Quick Answer
Nosler Partition bullets can potentially lead to over-penetration on smaller animals due to their high weight retention and large diameter. This is particularly true when shot placement is off-center or the animal is struck at close range. Over-penetration can be minimized with proper shot placement and bullet selection.
Bullet Design and Expansion Characteristics
Nosler Partition bullets are designed with a lead core surrounded by a copper jacket and a partition that separates the core from the jacket. This design allows for high weight retention and a large diameter expansion, which can be beneficial for larger game but may not be ideal for smaller animals. For example, the Nosler Partition 200 grain bullet can retain up to 85% of its weight and expand to a diameter of 0.65 inches. This can result in significant penetration depths, potentially exceeding 12 inches in soft tissue.
Shot Placement and Range Considerations
Proper shot placement is critical when hunting smaller animals with Nosler Partition bullets. Aiming for the heart or lungs can help minimize over-penetration by reducing the bullet’s kinetic energy and penetration depth. At close ranges (less than 50 yards), the risk of over-penetration increases due to the bullet’s higher velocity and kinetic energy. In contrast, at longer ranges (over 100 yards), the bullet’s velocity and kinetic energy decrease, reducing the risk of over-penetration.
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