It seems to me that I have heard a theme of bigger pure lead conicals. Most of the so called "failures" I have been hearing of seem to be at higher powder charges (150 grains or close to it).

Could it be that big, soft lead does better at lower velocities? One example we all know from high powered rifles is game shot up close with a soft lead bullet. It just disentigrates when it hits, sometimes not giving good penetration, while if the same bullet is shot at 250 yards and hits with lower velocity, it performs well. Thus the Nosler partition bullets and later clones. The soft lead core expands better at longer ranges, and the solid core remains for good penetration at close ranges.

Seems to me that solid lead conicals perform better, have better penetration, and don't fragment as bad at moderate velocities. At 150 grains of powder, wouldn't be MORE likely to fragment on impact and increase the failure rate?

Now I am not talking about sabots that are built more like premium rifle bullets and have controlled expansion. Just big soft lead conicals.

Someone with more knowledge of physics should jump in, but it makes sense to me.

I know I feel comfortable using 90 grains of 777 on elk this fall.

txhunter58

venor, ergo sum (I hunt, therefore I am)