Home Forums Reloading Big Game Rifles 7mm 120's....Solid Base vs BT

I came across 100 Nosler Solid Base bullets, 120 gr recently. Like lots of guys here I've used the 120 BT quite a bit and had great success with it. I've never used or seen used the solid base bullets, so my obvious question is how do these perform on game as compared to the BT's? I'm supposed to go kill a couple of axis does at a friend's place and would like to try the SB's. Thanks for the help.

you didn't mention distance or MV, but on the other end... I wouldn't be sweating it at all.

When the Ballistic Tip bullets came out, folks thought the Solid Base Bullets worked better. However the Ballistic Tips were made tougher finally in response to public evaluation and sharing their experiences. So Ballistic Tips are better now, than when they first came out, but especially in the case of the 120 grain Ballistic Tip in 7 mm, as folks were using those in 7 Remington and 7 Weatherby Magnums.

I'd say go get your Axis deer and enjoy the venison... best of luck.

Everything I read about those SB bullets is good.

I’ve never used them on game, although I have a few.

I’d think they are as tough as the NBT’s maybe tougher. Should whack an axis, doubt they’ll know the difference. Would be surprised if one of those critters would complain. Like you, I do like and use the 120 NBT.

Look forward to hear from those who’ve used both.

DF

Thanks Mr DF! Much appreciated.

I shoot the 120 TTSX in my 7 Wby @ 3650 fps.

Good info, but what does that have to do with my question?

I found a stash of the same 7mm 120gr Solid Base bullets. I developed 2 good loads in my 7x57 with VARGET (2938fps) and StaBall6.5 (2913fps). The StaBall6.5 was slightly better in accuracy. I plan on loading up the StaBall6.5 load and deer hunting this fall here in WV.

If you get to try them out on the axis deer, post a report.

Big Game!




P

All I have ever heard that used the Solid Base liked them alot. Never shot one that I can remember, but going off friends and others I trust, I'd run em...

I got a bunch of the old red box solid bases in 270 they act like a typical cup n core to me

Here's a cutaway pic from an old Nosler manual. I bet they'll be just fine if you're using your 7mm08.

Thanks fellas. Pharm, wasn't your max BG load 51g IIRC? I chopped this barrel to 18" and it's suppressed, so I may look to run the velocity up a little from the Varget load as long as accuracy holds. The post chop Varget velocity is 2920 which is still fine, but.....

Fair enough. I used the solid base bullets for years until they were phased out & replaced by the BT’s. When I was using them I mostly hunted WT’s and Axis. Never had any reason to doubt them. Ran them around 2850 in my 7-08 and ate well for years. It was a great c&c bullet.

Thanks for the clarification. Appreciate the info.

My Tikkas used 51.5 gr BG (Nosler book max is 52) for 3,126 fps and great accuracy.


Magnum primer.




P

I would purchase a couple boxes of them for my 7x57 and 284 Win if anyone wants
to part with some rec and black box 120 SBs at a reasonable price.
Nice cup and core performance.
The BT is a tough bullet

iI loved the Solid Bases and have never forgiven Nosler for discontinuing! 243, 257R, 25/06, 264, 270..all were accurate and performed perfectly on deer. 😡

If anyone needs any 30 cal 180 gr Nosler solid base bullets I just found four full boxes.

How much Duke?

$35 per box plus $10 for shipping