My objective is a cartridge usable both in a firearm with a 4.4" barrel and another with a 3.0" barrel. Anecdotal information I've seen makes me guess an 850FPS floor for reliable expansion, understanding other issues could inhibit expansion.
Some commercial loads in 200/230gr are running at 900FPS and higher, and looking at load data, would imply the use of slow powders and reaching max SAAMI pressures.
I don't want to load hot and certainly not at +P, for several reasons, including wear and tear, larger degree of difficulty for follow up shots, and the likelihood of more muzzle flash. I also subscribe to the notion of "slower is better" for penetration.
Poring over load data, I'm coming to the conclusion I can't get there with 230gr or even 200gr. So I'm looking for others' thoughts on 185gr XTP/GD/GS at a target 900FPS in the 4.4" barrel and ~870FP in the 3" barrel using a fast powder, as an effective load.
Some commercial loads in 200/230gr are running at 900FPS and higher, and looking at load data, would imply the use of slow powders and reaching max SAAMI pressures.
I don't want to load hot and certainly not at +P, for several reasons, including wear and tear, larger degree of difficulty for follow up shots, and the likelihood of more muzzle flash. I also subscribe to the notion of "slower is better" for penetration.
Poring over load data, I'm coming to the conclusion I can't get there with 230gr or even 200gr. So I'm looking for others' thoughts on 185gr XTP/GD/GS at a target 900FPS in the 4.4" barrel and ~870FP in the 3" barrel using a fast powder, as an effective load.