Semisane,

I ran some numbers on that bullet and I'm not sure I would use it much beyond 150 yards even if launched at 2000 fps. At that speed it may not hold together on close shots and it drops below 800FP energy at around 155 yards (at my typical 6500 feet elevation). It slows even more at lower altitudes, at 500feet it drops below 800 FPE around 125 yards. Compare that to a 200SWwhich drops to 800 FPE around 280 yards at 500 feet elevation and 2000 fps launch speed.

My theory on light bullets is that there is a point of diminishing returns where the bullet becomes to light to be effective much beyond 125 yards. The trajectory of a 300 grainSW (1700fps)for instance is less than an inch different (at 200 yards) than a 250SW (1785)but has 25% more energy (both with 6"PBR sight ins). I don't think the deer is going to notice the impact point difference but the energy difference will be noticed. A lot of this is due to the BC of the bullet. Thats why a 200SW (2000fps) has similar energyto the 300SW (1700fps) out to around 200 yards. The trajectory of the 200 is much flater with half the drop of the 300 at 200 yards (6"PBR).

The highest point in Louisiana isDriskill "Mountain"at 535 feet above sea level.

Thanks for the input guys. I guess I won't even bother playing around with the 180s. That's the great thing about this forum - you can draw on the experience of others and savetime and dollars, and avoid needless frustration.

semi

aif you want a handful of 180 grain GD's I could send them to you.. I sent a bunch to Lee but I am pretty sure there is most of a box left around here someplace...

mike

Thanks for the offer Mike, but it looks like it would be a waste of postage and powder. Here's another thought I've had. Beartooth Bullets sells a .451 heat treated 300 grain Wide Flat Nose bullet for the .45 Colt that I sure like the looks of. I've e-mailed them asking if they can make them available in pure lead.








[align=center] [/align]
[align=center]300g[/align]
[align=center]WFN[/align]
PB
[align=left]100[/align]
$22.75
[align=center]5 lbs.[/align]
[align=center]View Details[/align]
[align=center]A very accurate, efficient bullet for the .45 LC. Works very well for velocities up to 1300 fps. A top performing bullet that is often overlooked due to plain-based design[/align]

The 240 XTP's out of a 50, Rock on deer....

Can't imagine a 180 not doing the job if accurate and with sufficient velocity.

Heck roundballs will kill deer.....(*lol)

(*didn't "grin" because bigcountry can't handle it)

I have used the 200gr 40 cal bullets with excellant results on both deer and boar 2 of each I shot them with 50/40 sabots in a 50 cal with 110gr 777 FF all were one shot kills and all droped with in 5 yards of the hit.
the 200gr XTP is ok it did fine but I like the SW better it shoots enough flatter and I think it opens a bit slower which gives better penatration in case of an angle shot. While I could not get acceptable accuracy out of the 180gr the 200gr were capable of minute of angle with 1/28 twist. Lee