aerodynamically optimized hunting and varmint bullets designed to put unparalleled accuracy, flight...

www.midwayusa.com

 

[Peakbagger46]

So is the Winchester loaded with the Accubond CT bullet the same bullet, Peakbagger? Does anyone have a source for a box or 2?

As the goose mafia stated, definitely not the same bullet. I’m my experience on multiple mule deer, antelope, and elk it gives outstanding terminal performance. Expands well, tracks straight regardless of shot angle, passes through 100% of the time, and isn’t hard on meat.

Unless you can keep impact velocity HIGH, I’d stay away from all copper (others I respect disagree, just speaking on my experience).

 

[mshootnit]

i think the new grand slams are just a cup core bullet with a protected point. I load 130's but have loaded 140 Accubonds. If I was going to load "tougher" bullets it would be a Partition or Swift. Those arent cheap. Another option would be to look at 150 gr. Something like a Hornady interlock SP boat tail. That would be a little more cost effective, and still very good performance. I really doubt any hunter ever lost a critter because they only were using a 277 cal 150 gr. Hornady and needed something better.

270 Cal .277 150 gr InterLock® SP - Hornady Manufacturing, Inc

...

www.hornady.com

 

[LoonWulf]

If you like that design, try the nosler partition or the swift a frame, otherwise yeah go with one of the monos.

 

[JmacD]

i think the new grand slams are just a cup core bullet with a protected point. I load 130's but have loaded 140 Accubonds. If I was going to load "tougher" bullets it would be a Partition or Swift. Those arent cheap. Another option would be to look at 150 gr. Something like a Hornady interlock SP boat tail. That would be a little more cost effective, and still very good performance. I really doubt any hunter ever lost a critter because they only were using a 277 cal 150 gr. Hornady and needed something better.

270 Cal .277 150 gr InterLock® SP - Hornady Manufacturing, Inc

...

www.hornady.com

I can vouch for that. Bam/thump is my experience

 

[DustyGmt]

My uncle purchased a bunch in 30-06 back in the late 90's or so. They have the ballistic tip. They are a cool looking cartridge.

I saw some guys on a big game forum saying the Winchester Deer Season XP's were similar or same as the failsafe. I don't know if that's true but it looks like the projectiles are only available for .270 win in 130gr.

ETA: Alot of the forums I'm looking at have guys saying once they used up their Failsafes they went to the TBBC and Partitions.