Didn't say there was no difference......only that it is small. And yes I have chronod several varieties of both HE and LM ammo. Again mostly a sales tool with small meaningless differences.
I have found both the Hi Energy and Light Mags to be as advertised in the 30-06. The 165 grain interbond light mags were clocked just over 2950 FPS but more importantly were producing 3200 LBS KE from a 22" barrel. At $28.00 a box that is actually a good deal when compared to a 7mm Rem Mag or other comparable performing round with a premium bullet. I do not disagree that this extra expense is almost never neccesary, but I think having the option ofpicking up an additional 400lbs/KE when you want it is a bonus.
The Hi Energy rounds produced 2870 FPS with a 180 grain nosler partition with even higher KE. Below are the results of a rifle evaluation that was intended to evaluate the rifles performance not the ammos performance. It demonstrates that the light mag loads meet their velocity claims while delivering accuracy equal to the match grade ammo in the comparison.
quote:
ACCURACY RESULTS
Steyr SBS ProHunter .30-'06
Ammunition Velocity Accuracy
[*]
Federal 168 gr. Gold Medal Match 2,697 fps 0.78"
Federal 150 gr. BTSP 2,901 fps 1.11"
Hornady 150 gr. SST Light Magnum 3,093 fps 0.82"
Hornady 165 gr. BTSP Light Magnum 3,009 fps 0.98"
Hornady 168 gr. BTHP Match 2,792 fps 1.08"
Winchester 168 gr. Ballistic Silvertip 2,780 fps 1.26"
(*.)Accuracy measurements are the result of five five-shot 100 yard bench
rest groups using the Oehler P35 Chronograph