Home Forums Reloading Big Game Rifles 7mm-08: 120 NBT v 140 Partition

I called Nosler for their max load using Big Game for a 7mm-08 shooting 140 gr Partitions (47.5 gr, 2953 ft/sec MV).
I then compared the data to the Big Game load for the 120 NBT.
I then ran both figures through a ballistics program.

The 120 gr NBT has more velocity, more ft/lbs, and less drop at every distance ASSUMING 3190 ft/sec MV for the 120 NBT and 2900 ft/sec MV for the Partition.

If the MV drops off for the 120 NBT the numbers get close in a hurry. At 3100 ft/sec MV for the NBT the 140 NP overtakes the NBT in energy numbers but not velocity or drop.

Is this truly a case of "load what shoots best and practice" because the differences are statistically meaningless?

Seems like it would also depend on what you are hunting. For deer either one should be fine but my preference would be the 140 Partition if I was hunting elk.

How far do you think you might have to shoot and what are you trying to kill?

I'm betting wind deflection is more with the 120 NBT.

And if I'm gonna be shooting an elk with a 7mm-08, I'll take the NPT......regardless of trajectory.



Casey

Mainly deer, but if she shoots little bitty groups I might try her on elk.
300 yards max for the area I hunt.
I'm a one-load kind of guy so I'd like the flexibility to hunt whatever with the load I choose.

P

300 yards on deer & the argument is meaningless.

Don't know how the 140's do on deer but can't see how anything can kill better than the 120nbt. Mine shoots em at 3000 and I couldn't b happier.

Pharmseller.... for a " one-load kind of guy" I would go to the 120 TTSX. They shoot really well out of my X-Bolt with Varget, waiting to get my hands on some Big Game..... good luck.

Agreed.
How does the issue change when elk is on the menu?

P

Keep in mind also that Nosler's stats are derived from a 26" barrel. My 22" gets considerably less velocity.

I've shot a number of deer with a 120NBT launched from a 7-08. I've never seen anything kill deer faster. With that said, I would not use the combo on elk at all. Definitely go Partition (I'd go TTSX) if elk are on the menu.

Understood.
The barrel on my Weatherby is 24".

I would also go with the 120 ttsx if both are on the menu. Hopefully at 3100 fps.

Thanks for the replies.

Be advised that Barnes bullets are not on the menu.
I have half a boatload of 140 gr Partition seconds on their way from Nosler to match the 120 gr NBT seconds I already have.

I appreciate the advice on Barnes but holy moly are they expensive.
Therefore I am choosing between the options I have.

P

Run the 140 PT's for everything. Keep it simple�.my 2 cents

Havn't kept a 120NBT(3500fps/7RM) in anything i've shot with 'em including antelope, whitetail, large mulies and black bear even when large bones are encountered, but if wapati is on the menu the NPT prob should be loaded.

For all else the 120 is hard to top imo...

Well... for elk at 300 yds group size doesn't need to be itty-bitty. On the other hand, terminal performance is at a premium on bigger animals. I like the 120 NBT a bunch, but for a "one load" up to elk inside 300 yds, it's a no-brainer. 140 NPT all the way.

120TTSX or TSX with elk on the menu... and your velocities are a bit on the high side

I should have said, between the two choices, the 140 NPT is a no-brainer.

If other bullets are in the running... the plot thickens <grin>...

All of this murder going on with small for calibre bullets, regardless of all the alphbets after them, only proves that deer are easy to kill.