Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Elk Hunting Norma Oryx bullets

Any opinions on Norma Oryx bullets from a 308 Win, or 30-06 on elk or moose? I bought a bunch on a close out sale in 308 Winchester 165 grain, and 30-06 180 grain Oryx in Norma factory loaded ammo.

They're fine bullets, but like some (but by no means all) bonded bullets they tend to open very widely, which means that even though Oryx bullets retain a lot of weigh (those I've recovered average 89%) they don't penetrate as deeply as some other "premiums."

Which also means that if you're one of those who prefers (demands?) an exit hole, they're more likely to stop under the hide on the far side, rather than punch through. But the wide mushroom also means they make a big hole in the innards, so kill pretty well.

On the other hand, the ballistic coefficient isn't very high, due to the rather blunt soft--point, so they're perhaps not the best choice for ranges beyond 400 yards. I've had very good luck with them up to 400, since they expand pretty easily even when started at moderate muzzle velocities.

Thanks Mule Deer.

Friends of mine hunt exclusively with Norma Oryx bullets in .308, 30-06, .308 Norma Mag, and 7mm Rem Mag. They sure stack up a bunch of elk, deer, and moose with them. Obviously work well. Happy Trails

Not sure how they work on game yet but I hope to change that this year in Nebraska. As far as the range goes, my 300 win loves the 165's. They give me nice little clover leaf groups at 100 and typically tighter than 2" at 300 yds. On one good range day they gave me 3 consecutive 3-shot groups of 1-1/4" or less @ 300. I'm not nearly as good as some of the long rangers here, so for me I can't ask for more out of a factory rifle/ammo combo. Plus once you shoot up the factory stuff, having the once fired Norma brass doesn't suck.

Also, I grew up in Michigan in the 70's and early 80's with a lot of 30-30's and 35 Rem's around me and I still love how a round nose works on game. It's probably just my imagination but they just seem to thump harder.

Ive shot a number of animals moose, elk, deer with 156 oryx 6.5x55. Decent bullet

I now only use Norma Ammo. You will have no problems with the Oryx bullet. I have used 180g on Elk with a 308, no problem, complete pass thru. Elk down in 25 yards. If you decide you don’t like that ammo, let me know.

I’ve also used Oryx 300g in Africa in 375. Everything dead and no game lost.

So many bullets, so little time. I probably don't need premium because I try to get close. I think my long shot has been about 120 yards on deer and would try to get close on anything larger. Be Well, Rustyzipper.

If for some reason I was stuck with only one factory loaded choice - I would choose Norma Oryx. They are that good. I have used them in various rifles and several calibers, to take Moose, Elk, Bear, Kudu, Oryx, Giraffe, and a few other critters. Every time the results were predictable, the shots were accurate, the game quickly killed. I have recently found a source of bullets for reloading. I am happy!

can you still buy the Norma 6.5x55 156 ? if so...WHERE?

65'

That Norma load may be tough to find. Usually I reload but noticed Federal announced a 156 grain Fusion (bonded) load for the Swede. My be a viable 2nd choice if you can find them.

I use them in my 9.3x62 and have yet to recover one. They leave copious short blood trails though. I predict you will like them and will wind up wishing you had bought more on clearance. Good hunting.

check gunbroker. i've seen some 156 grain oryx for the 6.5 swede on there recently.
Big ED