Do you need higher velocities for copper bullets?

[LCguy]

Hey everyone. I am looking to try out some new bullets for elk hunting, specifically the Barnes Hollow Point Expander 300-grain and Federal Bore Lok 350 gr. (lead). My question for the Barnes bullets is this: do I need to push the bullets at a higher velocity than I would a lead or jacketed bullet to obtain maximum penetration? Currently, my gun is at CVA getting an issue fixed and I am running out of time to test loads before my elk hunt so was hoping to just be able to use either white hots Triple 7 pellets. For further background, the Barnes T-EZ 290gr. have never grouped particularly well out of my CVA Wolf V2 so I was hoping the expander hollow points will. I currently am using Hornady Bore Driver 290gr. Which are very accurate but hoping to relegate those to just a deer bullet and use full copper for elk.

 

[OXN939]

Few other guys and I have tested expansion down to what Barnes publishes. Seems to be about right. Keep your shots to 120 and in and you'll be set

 

[LCguy]

Thanks for the info! That's about as far as I am comfortable shooting with iron sights anyway and should be no problem in the pinon-juniper where I hunt!