Velocity vs Energy

I was out at the range this AM and an old timer (76) next to me was shooting a Taylor's Rolling Block in .45-70 with 30" barrel. I do not remember the slugs but at least a 500 grainer and he was grouping them at .5-75 MOA at 200 yards with open sight.

I bet he is taking Advill or Aleve this evening and or tomorrow morning. I resemble that old timer... 75 here after a long hard childhood that is just about over.
 
I know this can get a bit dicey but all things considered...
In your opinion, is velocity or energy more important for an ethical kill on big game? I have heard/read various levels of acceptable energy related to game size (1000,1200,1500,2500 ft-lb) but also hear/read that velocity is more important due hydrostatic shock. Personally, I prefer the "wind resistance" of the 7mm for insurance with inaccuracy of wind calls.

Would you choose...

7mm, 180g
2057fps/1692ft-lb
or
338, 250gr
1810fps / 1819 ft-lb

Trying to decide which setup to go with for Elk/Caribou/Moose/Black Bear.

Thanks
You know my recommendation. Build one of each for those days you aren't sure!:D
 
I would just like to say I do a fair bit of load development and lots of long range shooting. I have never had a round ring the steel like the 28 nosler does at any given distance. The biggest .338 I've have had is the 33 nosler and at 400 yrd and beyond nothing out does the 28 from the guns I've shot.
I have blown thru AR 500 steel twice now at 400 yard with my 28 load and no other gun which me and my buddies have has done that.
 
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Ever heard of Vince Lupo? He took all of the African big 6 with a Marlin lever action 45-70 loaded with Garrett Hamerhead bullets. 400+gr hardcast lead bullets with a "Big" meplat have penetrated both shoulders of a Cape Buffalo and killed a cow that was standing behind him, this was done by Brian Pearce and documented in Rifle magazine 2004.
They've all been taken with calibers as small as 6.5 and .303, All of them have been taken with ML's as well.

That something has been or could be done in the past doesn't make it a good idea in the present.

The whole reason for buying my first .375 was the education I got from PH's and Outfitters as to their thoughts on the 45-70 which I've been shooting since the 70's.
 
You guys are impressive... I hurt after about 5 rounds of 300/305 grain factory ammo with my stock 1886 Winchester .45-70 at the range. I can only imagine what it would feel like with your hand loads or those Garrett 540 hard cast plus P's.
I've shot as heavy as .405gr and it's no pick nick. Big bores like this though don't hit as sharply as our modern magnums so while the recoil can move you back a few steps it doesn't hurt in the same way.

If you're going to shoot heavy recoiling rounds you need to learn to manage, rather than fight the recoil. Let your body be a shock absorbed rather than a brick wall.

The way the difference was explained to me years ago was the difference in the velocity of the recoil vs that of our modern high velocity magnums.
 
I would just like to say I do a fair bit of load development and lots of long range shooting. I have never had a round ring the steel like the 28 nosler does at any given distance. The biggest .338 I've have had is the 33 nosler and at 400 yrd and beyond nothing out does the 28 from the guns I've shot.
I have blown thru AR 500 steel twice now at 400 yard with my 28 load and no other gun which me and my buddies have has done.
The velocity and energy that a 28 puts out is unsurpassed IMO
You might want to look up the velocity and energy with similar loads in the 7x300wby, 7mm STW, and 7mm Rum.

The 28 isn't doing anything new, it's just being very well marketed.
 
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