bullet weight or the bullet energy?

[howa3006]

Hello All,
New here to the forum looking forward to reading the many great articles and hopefully learning some new techniques!
However I first have a question
What kills your chosen game, bullet weight or the bullet energy? Shot placement being equal.
Thanks

 

[WildRose]

Hello All,
New here to the forum looking forward to reading the many great articles and hopefully learning some new techniques!
However I first have a question
What kills your chosen game, bullet weight or the bullet energy? Shot placement being equal.
Thanks

Energy is a function of both weight and velocity.

Sectional density is a key component of penetration ability.

I look for High BC bullets with high SD in the upper range but rarely max weight range for a given caliber and try to drive it at the best velocity for accuracy.

I also stick to proven hunting bullets rather than experimental, hybrids, and absolutely will not use a target bullet on game.

If you are shooting a cannon like the ultra magnums 338's it doesn't matter a hell of a lot because at those velocities anything over 250gr is going to penetrate anything you shoot it at excepting things like cape buff and elephants where you may have to penetrate a foot or more of dense bone and heavy muscle before reaching the vitals and where of course anything other than a first shot kill can easily result in your death or the deaths of those accompanying you.

 

[Broz]

Hello All,
What kills your chosen game, bullet weight or the bullet energy? Shot placement being equal.
Thanks

A heavy for caliber bullet disbursing the majority it's energy into the vitals and destroying them. These type bullets work well close up with the majority of the kills dropping in their tracks. At longer distances they even work better as the heavier for caliber choices will become the faster bullet in velocity over the lighter offerings. Also these highly expandable bullets are among the best as far as long range expansion and good sized exits.

Want to see some actual field results for yourself?

Look here.
http://www.longrangehunting.com/forums/f19/cmparing-berger-210-vld-215-hybrid-88657/

Jeff

 

[COBrad]

There you go friend. You have received excellent feedback from two highly respected members of the forum. All I can add is I agree.

 

[howa3006]

thank you very much

 

[PBR driver]

Bullet Energy numbers do not amount to much, they are a marketing ploy.
The bullet momentum is the more important figure.
The laws of physics tells me if my bullet is leaving the muzzle with 5000 ft pounds of energy then my shoulder will receive 5000 ft pounds of energy.
The idea of shooting hvy for caliber bullet is a sound one for the momentum of the bullet do the job.
If you shoot a 125 pound prong horn with 5000 ft pounds of energy then by all rights he should be blown off his feet and out several yards.
Energy numbers are not a bad way to judge one cartridge against another but in the field it is another matter.

 

[HARPERC]

There you go friend. You have received excellent feedback from two highly respected members of the forum. All I can add is I agree.

Nothing to add. Pretty solid principles.