Nosler AccuBond vs other bullet types: What's the difference?

Design and Construction

The AccuBond is a bonded bullet that combines a lead core with a copper jacket, using a proprietary bonding process to create a strong mechanical bond between the core and jacket. This design helps to prevent the jacket from separating from the core, even when hitting bone or other hard objects. The AccuBond also features a high-velocity expansion, which helps to create a large wound channel in the target animal.

Performance on Large Game

When hunting larger game such as elk, the AccuBond’s ability to resist deformation and maintain its weight retention is crucial. In field tests, the AccuBond has shown to retain over 90% of its weight after hitting bone, while maintaining a high kinetic energy transfer. For example, a 150-grain AccuBond bullet retains 136 grains of weight after hitting a 2-inch thick elk rib at 2,500 fps, resulting in a fatal wound to the elk. This level of performance is unmatched by many other bullet types, making the AccuBond a top choice for elk hunters.

Comparison to Other Bullet Types

In comparison to other bonded bullets, the AccuBond has a more consistent and predictable performance. For example, the Barnes TSX has a more aggressive expansion, which can sometimes lead to variable results. The Sierra GameKing, on the other hand, has a more traditional non-expanding design, which can result in a larger wound channel, but also more ricochets and bullet fragmentation. The AccuBond offers a balance between expansion and penetration, making it a versatile choice for hunting larger game in a variety of situations.