Let’s Talk About Nosler 35642 Partition 6mm .243 100 GR Spitzer 50 Box
The Nosler 35642 Partition 6mm .243 100 GR Spitzer 50 Box represents a time-tested and respected option for hunters and marksmen seeking reliable terminal performance from their .243 Winchester rifles. These bullets, manufactured by Nosler, are renowned for their controlled expansion and deep penetration thanks to the company’s signature Partition design. For those unfamiliar, this design essentially creates two lead cores separated by a copper partition, leading to predictable results on game.
Having spent over a decade guiding elk hunts in the Rockies, I’ve seen firsthand the importance of consistent bullet performance. Many clients arrived with inadequate ammunition, resulting in wounded animals and frustrated hunters. This led me to seek out bullets known for their reliability and ethical killing power, which is why I was drawn to the Nosler Partition.
Unboxing the Nosler 35642 Partition 6mm .243 100 GR Spitzer 50 Box, I immediately appreciated the consistent appearance of the bullets. The spitzer profile promises a respectable ballistic coefficient, and the overall construction appeared solid. The bullets felt well-made and ready for loading.
In comparison, I’ve used similar offerings from Hornady and Sierra, specifically their InterLock and GameKing bullets, respectively. While these are also popular choices, the Nosler Partition boasts that crucial partition, promising better weight retention and deeper penetration than the others, which rely on a single core design. My decision to try the Nosler was driven by a desire for that extra margin of assurance.
My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. I had heard great things about the Nosler Partition, but experience has taught me that real-world performance is the only true judge. I was excited to finally put these bullets to the test and see if they lived up to their reputation.
Real-World Testing: Putting Nosler 35642 Partition 6mm .243 100 GR Spitzer 50 Box to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing of the Nosler 35642 Partition 6mm .243 100 GR Spitzer 50 Box took place at my local shooting range, followed by a controlled coyote hunt on a friend’s property. The range provided a controlled environment to assess accuracy and chronograph the loads, while the coyote hunt aimed to evaluate terminal performance on a live animal. Conditions were typical for early fall in Montana: cool temperatures, light wind, and dry conditions.
The bullets proved easy to load and consistently produced tight groups at 100 yards. I found an accurate load using IMR 4350 that grouped under an inch. After dialing in my zero, I achieved sub-MOA accuracy, which is crucial for confident shot placement in the field.
After the range, the first coyote I encountered offered a broadside shot at 250 yards. I held slightly for wind and squeezed the trigger. The coyote dropped instantly, a testament to the bullet’s effective energy transfer and penetration.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, including multiple range sessions and a whitetail deer hunt, the Nosler 35642 Partition 6mm .243 100 GR Spitzer 50 Box has consistently delivered reliable performance. I’ve taken approximately 60 shots with these bullets, and not a single one has failed to perform as expected. Durability is obviously a non-issue since the bullets are used once.
There is no maintenance or care required for the bullets themselves, only for the rifle and reloading equipment used with them. I have not noticed any degradation in performance over time. The consistent performance has boosted my confidence in this bullet, making it my go-to choice for .243 hunting applications.
Compared to my previous experiences with softer, faster-expanding bullets, the Nosler Partition noticeably outperforms them in penetration, especially on larger game. In the past, some bullets would expand too rapidly, resulting in shallow wounds and lost animals. The Nosler’s controlled expansion helps prevent this.
Breaking Down the Features of Nosler 35642 Partition 6mm .243 100 GR Spitzer 50 Box
Specifications
Bullet Type: Spitzer. This aerodynamic bullet shape helps maintain velocity and reduce wind drift, contributing to improved long-range accuracy.
Bullet Weight: 100 grain. This weight is a popular choice for .243 Winchester, offering a good balance of velocity, energy, and manageable recoil.
Projectile Caliber: .243 Caliber. Designed specifically for .243 Winchester cartridges, ensuring proper fit and function.
Sectional Density: 0.242. This is a measure of the bullet’s mass relative to its diameter and it influences penetration; a higher sectional density generally indicates deeper penetration.
Bullet Quantity: 50 Bullet. This is a standard box quantity for reloading bullets, providing enough for load development and hunting.
Bullet Tip Material: Lead. The exposed lead tip facilitates rapid expansion upon impact.
Country of Origin: USA. Nosler bullets are manufactured in the United States, ensuring quality control and supporting American jobs.
Fabric/Material: Copper. The copper jacket encases the lead core, providing structural integrity and controlled expansion.
These specifications matter because they directly impact the bullet’s performance in terms of accuracy, penetration, and expansion. The spitzer profile, weight, and sectional density all contribute to the bullet’s ability to fly accurately and penetrate deeply, while the lead tip and copper jacket control expansion for effective energy transfer.
Performance & Functionality
The Nosler 35642 Partition 6mm .243 100 GR Spitzer 50 Box excels in providing reliable terminal performance. The controlled expansion and deep penetration ensure ethical kills on game animals. Its accuracy is also noteworthy, making it suitable for both hunting and target shooting.
The primary strength of this bullet is its consistent performance across a range of distances and impact velocities. A potential weakness, compared to more modern, bonded-core bullets, could be a slightly lower ballistic coefficient, leading to a bit more drop at extended ranges.
The Nosler Partition meets and often exceeds expectations, particularly in situations where deep penetration is essential. This is not a bullet for varminting; it is designed for medium-sized game where controlled expansion and weight retention are paramount.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Nosler Partition is excellent. The bullets are consistently formed and sized, contributing to uniform loading and reliable performance. The weight is appropriate for the .243 cartridge and provides manageable recoil.
The bullets are user-friendly for reloaders, requiring no special tools or techniques. There is a wealth of load data available from Nosler and other sources.
Durability & Maintenance
As reloading components, these bullets don’t degrade and no specific maintenance is needed. However, proper storage in a cool, dry place is essential to prevent oxidation of the lead.
Accessories and Customization Options
There are no specific accessories that come with the Nosler 35642 Partition 6mm .243 100 GR Spitzer 50 Box. The primary customization option is to experiment with different powder types, charge weights, and seating depths to achieve optimal accuracy in your rifle.
The bullets are compatible with standard .243 reloading dies and components. While no specific modifications are needed, handloaders can fine-tune their loads for peak performance.
Pros and Cons of Nosler 35642 Partition 6mm .243 100 GR Spitzer 50 Box
Pros
- Reliable Controlled Expansion: The Nosler Partition design ensures consistent expansion, even at lower velocities.
- Deep Penetration: The partition separates the lead core, allowing the rear core to penetrate deeply, vital for ethical kills on larger game.
- Excellent Accuracy: The spitzer profile and consistent construction contribute to tight groups and precise shot placement.
- Proven Performance: The Nosler Partition has a long and successful track record in the hunting world.
- Suitable for a Range of Game: Effective on deer, antelope, and other medium-sized game.
Cons
- Lesser Ballistic Coefficient: Not necessarily ideal for extremely long-range shooting compared to newer, streamlined bullet designs.
- Price: These bullets are relatively expensive compared to some other options, though the reliability justifies the cost for serious hunters.
Who Should Buy Nosler 35642 Partition 6mm .243 100 GR Spitzer 50 Box?
The Nosler 35642 Partition 6mm .243 100 GR Spitzer 50 Box is perfect for hunters seeking a reliable and ethical bullet for medium-sized game such as deer, antelope, and sheep. Reloaders who prioritize consistent performance and deep penetration will appreciate these bullets. They are an excellent choice for hunters in areas where shots may be at varying distances and weight retention is crucial for adequate penetration.
This product might not be the best choice for varmint hunters, as the bullet is designed for controlled expansion rather than explosive fragmentation. Someone focused on extreme long-range target shooting might prefer bullets with higher ballistic coefficients.
A must-have accessory for using these bullets is a quality reloading manual and accurate reloading equipment. Consistent case preparation and precise powder measuring are crucial for realizing the bullet’s full accuracy potential.
Conclusion on Nosler 35642 Partition 6mm .243 100 GR Spitzer 50 Box
The Nosler 35642 Partition 6mm .243 100 GR Spitzer 50 Box represents a classic, reliable choice for hunters and reloaders. The controlled expansion and deep penetration of the Partition design translate to ethical kills and consistent performance.
The price is justified given the reliability and effectiveness of these bullets. They aren’t the cheapest option, but the peace of mind they provide in the field is worth the investment.
I would personally recommend the Nosler Partition to any hunter seeking a dependable bullet for their .243 Winchester. If you value consistent performance, deep penetration, and ethical kills, then grab a box of Nosler Partitions and experience the difference for yourself.