Which load is better for Lower 48? One load to rule them all!

[2rocky]

Assume 3-10 power CDS scope on an 8.5 pound rifle.

Comments welcome on Max Distance especially if it differs by species...

 

[VikingsGuy]

Assume 3-10 power CDS scope on an 8.5 pound rifle.

Comments welcome on Max Distance especially if it differs by species...

View attachment 250295

My specs for terminal performance is at least 2,000fps (I shoot non-lead and want to maintain appropriate velocity for expansion) and 1,500ftlb energy for elk/moose-sized game (1,000 for deer-sized ). So, in theory, I would shoot A out to 500 yards for anything less than bison and would shoot B out to 600 yds. But in practice, I limit myself to 400-ish in the field due to field conditions (wind, uneven rest, etc). As such both are more than I need, so I would shoot A and take advantage of the presumably lower powder usage and lower recoil A would provide (depending on the bullet weight you did not disclose).

 

[Deleted member 28227]

Go big or go home bra

 

[OntarioHunter]

Anlyzing numbers and statistics gives me a headache. Looking at that chart sent me to the medicine cabinet for half a jug of aspirin.

180 gr Remington factory CoreLock in 30-06 should take care of anything worth shooting in the Lower 48.

 

[rjthehunter]

B for sure. Flatter shooting, less affected by wind, it'll kick more, but I don't see a downside to it.

 

[nhenry]

Can’t go wrong with better ballistics… but either’ll do it

 

[Don Fischer]

Both could do the job very well! But the plain truth is that number's don't do near as well a job of killing animals as well placed shots.

 

[BuckRut]

Get a 300 RUM and be done with it.

 

[brocksw]

I'd still pick A if it was a better bullet, especially at distance. But based on ballistics alone, B is the obvious choice unless it's a copper bullet.

 

[BoulderBulls]

My specs for terminal performance is at least 2,000fps (I shoot non-lead and want to maintain appropriate velocity for expansion) and 1,500ftlb energy for elk/moose-sized game (1,000 for deer-sized ). So, in theory, I would shoot A out to 500 yards for anything less than bison and would shoot B out to 600 yds. But in practice, I limit myself to 400-ish in the field due to field conditions (wind, uneven rest, etc). As such both are more than I need, so I would shoot A and take advantage of the presumably lower powder usage and lower recoil A would provide (depending on the bullet weight you did not disclose).

What this guy said

 

[std7mag]

I choose neither.

I don't even take my chrono out while doing load development.
I'm looking for most accurate (which is very seldom the highest velocity!).
After i find my accuracy loading, THEN i'll use the chrono, but just to get a base line for drops.
I verify at longer ranges.

I quit chasing velocity numbers a while ago, it is what it is.

 

[mtmuley]

Get a 300 RUM and be done with it.

I'm supposed to say that. mtmuley

 

[Doublecluck]

Jesus! what kinda fat slob of a bullet you shooting? energy in most of my hunting rifles don’t drop under 1400 till mid 800’s or beyond. Pick the faster one.

 

[BrentD]

Still hasn't changed for the last 149 yrs.

.45-70 yesterday, today, tomorrow.

 

[Brian in Montana]

I generally wouldn't shoot farther than 350yds, so they'd be pretty close to the same for me.

 

[Farmerj]

Math says either a 129gr or a 136 gr.

I’m only backwards doing the math because I figured they lined up with a pair of hammers.

Not sure I’d feel comfortable with loading the absolute hammers if that’s load A.

 

[Wind Gypsy]

Jesus! what kinda fat slob of a bullet you shooting? energy in most of my hunting rifles don’t drop under 1400 till mid 800’s or beyond. Pick the faster one.

I figured they lined up with a pair of hammers.

Checks out.

 

[rjthehunter]

I choose neither.

I don't even take my chrono out while doing load development.
I'm looking for most accurate (which is very seldom the highest velocity!).
After i find my accuracy loading, THEN i'll use the chrono, but just to get a base line for drops.
I verify at longer ranges.

I quit chasing velocity numbers a while ago, it is what it is.

Velocity is just a number. A higher BC and kenetic energy are the most important for any range. Who cares how flat it shoots when you have the adjustment available in the scope and likely won't be hunting at ranges where it really matters.