Customer Reviews - North Fork Bullets USA

Customer Reviews

Deep Straight Penetration.
Our products are known for deep, straight penetration. We received this clip from one of our customers. 416 rigby loaded with North Fork FPS bullets are used. If anyone doubts the penetration ability of our products, this clip can remove all your doubts. Our FPS bullet is one of the deepest penetrating bullets on the market.
Watch the clip and you will see the bullet exit.

/Profesionel hunter John Luyt South Africa with client.

Premium Bullets...

One client shot a buffalo with a 375 H&H, we use North Fork 375 300gr SS bullet. The bullet hit the buffalo in the nose, went through the mouth and out the back of the jaw, fully expanded the bullet then went into the buffalo's chest and penetrated about 3.9 feet. We found the bullet in the guts. The buffalo went 16 yards and then fell down dead. I am really impressed with the quality of this bullets, it shows the very high quality of North Fork's products.
I have experienced this before when a client shot a buffalo, with another bullet manufacture and hit the nose, then the bullet deflected after hitting the jaw and we had a very complicated search for that buffalo.

/Bennie Osmers PH South Africa.

Hunt Report, Norway.

Hunted with North Fork here in Norway. I have a 30-06 and used 165gr SS bullet. This weekend we hunted red deer. It was a driven hunt. I shot a couple of hind`s and found one bullet. Shot distance around 20m, bullet velocity when hit the hind 2720 ft/s, hit right shoulder and bullet penetrate dianonally through the deer. Penetrated around 19,7 inch and bullet was in the hid in the other side. Weight retention 99% 163,2gr expanded diameter 0,61 inch or 1,9805. Really good performance.

/Kai Egset

A “Bore Riding” bullet? So…what exactly is that?

First off, I’m no celebrity or famous spokesperson. I’m just a regular hunter like most of you reading this and wanted to share some little known details about North Fork bullets.

My introduction to these was at a hunting show years ago. A bullet was displayed that had been recovered from an animal. It was a perfect mushroom, had mini-grooves on the shank, and surprisingly had retained almost all of its original weight. It was a North Fork SS bullet. These grooves greatly reduce the surface area that contacts the rifling (“bore riding”) which lowers both friction and pressure, yielding significantly higher velocities than standard bullets. Additionally, it is incredibly accurate. As for performance, the SS is the best of both worlds. The bonded lead nose gives you excellent expansion. It’s coupled with a long, solid copper shank that drives through heavy muscle and bone. I’ve used North Fork bullets exclusively since I discovered them and couldn’t be more pleased.

/Martin Owen, RPh

Buffalo Hunt Tanzania

I hunted Cape Buffalo with Jamil Jamal, PH/Owner of Mkwawa hunting safari in Tanzania. The hunting area was U4 Block in the Selous Game Reserve.

This area was excellent for hunting Dagga boys and I shot two during a 10-day safari. I highly recommend Jamil for hunting in Tanzania.

I shot the cape buffalos with a 416 Rigby, 430 Gr. SS, mv of 2177 FPS. This bullet has excellent weight retention. One recovered bullet weighed 426 Gr. Both buffalo were frontal one shot kills.

This was my first experience with Northfork bullets and i will be using these bullets on all my hunts in the future.

/VTY,Owen Muramatsu,Hawaii

Penetration and Power: The .416 CPS Performance , Zimbabwe.

I was on a leopard and elephant hunt in Zimbabwe. This zebra was taken for bait with my .416 Rigby and the 400 grain CPS. The distance was about 70 yards and the impact cracked like a baseball bat hitting a home run. Both shoulders were broken and dust lifted up all the way down the zebra’s back. I think that bullet is still going!

On the same hunt we were tracking eland and this one jumped up 20 yards in front of us. The 400 grain CPS entered the base of the tail and ranged all the way to the offside shoulder, which it broke and ended up just under the skin after penetrating over 6 feet of grass packed stomach, bone and muscle. The eland dropped on impact and slid about 10 feet. The PH said I love this bullet! The eland shot was the only .416 bullet recovered on this safari. All others exited.

On the elephant, he was on the other side of 8 bulls about 40 yards from me. There was no angle for the brain shot so I took the left shoulder, which it broke and then exited. The bull tried to run but stumbled on the broken shoulder and was down in less than 40 yards from 1 shot. All of these were taken with the excellent .416 CPS bullet.

Accuracy? Here are the first 6 shots sighting in the new load with the 400 grain CPS. Quickest load development ever!

/Bryan Pettet

Performed tests on a North Fork bullet and compared it to the performance of another bonded-core bullet.

"Dear Sir,

I have recently performed tests on a North Fork bullet and compared it to the performance of another bonded-core bullet. THis information was very useful to me and I figured it might be useful to you as well.

As I was preparing for an African non-dangerous game hunt, I was wondering what the maximum ethical distance would be for my 9.3x62 using the 250 grain North Fork SS bullets.

Based on calculations I should be able to get 1800 ft/s (548 m/s) at 280 yards (250 m). To simulate this, I loaded the bullets with Reloader 26 powder to achieve this velocity at 10 yards. I shot it into calibrated gel blocks and the performance was amazing. I got 37" (0.94 m) of straight line penetration and the bullet expanded to 14.5 mm, which is an expansion ratio of 1.56. The wound cavity in the first gel block was very good. The expansion of the bullet was perfectly symmetrical and this caused the perfect straight line penetration.The bullet retained more than 99% of its weight.

I then attempted the identical test with a polymer-tipped bonded core bullet. Due to the higher ballistic coefficient of this bullet, I set up the test for 1900 ft/s (579 m/s). The first 2 shots gave violent expansion at about 3-5 inches into the fresh gel block, but it veered off, and exited the gel block and could not be recovered. Only the third bullet was recovered. It also veered off, but not to the point where it exited and was lost. The bullet was turned sideways at the point where it was recovered. The way the front expanded in a shredded, non-symmetrical manner, is what most likely caused it to veer off. The penetration was approximately 20" (0.5 m). Due to the non-symmetrical nature of the expansion, it is difficult to calculate an expansion ratio, but it is in the order of 1.8 times. The weight retention of the bullet is approximately 85%. From the photos it can be seen that the recovered bullet is much shorter.

Please see attached photographs of the two different bullets from these tests.

I will use the North Fork bullets with confidence on this African hunt.

Thank you for keeping the North Fork bullet line alive, and available to handloaders in the USA.

/Sincerely,

Izak Nieuwoudt

Wichita, KS

USA"

Why Do I Trust Only North Fork Bullets on the Hunt?

"Dear Sir,

I hunted a Cape Buffalo in South Africa with a 416 caliber rifle with a unique cartridge that resembles the obsolete 416 Dakota. I used North Fork 430 grain SS and CPS bullets. The cartridges were stoked with Reloader 17 powder to have a muzzle velocity of 2410 ft/s (735 m/s). On the range these bullets had the same point of impact at 50 and 100 yards. I shot the buffalo with two SS bullets and when it was not moving anymore I put two CPS in it as life insurance. Based on calculations, the impact velocity with the SS bullets were approximately 2200 ft/s (670 m/s). The CPS bullets passed through and were not recovered. The two SS bullets were recovered on the outboard side under the skin. The one SS bullet weighed 427.9 gr (99.5% weight retention), had a diameter of 22 mm (2X expansion) and a length of 26 mm. The other SS bullet weighed 422.9 gr (98.3% weight retention), had a diameter of 21 mm (1.92X expansion) and a length of 24 mm. Both bullets expanded symmetrically and, based on where the bullets were recovered versus the entry wounds, the penetration was virtually linear despite having broken bones. As can be seen in the photos, these bullets performed perfectly. I will not take on very large game with anything other than North Fork bullets.

/Sincerely,

Izak Nieuwoudt

Wichita, KS

USA"

I searched long for the perfect bullets — found North Fork Bullets: now maximum meat with no waste and zero doubt in my choice!

"Dear Sir,

Whitetail hunting in the US midwest to make Jerky is one of my favorite times of the year. My trusted old 257 Roberts and 8x57JS rifles have taken many deer using all kinds of bonded-core bullets. I always shoot for the heart/lungs to try to minimize the amount of meat that is lost. Something that has always bothered me is that there is alway a lot of blood-shot meat that looks like jelly and has to be discarded. Sometimes I also found shards of the bullets in unexpected places. These issues seemed to be true irrespective of the bullet brand. Experiments with bullet weights and velocities provided no remedy. I then turned to the North Fork SS bullets. To ensure the best possible long range accuracy I put the bullets on a lathe and machined and polished the tips to have the perfect meplat. The long range accuracy on the range was good. I have taken several deer with these North Fork SS bullets in both calibers at varying distances. The amazing result is that the deer went down as quickly as with any other bullet, but the amount of blood-shot meat was vastly reduced. As a meat hunter this is the perfect outcome. The exit wounds, after passing through rib bones, are in the order of 3 inches (75 mm) in diameter. With the North Fork bullets I have not seen any deflection or bullet pieces in unexpected places.

/Sincerely,

Izak Nieuwoudt

Wichita, KS

USA"

"The 16-year-old son of a friend and client wanted to hunt a hippo, but he had no idea about the animal's anatomy and didn't know where to shoot! As a guide, I bought a life-size hippo target, placed it at 100 meters, explained the anatomy, and showed him where the brain was. He confidently shot the .416 Rigby at the paper target and did beautifully! When it came time for the actual hunt, he simply did the same… and everything went very well! That's how a good hunting guide should be!"

https://www.africahunting.com/threads/when-the-rehearsal-comes-out-exactly-like-the-main-performance.95004/
/Cristiano Furtado, PH, Brazil

.3006, first shot at 120 meters, second shot at 80 meters, collapsing within a few seconds.

.3006, one single shot at 40 meters

.3006, one single head frontal shot at 120 meters, drops on the spot.

.3006, single shot at 45 meters, target collapses 25 meters after impact.

.3006, single shot at 100 meters, dropped 15 meters from impact.

One single shot at 40 meters — drops instantly, collapses a few seconds later (not a perfect shot placement).

.3006, one single shot at 40 meters each
"Good mornig,
I´m an Outffiter in Spain certified in RSA as PH as well.
Recently I was hunting in South Africa using your bullets in .3006 caliber with Mr.C.P. as PH who introduce me your fantastic "developments" shooingt some heavier plains game like eland, kudu and sable.
I was quite impresive for the results! Really FANTASTIC!!
I have a 404 Jeffery , 8x68S, 300winmag, 270 win short magnum calibers.
I would like to know if it is possible to adquire your bullets in Europe, specially the 423" for the 404. I was using H. last year in a buffalo cow with a very poor result, no more to me!
I looking forward for your reply.
Thanks in advance,
Raúl Crespo de Evan"
https://www.spanish-hunting-adventure.com/

“A 5 shot group at 100 yards using my 404 Jeffery. Three North Fork 400 gr SS loaded with H4350, and two North Fork 400gr FPS Flat Point solids loaded with RL15"

/SkullKeeper from Africa Hunting https://www.africahunting.com/threads/north-fork-technologies.83272/post-1474486

"The North Fork PP (percussion point) as a variation of the excellent SS expanding projectile designed by master Dr. Kevin Robertson and made by NF for use exclusively on big cats! The projectile is a feat of engineering and has a rapid-expanding ring at the top that allows it to expand to its maximum within the first 3 inches of penetration! Ideal for cats that are "thin" compared to other African animals! I spent this week testing these projectiles on various animals such as waterbuck, zebra, kudu, oryx, wildebeest, and nyala! We killed 12 animals using the PP in .375 caliber with an average velocity of 2,556 fps! And I can assure you with absolute certainty that they are not only useful for cats, but also for large antelopes! Because the projectile opens so quickly, the permanent cavity is enormous, weight retention is 98%... and all the side shots passed through, leaving a huge hole at the exit! Of the 12 animals shot, I only recovered 3 bullets! All from frontal shots! I was amazed at the internal damage they cause, as the gun travels 97% of its path at full size. Next year, I have plans for 6 lions and 2 leopards; let's see how it fares on the cats it was bred for!

/Cristiano Fortado,Brazil "

"Good afternoon,

While in South Africa, I hunted the following game with NF bullets hand loaded myself.

Eland: shot at approximately 50 yards with a 300 gr SS using a Winchester 70 safari express in 375 H&H mag. The bullet was loaded to travel at 2350 fps. The eland was quartering away from me. The bullet entered on the right side behind the shoulder, and the projectile was found just inside the hide of the left front shoulder. The projectile expanded and measures .730” at the widest point and has a retained weight of 277.4 gr.

Giraffe: 13 year old bull shot at approximately 30 yards with a 300 gr SS using a Ruger M77 RSM in 416 Rigby. The bullet was loaded to travel at 2350 fps. The giraffe was slightly quartering towards us with its left shoulder facing me. The bullet entered just in front of the left shoulder and was not able to be recovered.

Kudu: shot at approximately 25 yards with a 300 gr SS using a Winchester 70 safari express in 375 H&H mag. The bullet was loaded to travel at 2350 fps. The kudu was slightly quartering towards us with its right shoulder facing me. The kudu was shot through the shoulder, dropped in its tracks, and no bullet recovered.

Sable: shot at 180 yards on the run with a 300 gr cup point solid using a Winchester 70 safari express in 375 H&H mag. The bullet was loaded to travel at 2350 FPS. The sable had been on the run and tracked after a bullet failure with a Swift A Frame .375 300 gr. The swift bullet had poor expansion and poor penetration. The sable was taken down by the NF bullet, and it was shot just under the tail. The bullet exited the front chest of the sable and was not recovered.

Cow Buffalo: charge a tracker and was shot at approximately 25 yards with a 300 gr cup point solid using a Winchester 70 super grade and iron sights (quick detach scope mounts were used and removed scope during tracking of sable). First shot was a spine shot, and the second shot was to the head to put it down. No projectiles were recovered and another member of the party reported hearing a ricochet. The PH noted the exit hole on both wounds looked like 458 caliber wounds.

Cape Buffalo: shot at approximately 20 yards with a 430 gr SS using a Ruger M77 RSM in 416 rigby. The buff had dropped his head and was shot in center of the chest. He walked a short distance and laid down, spraying blood everywhere as he went. The bullet was found in the rumen. The bullet has a retained weight of 390 gr.

Jackal: shot at approximately 40 yards with a 300 gr SS using a Winchester super grade in 375 H&H mag. There was a small entrance hole just behind the right front shoulder. The exit wound was about the size of an orange and the bullet was not recovered.

P.S. Also, with speaking my PH, I asked how he liked the handloads I left him on our last trip in 2023. We left 40 plus rounds of NF SS/ CPS - all 300 gr and loaded to 2350 fps. He says they have performed outstandingly and he has been very happy with their performance and hopes we bring more than we need on the next trip too in 2027.

Michael Taylor,Zebulon,Georgia,USA"

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"Tower by the Barn-Moose Hunt with .308 and North Fork 165gr SS

A clear morning. The light is just beginning to reach the old meadow. Father sits in the tower by the barn, rifle across his knees — a .308 caliber loaded with North Fork 165gr SS. He has already taken two moose this season: a ten-pointer and a cow. Now, another opportunity presents itself.
A few calls break the silence. Something dark moves near the thicket. He raises the rifle against the edge of the tower. In the scope stands a four-point bull — broadside, curious, and still.
The shot rings out. The echo rolls across the meadow. The moose takes a few steps — twelve meters — then everything is quiet again.
The hit is perfect.
Distance: 234 m / 256 yd
Zeroed at: 100 m / 109 yd (+40 mm / +1.6 in)
Muzzle velocity: 796 m/s / 2,611 ft/s (Garmin Xero C1)
Impact velocity: ~615 m/s / ~2,018 ft/s
Caliber: .308 Win
As he climbs down from the tower and walks toward the moose, he meets the morning light and that quiet sense of balance — the feeling that everything is exactly as it should be.

/Adrian Soutukorva&dad,Sweden,2025"

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"Hi, some feedback on 4 NF bullets recovered over the last couple Safaris!VERY VERY HAPPY WITH THE RESULTS!!The first bullet have a 100% weight retention!These are all 180gr SS Bullets out of my .30-06.

/Dieter,Mattanja Hunting Safaries"

"Today I had to fire a backup shot at a wounded buffalo running about 80 yards away with the left barrel of my 470, loaded with 500-grain North Fork CPS! The shot entered the animal's rear and stopped at the top of its heart! It stopped and surrendered shortly after! Without a doubt, a spectacular performance from this bullet! I never imagined it would penetrate so far and cause so much damage wherever it went! It lost practically none of its original 500-grain weight!
/PH Cristiano Furtado,Brazil"

“Yesterday we shot an oryx at 288 meters with this 180 grain 308 SS projectile! It went through the animal,causing great damage on the way out! I was surprised it went through!
/PH,Cristiano Furtado"