This is my first post.
An outdoor writer friend gave me a few Nosler #59415 168gr 30cal E-Tips to test. Muzzle velocity was 2820fps with 58gr H4350 22"bbl Ruger 1a. Last year I shot an elk at 50 yards with a Barnes 168gr TSX, same load, same velocity. Worked well. Primer is pretty flat. After much testing last summer, all I can tell they drop too much at 200 yards. That tells me the the BC is not what they say it is, maybe because of the grooved bearing surface. The Hornady also has grooves but have not tested. The Noslers worked OK to 300 yards out of my 1a.
Shot an antelope this year with this Nosler bullet. What impressed me was essentially no lost meat (no bloodshot). Bullet went in right in front of the shoulder and exited cleanly out the rib cage. So... fast kill, little damage. I think this will be my all around antelope, deer and elk bullet from now on.
I am using the 6mm Nosler #59165 90gr .243cal E-Tip. Muzzle velocity was 3218fps with 43.5gr H4350 24"bbl Remington 700 (backup or loaner rifle). It is about 100fps faster than the same load with the 95gr Ballistic tip. Primer is pretty flat with bolt markings. Would probably be better with 42.5gr H4350.
I may even try some 150gr 30cal E-Tips in the future. What I try to do is use a cheaper bullet for practice that will shoot nearly as equal to the E-Tip. The Nosler 165gr & 95gr Ballistic Tips seem like a good ballistic match but will probably switch to the 168gr and 90gr Ballistic Tips for practice.