I began working on this AB Analytics comparison of 150 SMK and 131 ACE before your response but these data points should illustrate the pack with +/- taken into account. I added the prototype ACE BC as a comparison and it really highlights what a few points of BC can do at extended ranges.
All of these cartridges are in fact badass, especially compared to available performance just 6-10 years ago, so a deer isn't going to know the difference one way or the other. The main difference will be recoil to the shooter.
These numbers were ran in AB Analytics at 0 Density Altitude.
- 150 SMK at 2775 fps,
- 150 SMK at 2850 fps,
- 131 ACE at 2975 fps (think 25x47L in 26"),
- 131 ACE prototype bullet at 3050 fps,
- 131 ACE production bullet at 3050 fps.
I usually don't include cartridge designations on these comparisons, but it is truly exceptional what the efficient little cartridges can do with a good bullet. For most cases is it worth burning the powder in a 25x284 or 25-06 to get to 3140-3200 fps over 2975-3070 fps? Maybe. Maybe not.
Trajectory: trajectory isn't everything, but in many instances reducing Max Ordinate will result in less actual wind in the field since your bullet is staying closer to the ground out of higher speed wind bands. Among these efficient examples this has less impact, but the slowest ACE is 4 feet flatter at 1300 yards than the faster 150 SMK.
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Wind Deflection: nothing insane here in Wind but the prototype ACE and the 25x47 will run neck and neck with the 150 SMK 6.5 Creed at 2850 to a mile. Call it a wash but a fast 25 Creed is about 8% ahead of a fast 6.5 150smk Creed at 600, 1000, and 1760 yards. Depending on where your rifle wants to run this may be faster or slower in each rifle so call it a wash.
View attachment 121023
Energy: Truly inconsequential differences amongst the lot. Plenty to do the job, but the 131 ACE out of a 25 Creed (H4350 haven't messed with RL26 or other speedy powders) edges out the 150 smk. Again, both of these pairings are tremendously ahead of other bullets in the market.
View attachment 121024
At the end of the day they are both great options. For higher volume shooters achieving the same performance with less recoil would get the nod. For guys that like having a lot of bullet options, there's a nod there.
Blackjack Bullets will be releasing the second high BC 257 option this year and the BC is only going UP!
The new bullet will really make the AI and Magnum Cartridges shine with new light. 25-06 AI, 25 SAUM, 25 PRC, and 257 WBY are going to be flat hard hitting monsters, still with pretty reasonable recoil.
The new bullet will also be very at home in 25x47 and be very good in the wind for matches.
I have to make a run to the rigs so I won't be back online for a few hours.
