SBruce
Well-Known Member
LTLR, I am with you.
Elkaholic's and Rscott's comments are accurate, both IMO and IME.
The old "rule of thumb" is 800-1000 ft lbs of energy for deer size game. I've seen plenty of examples where less did the job, and plenty of examples where more didn't do the job any better. Plenty of examples where more was needed too.
That rule of thumb is based on having a bullet that will do what it's designed to do at the velocity it's designed to do it at.
If I am not mistaken, every bullet has a recommended minimum velocity for proper expansion/penetration.? Also, every bullet is designed for a specific purpose or a certain class of game.?
An armor piercing round that impacts lungs with 2000 ft lbs of energy, might as well be shooting an arrow with a field tip! A varmint class bullet that impacts shoulder bone with same 2000 ft lbs of energy, might as well be shooting a 22 rimfire.
Right tool for the job, and shot placement above all else.
Elkaholic's and Rscott's comments are accurate, both IMO and IME.
The old "rule of thumb" is 800-1000 ft lbs of energy for deer size game. I've seen plenty of examples where less did the job, and plenty of examples where more didn't do the job any better. Plenty of examples where more was needed too.
That rule of thumb is based on having a bullet that will do what it's designed to do at the velocity it's designed to do it at.
If I am not mistaken, every bullet has a recommended minimum velocity for proper expansion/penetration.? Also, every bullet is designed for a specific purpose or a certain class of game.?
An armor piercing round that impacts lungs with 2000 ft lbs of energy, might as well be shooting an arrow with a field tip! A varmint class bullet that impacts shoulder bone with same 2000 ft lbs of energy, might as well be shooting a 22 rimfire.
Right tool for the job, and shot placement above all else.
