newman1

O.K. guys if your maximum hunting ranges were say 125-150 yards tops ,and you had found a load that shot a 200 grain Shockwave into 1-1/4 inches with 85 grains 777 at 100 yards,or a load that put a 260 grain Dead Center into 3 inches at 100 yards with 120 grains 777 which would you choose and why??

Now i know that shooting a three inch group is more that adequate for these ranges i stated,but i am sort of an accuracy nut and for some reason i just can't figure out what to do.

Iguess what i a getting around to is i want to know what you guys with a lot of muzzy exp. would do and why.thanks to all

Tahquamenon

For target shooting I would always opt for the least amount of charge to get the highest and best constancy of accuracy. What's the point of increased recoil if you are target shooting?

For hunting, I'll always leave some accuracy on the table for increased velocity and kinetic ballistics. But to a point.

My testing example from an Omega locked in a bench rest shooting at 100 yards:
Hornady 300gr SST + 120gr BM3 = 2.2" (not sure the velocity, but well over 2K fps)
Hornady 300gr SST + 105gr BM3 = 1.3" (likely close to 2K fps)
Hornady 300gr SST + 90gr BM3 = 1.1" (likely close to 2K fps)

I hunted with the 120gr BM'3 load.

Of the two loads you mentioned, the biggest difference I see is with the longer range accuracy, I would think that by 150 yards, the Dead Center 260+120gr T7 would be approaching if not already into excessive accuracy loss (4-5+" grouping).

If you want 150yard groups, perhaps you will need to work up loads that optimize with both power and accuracy in that range.

cayugad

Both of those loads would work at the distances you want to shoot. I personally would go for the most accurate, even though it is less powder. All too often people believe that they have to push these projectiles at max speeds to make them a good hunting load. Your shot placement is most important.

newman1

That makes sense guys,i am just a bit scepticle of the power of the shockwave load.i was very happy with the groups i got with that but i plan on taking shoulder shots this coming season am not sure if it would be enough velocity with 85 grains t7 to expand that bullet.any thoughts?

1950KID

260 grain

Slamfire

So what is your take upon a 245 grain conical driven by 60 grains of black, from a .58 caliber barrel, would it have enough energy?

Rebel Hog

Hello newman1,
I have to agree with 1950kid.
260xtp



KEEP ON ROOTING!!!

Tahquamenon

Shot placement is everything regardless of what you use.

You don't really need blistering velocities when shooting ML's because on average you are shooting much heavier projectiles.

So either load combo mentioned at the start of this thread would work fine for whitetail.

You only need about 400-500 foot pounds of energy minimum for Whitetail deer with good shot placement.

Regarding the question about the 245 Conical /60grBP/ & .58 cal, without doing the math, I would think that would give you around the minimum energy needed for whitetail. But I would be concerned with effective accuracy and energy out to 100 yards.
I would consider this too light for 58 as it's not even the weight of a 58 roundball (284gr).

Roseaukaine

Why? Believe me - that shockwave behind 85g of T7 will drop a good many species on a direct shoulder hit at 100 yds. The damage that those projectiles can cause are astounding.

MLKeith

[quote]ORIGINAL: Tahquamenon


My testing example from an Omega locked in a bench rest shooting at 100 yards:
Hornady 300gr SST + 120gr BM3 = 2.2" (not sure the velocity, but well over 2K fps)
Hornady 300gr SST + 105gr BM3 = 1.3" (likely close to 2K fps)
Hornady 300gr SST + 90gr BM3 = 1.1" (likely close to 2K fps)

For anyone reading these results please be advised that the 120gr. load with a 300gr. bullet is what I would consider MAXIMUM REASONABLE load. I do not know anyone including the guys at Magkor that shoot more than 120gr. of Black Mag'3 and that is usually with lighter bullets than 300gr. My 300gr. bullets with 100gr. of Black Mag'3 clocked just over 2000 fps when used with the 209 primer. I dropped back to 90gr. for hunting elk and shot a 300gr. SST completely through at 100yards.