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Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 56
Campfire Greenhorn
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OP
Campfire Greenhorn
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 56 |
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.
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Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 60,161 Likes: 13
Campfire Kahuna
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Campfire Kahuna
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 60,161 Likes: 13 |
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.
“Montana seems to me to be what a small boy would think Texas is like from hearing Texans.” John Steinbeck
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Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 56
Campfire Greenhorn
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OP
Campfire Greenhorn
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 56 |
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Joined: May 2017
Posts: 4,920
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 4,920 |
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
Life Member NRA, RMEF, American Legion, MAGA. Not necessarily in that order.
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Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 33
Campfire Greenhorn
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Campfire Greenhorn
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 33 |
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.
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Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 24,269 Likes: 10
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 24,269 Likes: 10 |
Ive shot a number of animals moose, elk, deer with 156 oryx 6.5x55. Decent bullet
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Joined: May 2014
Posts: 347
Campfire Member
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Campfire Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 347 |
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.
Last edited by wesheltonj; 08/07/20.
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Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 4,231
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 4,231 |
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.
Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy. Its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery. Winston Churchill.
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Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,325
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,325 |
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!
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,419
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,419 |
can you still buy the Norma 6.5x55 156 ? if so...WHERE?
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Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 157
Campfire Member
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Campfire Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 157 |
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.
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Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 299
Campfire Member
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Campfire Member
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 299 |
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.
Life is too short to hunt with ugly guns.
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Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,066
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,066 |
check gunbroker. i've seen some 156 grain oryx for the 6.5 swede on there recently. Big ED
"Only accurate rifles are interesting" Col. Townsend Whelen
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