So I have never shot a deer beyond 200 yards as I never really hunted much where longer range was an option. Recently that has changed. I have access to a farm where deer are often 200-450 yards out. I know for some this is only intermediate range, and that is ok. My question is concerning the 165 Nosler Ballistic tip at those distances. Is it too hard a bullet to open up at 450 yards? At that point I am figuring I will be in the 2000 fps range. Would it be better to try and take out the shoulders at that range (more resistance) or would a "behind the shoulder shot" work just as well? Would specifically be interested in your experience with this particular bullet as I heard that Nosler beefed up the jackets on this particular bullet. Thanks!

They would be perfect, used them in a 300 Win mag. Shot quite a few deer and pigs with them.

Agree with hanco, IMO I don't think it gets much better for the task you are using them for. I have taken a fair amount from 100 to 350 or so with that bullet and I nearly always go behind the shoulder. It will be super.

Never shot anything heavier in my 30-06. Worked outstanding. Decided to go with 180 gr B.Tips in the 300WSM though.

I shot the 168gr version for several years in a 20” .308Win. Never saw any signs of insufficient expansion out to 300yds or so. Kids shot deer with the 140gr 7mm NBT loaded down and had some impacts around 1,800-1,900fps. They always wrecked lungs fairly well.

Thanks! Preliminary testing showed a 1" 4 shot group at 100 yards @ 2820 fps with Big Games powder. I will work off that since it should still be going 2000 fps at 400 yards. H4350 gave more speed (2920) but best group was only 1.9 @ 100 yards.

I've used the 165 gr Nosler Ballistic Tip from my 30-06 quite often. Always with good accuracy and great results on game:

340 yard cow elk, through the shoulder blade, destroyed the lungs. Quick kill. No bullet recovery.

325 yard black bear, quartering away, through the ribs, took out the lungs. Quick kill. Bullet jacket recovered from the off-side hide after penetrating a lot of bear.

My mule deer & antelope with the 30-06/165 gr combo have all been taken at lesser ranges, 140 - 250 yards or so. Always good expansion & penetration. From my experience, it's an excellent general purpose hunting rifle bullet.

I'm using H4350 at about 2940 fps.

Regards, Guy

30-06 with a 165gr Nosler Ballistic Tip is about as good as it gets for deer.

This load ran 2986fps with Big Game out of my rifle with a 24" barrel.I've shot this load in a couple of my other 30-06's with similar groups.I get about 25fps more velocity with the 165gr BT than I do with the 168gr.I get like wound channels with either bullets,but for some reason the 168gr shoots better out of all my 30 cal. rifles.This load is Win. case,WLRM primer,168gr Nosler Ballistic Tip,OAL 3.300

My same experience. I thought 165s shot great, then I tries 168’s. 168’s shot fantastic. 1” groups at 200 yards if I do my part.

165BT Will work like a charm.

I know you didn’t ask but if you’ve never shot to 400 yards I strongly recommend you do some practice at that range before you pull the trigger on game at that range. Ballistic apps are a good place to start. But KNOWING where your rifle hits at extended range is often not where your app tells you it will. Just my 2cents. Good luck on your hunt.

Exactly, kinda like taking the pimple faced kid from the gun counters word when he says he bore sighted your rifle and your good to go hunting.

On top of checking out the app, the shooter needs to make sure they can execute at distance as well.

Some scope reticles will cover up a deer at 450 yds, as the deer get mighty small at and beyond that distant. Trust that your scope is ok. Good luck,

They work well from a 30-06 out to 220yds on a mule deer. I always punch the lungs as less meat is damaged. If I am close enough, I go for the neck. Never recovered a bullet.