lighter grain bullets for ML

[woodshed]

It seems the standard or most popular is a 250 grain bullet for a 50 cal. ML on deer.

If you went with 200, wouldn't you get better ballistics? ie. a faster bullet, flatter, longer range, more accurate?????

thanks

[AJ]

That all depends. If the bullet diameter is the same, the ballistic coefficient (BC) is lower meaning it will retain less velocity and energy down range compared to a bullet with higher BC. Comparing a .40 caliber 200 gr bullet to a .45 caliber 250 gr bullet, yes the 200 gr bullet can win.

Here is a bullet drop chart that compares many bullets. It shows that bullet shape is as important as bullet weight.

The accuracy part of your question the gun likes what the gun likes. Just because the bullet flies faster does not mean its more accurate.

[woodshed]

great imfo. thanks.

[Hoosierbuck]

Got to remember that these bullets are often pistol bullets and are not going very fast. Can't compare a 200 grain 40 cal going ML speeds with a 30 cal 200 grainer going rifle speed (roughly 50% faster). From one who tried, stick with the heavier bullets. I doubt you'll find the difference in trajectory worth the difference in on-game performance, and by then it's too late for that hunt.

HB

[Guest gt2003]

Woodshed, what are you searching for in a ML bullet? If you'll give us this info, maybe we can help. For me, I shoot usually within 50 yds. This allows me to use a 220 grain bullet and only 80 grains of 777 powder with very little recoil. So, let us know your situation and we'll give you more specific answers.

[woodshed]

Woodshed, what are you searching for in a ML bullet? If you'll give us this info, maybe we can help. For me, I shoot usually within 50 yds. This allows me to use a 220 grain bullet and only 80 grains of 777 powder with very little recoil. So, let us know your situation and we'll give you more specific answers.

I have a new Omega 50 cal with a Burris BDC scope. I shoot 250 grain bullet with 2 777's. This setup calls for a 125yard zero for the Burris BDC reticle to be accurate.

I hunt agriculture and Oak/Cedar forests in Missouri for whitetail.

I read all the time where people make 100 plus yard shots and I want to have that option with my setup.

My question though was more of a big picture question about ML'er ballistics. It just seemed lighter would be faster and then more accurate. The pistol analogy makes sense that at these speeds, the KE of a heavier bullet provides better penetration and retention. This being a big player in why heavier may be better.

I have a box of 200 grain bullets and asked because I wanted to see if this would still be a successful load to use. If they are not, then I'll just shoot them at the range.

thanks for your help.

[AJ]

My question though was more of a big picture question about ML'er ballistics. It just seemed lighter would be faster and then more accurate.

Look at some of the bullet manufacturers websites. Many offer ballistic charts that will give you a rough idea of how the bullet will perform. Basically, the higher the ballistic coefficient is, the flatter the trajectory is and the less energy loss there is going down range. Comparing a 250 gr SST to a 250 gr XTP shows this rather well. The XTP looses a lot of speed going downrange even though they can leave the muzzle at the same speed.

You have to match the bullet type to the game you are shooting. I would not use a 200 gr SST on elk. Also, I would not use a 340 gr Dead Center for deer. Although they will both work under certain circumstances, there are better choices out there. As to accuracy, that depends on your gun and the velocity you want. Trial and error is the only way to find what is best for your setup and requirements.

[wtnhunt]

Some good advice given here for sure. Have to agree with what AJ says about your gun liking what your gun likes.

My black diamond really likes the 240 grain tc xtp mag sabots, do not know how it would do with a 200 grain bullet, have not tried any. Have tried other sabots all 240 grain or heavier and always ended up going back to the 240 grain xtp's. Think honestly if you work your loads and see what works best with your rifle you should be able to comfortably shoot well beyond 125 yards, pretty confident with my setup under the right conditions to take a shot to 175 yards or possibly a tad more.

Both the deer my wife and I killed last year were taken with the same ml, my shot was about 135 yards, hers just shy of 100 yards both using a 120 grain loose pyro charge and the 240 grain xtp's. The deer I killed I got on video, he made it about 100 yards after the shot, the wife dropped hers just about in its tracks. All the deer both of us have killed over the past 5 or 6 years with the black diamond have been shot with those 240 grain xtp's with the same charge of pyrodex, the one I killed last year went further than any other to date but the blood trail was pretty easy to follow and the deer did not quite make it to the woods.

Have fun shooting and finding out what performs best in your gun.