The Nosler Partition 160 grain 7mm bullet has earned a legendary reputation among hunters and long-range shooters alike. Its unique design, focusing on controlled expansion and deep penetration, makes it a top choice for a wide variety of game. This in-depth look will explore the bullet's construction, ballistics, performance characteristics, and ideal applications, helping you understand why it's considered a benchmark in hunting ammunition.
Understanding the Nosler Partition Design
The Nosler Partition's claim to fame lies in its innovative two-part construction. This isn't just a gimmick; it's a carefully engineered solution to the challenges of controlled expansion and retained weight at extended ranges.
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The Lead Core: A large, soft lead core provides the necessary weight and energy transfer for deep penetration. This core is designed to deform upon impact, ensuring effective energy transfer to the target.
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The Partition: This is the critical element – a tough, gilding-metal jacket that's scored around the middle. Upon impact, this score line allows the bullet to separate into a forward, expanding section and a rear, retained core. This dual-action ensures consistent performance, regardless of impact velocity or bone contact.
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The Boat-Tail Design: The bullet's boat-tail base promotes stability and enhances aerodynamic efficiency, leading to flatter trajectories and better accuracy at longer ranges.
How the Partition Works: A Case Study
Imagine a shot at a large elk at 300 yards. A standard hunting bullet might over-expand, losing much of its weight and penetration before reaching vital organs. The Nosler Partition, however, works differently.
- Initial Impact: The bullet strikes the target with full energy.
- Partition Separation: The scored jacket separates, allowing the forward portion to expand reliably.
- Controlled Expansion: The forward part expands to create a large wound channel, ensuring quick and humane kills.
- Deep Penetration: The rear core remains intact, driving deep into the animal, maximizing penetration and ensuring vital organ damage even with bone contact.
This consistent performance makes the Nosler Partition a favorite for hunters pursuing challenging game.
Ballistic Performance of the 160 Grain 7mm Partition
The 160-grain 7mm Partition boasts impressive ballistic characteristics. The following table provides a general overview; actual results can vary depending on barrel length, rifling twist, and powder charge. These data points are averages based on several independent tests.
| Velocity (fps) | Energy (ft-lbs) | Range (yards) |
|---|---|---|
| 2800 | 2850 | 100 |
| 2600 | 2400 | 200 |
| 2400 | 2000 | 300 |
| 2200 | 1650 | 400 |
Note: These are estimated values. Always consult your ammunition manufacturer's data and your own chronograph readings for accurate ballistic information. Environmental factors like temperature and humidity also significantly impact trajectory.
Ideal Applications for the Nosler Partition 160 Grain 7mm
The versatility of the Nosler Partition makes it suitable for a broad range of hunting situations. Its controlled expansion and deep penetration make it a top choice for:
- Large Game Hunting: Elk, deer, moose, and bear are all well within the capabilities of this bullet. Its performance on bone-heavy game is particularly noteworthy.
- Long-Range Shooting: The bullet's ballistic coefficient and boat-tail design contribute to excellent long-range accuracy, making it suitable for shots exceeding 300 yards.
- Dangerous Game: While not typically the first choice for extremely dangerous game (e.g., Cape buffalo), its controlled expansion and deep penetration provide a certain level of confidence even in challenging situations.
Choosing the Right Cartridge: A Quick Guide
The 160-grain 7mm Partition performs exceptionally well in various cartridges like the 7mm Remington Magnum, 7mm-08 Remington, and 7x57 Mauser. The cartridge choice should be determined based on the game you’re hunting and your preferred shooting distance.
Conclusion: The Legacy of the Nosler Partition
The Nosler Partition 160 grain 7mm remains a top performer for hunters demanding reliability and performance. Its unique design, consistent expansion, and deep penetration have cemented its place as a mainstay in hunting ammunition. While newer bullets with innovative designs exist, the Partition continues to prove itself time and time again, making it a valuable asset for any hunter's arsenal. Remember always to practice safe firearm handling and follow all applicable hunting regulations.