Nosler Sporting Handgun bullets: expansion?

[Buck13]

I've loaded Nosler Sporting Handgun bullets as range ammo more often than not, since I'm a low volume shooter, so the cost wasn't a big deterrent, and I can (just barely, in most cases) see an improvement in accuracy with them vs Xtreme plated bullets.

I'm running a little low on them and may ration the last of them for special occasions. But I wonder if they are actually much good for practical uses. A very short search hasn't show me any gel tests. Anyone seen such information, or used them for handgun hunting? Nosler's rifle bullets have a good rep, but their handgun bullets seem to be less famous.

 

[AJC1]

I've loaded Nosler Sporting Handgun bullets as range ammo more often than not, since I'm a low volume shooter, so the cost wasn't a big deterrent, and I can (just barely, in most cases) see an improvement in accuracy with them vs Xtreme plated bullets.

I'm running a little low on them and may ration the last of them for special occasions. But I wonder if they are actually much good for practical uses. A very short search hasn't show me any gel tests. Anyone seen such information, or used them for handgun hunting? Nosler's rifle bullets have a good rep, but their handgun bullets seem to be less famous.

If your talking about 185 custom competition 45acp bullets they are target bullets. That means they dont have consistant good performance. For any type of hunting or sd just buy a small box of sd ammunition and be done.

 

[Airborne Falcon]

I've loaded Nosler Sporting Handgun bullets as range ammo more often than not, since I'm a low volume shooter, so the cost wasn't a big deterrent, and I can (just barely, in most cases) see an improvement in accuracy with them vs Xtreme plated bullets.

I'm running a little low on them and may ration the last of them for special occasions. But I wonder if they are actually much good for practical uses. A very short search hasn't show me any gel tests. Anyone seen such information, or used them for handgun hunting? Nosler's rifle bullets have a good rep, but their handgun bullets seem to be less famous.

I wonder if you're talking anout the 240 grain Nosler 44 Mag JSPs. I've actually used them in a Super Redhawk and an 1894P on pigs and whitetails with good results. Matter of fact I was just today bemoaning the fact that I have only 14 of them remaining from a box I've been hoarding and loading from for the better part of the last 15 years. I have made this box last because I really like the performance they afford me ... it's a really good hunting projectile imho that works well in my pistol AND my carbine.

 

[Buck13]

I wonder if you're talking anout the 240 grain Nosler 44 Mag JSPs.

I have a few of those, or did. Not sure if I have any left that aren't already loaded, but I definitely have a few loaded rounds left.

I have a few each still in the box of JHP 200 gr and 240 gr for the .43 Magnum. Also have a few 158 gr JHP for the .357s

I still have quite a few 10 mm bullets of a couple/three weights, but I sold my 10 mms a couple of years ago and don't really intend to get back into 10/40 guns, so I really need to sell or trade those for something I can use. No time like the present, I suppose. I made a small effort to do that early last summer without much luck. Has the bottom fallen out of the .401 market?

 

[Buck13]

it's a really good hunting projectile imho that works well in my pistol AND my carbine.

Which carbine do you have?

I have a Rossi 92 in .357 that I got almost 10 years ago, but it's the long, octagonal barrel, so not ideal for field use. Otherwise, I like it.

I've been tempted to get a 16" or 20", maybe in .43 Mag, but it hasn't quite risen to the top of the list. Local sporting goods store actually had them in stock back in the day, but I haven't seen one local in many years.

 

[Airborne Falcon]

Which carbine do you have?

I have a Rossi 92 in .357 that I got almost 10 years ago, but it's the long, octagonal barrel, so not ideal for field use. Otherwise, I like it.

I've been tempted to get a 16" or 20", maybe in .43 Mag, but it hasn't quite risen to the top of the list. Local sporting goods store actually had them in stock back in the day, but I haven't seen one local in many years.

The 44 Mag is a JM stamped Marlin 1894P (little trapper that is ported) ... probably my favorite of all my Marlins. I've put down a whole bunch of pigs and taken probably 15 whitetails with this little carbine over the past 15 years. I took a real nice buck up in Michigan with it two years ago using the 240 grain Nosler JSPs. I load'em a little hot and it'll thump you but it seems to like'em hot and my groups really tightened up once I went that route. But it's tough on the rotator cuff I had repaired. 16 inch barrel.



My wife has taken two does with my 1894CB LTD, 22 inch barrel in 357 Mag. Like your Rossi it has an octagon barrel but she loves it. I wouldn't trust her past 50 yards with it, which is fine for this jungle around here ... but she's really confident with it and I broke it in real good for her.

 

[mavracer]

I have used them a bit the 135 gr 10mm and 200 and 300gr 44s they are basic cup and core and spit the jacket off pretty easy.

 

[Buck13]

But it's tough on the rotator cuff I had repaired. 16 inch barrel.

When I was a kid I had a Marlin 39A. You need something like that to practice with! I wish I'd kept it.

 

[mavracer]

But it's tough on the rotator cuff I had repaired. 16 inch barrel.

I'd imagine I've got a little Rossi 16" '92 44 mag and with hot loads (I've shot 300gr@1500)it's one of the most painful guns I've ever shot.

 

[Buck13]

I'd imagine I've got a little Rossi 16" '92 44 mag and with hot loads (I've shot 300gr@1500)it's one of the most painful guns I've ever shot.

They used to sell a .454 Casull version. Those must kick a little.

 

[mavracer]

They used to sell a .454 Casull version. Those must kick a little.

Surely they would, but IIRC the 454 and 480 Rossi 92s had recoil pads my 44 has a steel carbine butt plate. Like this

 

[BBarn]

I've had some 240 gr .431" on backorder since October 2020. Terminal ballistics aren't too good if you have none to launch.

Edit: .431" above should be .429", the standard size of 44 Cal Nosler handgun bullets.

 

[Airborne Falcon]

I've had some 240 gr .431" on backorder since October 2020. Terminal ballistics aren't too good if you have none to launch.

That should be a new t-shirt. The official shirt of the THR Handloaders Forum.

 

[Airborne Falcon]

When I was a kid I had a Marlin 39A. You need something like that to practice with! I wish I'd kept it.

I kid you not, and I have challenged my shooting friends many times to outshoot my old 39A ... it is, by far, THE most accurate 22 rimfire in the history of mankind.

We really do need to have a THR get together in Georgia, SC or Tennessee to shoot and get to know one another. We especially need to share our favorite firearms with one another.

 

[AJC1]

I kid you not, and I have challenged my shooting friends many times to outshoot my old 39A ... it is, by far, THE most accurate 22 rimfire in the history of mankind.

We really do need to have a THR get together in Georgia, SC or Tennessee to shoot and get to know one another. We especially need to share our favorite firearms with one another.

View attachment 1062345

o
Willing to.meet and shoot 39a till you admit defeat

 

[Buck13]

Surely they would, but IIRC the 454 and 480 Rossi 92s had recoil pads my 44 has a steel carbine butt plate. Like this
View attachment 1062277

Yes, I vaguely remember a review that mentioned a butt pad on the .454. Gunblast, I think.

They still make it! I'd overlooked the .454 on the Rossi website since I don't really want to go that way. Or at least, they claim to still make it. None on Gunbroker in "new" condition, though, so I have my doubts that any are being produced currently/recently.

Wow, I didn't realize Rossi ever made the 92 in .480 Ruger. That's a cool cartridge. I saw a 9.5" barrel Super Redhawk in .480 once at a local gunshop. It was a little tempting, but since I don't plan to go rhino hunting, it's not one of the guns I kick myself for not buying when I had the chance.

To bring this back to handloading: it would be fun to make light .480 Ruger target loads, just because it's a little perverse. Awfully pricey bullets for plinking, though.

 

[Buck13]

That should be a new t-shirt. The official shirt of the THR Handloaders Forum.

That's a fine idea!

I should be happy I still have some Xtreme plated .43s to burn, even if they're not the world's most impressive bullets.

 

[buck460XVR]

Anyone seen such information, or used them for handgun hunting? Nosler's rifle bullets have a good rep, but their handgun bullets seem to be less famous.

I use their 240 gr JSPs exclusively for hunting with both my .44 revolvers and carbines. Good combination of penetration and expansion and very comparable to Hornady XTPs at less cost. I also use their 240 gr JHPs for target practice with the same guns, without having to change POA with the Sights/Scopes.

 

[mavracer]

Wow, I didn't realize Rossi ever made the 92 in .480 Ruger. That's a cool cartridge. I saw a 9.5" barrel Super Redhawk in .480 once at a local gunshop. It was a little tempting, but since I don't plan to go rhino hunting, it's not one of the guns I kick myself for not buying when I had the chance.

I guess since you're OP we can drift as we please lol. I caught a 9.5" 480 SRH CHEAP when CDNN had them on clearance. Love the round and wish I'd have snagged a Carbine. I don't download it though I have 44 Mag and 45 Colt for that.

 

[Airborne Falcon]

Willing to.meet and shoot 39a till you admit defeat

You're on!

 

[GeoDudeFlorida]

I've had some 240 gr .431" on backorder since October 2020. Terminal ballistics aren't too good if you have none to launch.

Check with Stateline in Pennsylvania. I just got two orders from them and one was for 245gr Keith LSWC sized to .431”.

 

[mdi]

That was a quick trip! From a particular manufacturers unknown caliber jacketed bullet performance to a rimfire lever gun shoot off...

 

[dirtman]

Ok, I gotta ask? who won the shootout??? Inquiring minds need to know...