by Bmt85 » Sun Dec 02, 2018 8:31 pm
From what I have observed with the Barnes bullets in general is they start to open pretty fast. I believe that they require hydraulic expansion to initiate expansion, but I’m going to guess that hitting bone will help expansion. Took a deer with the 200 XPB with 43.5gr of Lilgun, shot at about 30 yds. Direct hit on a rib, but entrance was an almost 1” in diameter, perfect circle. Wasn’t perfect shot placement, but good and damage was extensive. Hit rib exiting, and about a 1.5-2” diameter hole. I’m sure if shooting game at 100 yds with that bullet, you might get a delay on opening, but it should still open and punch through any bone.
I’ve used the 275 TSX loaded long and leaning on it for a black bear and a cow elk (cull tag). Both times the bullet fully opens in less than inch and was devastating. Massive damage, punch through bone, and still held together (from what I can tell, never found a bullet). This is my favorite bullet, so far.
I haven’t seen any reason why the Barnes in the 450B shouldn’t open and do it’s job while above the threshold, bone or not. Under that, I would try to aim for bone.
Just my thoughts.