Chuck R.
Member
What is the reason for a heavier bullet unless more sectional density is needed for deeper penetration on heavy game or less drag is needed to maintain velocity over a long-range? For hunting the most common medium-sized game in North America, whitetail, mule deer, pronghorn, etc., it seems that a sectional density of around 0.2 for copper monolithic projectiles delivers sufficient penetration. So we see 80, 100, 110, 130 grain bullets in 243, 6.5, 270, and 30 calibers for example. Is there a rationale for heavier bullets for hunting game besides much heavier game (brown bear, elk, moose, etc.)? Longer, and heavier bullets will give a higher BC, but the lighter bullets will shoot flatter until the BC is way beyond hunting bullet designs and the ranges are beyond hunting distances. Are these lighter monos failing to penetrate on game, or is there another reason people are seeking longer and heavier-for-caliber bullets?
As you noted, higher BC = less drop, drift, and drag over the long haul. There are numerous threads, posts, articles about the whole long range hunting thing, so I'll not go there. Also a lot of the mono-bullets have a higher expansion velocity requirement, which turns into an effective range limitation. This is where the Berger hunting bullets shine, very high BC, lower impact velocity requirement for expansion, plus they're about the most accurate hunting bullet going. Due to the higher BC they also shed velocity slower, which in return increases effective range.
Fore instance, IF I go with the normal parameters for my chosen hunting bullet (Nosler ABs or BTs) the 1800 FPS min expansion velocity recommended by Nosler can be a range limitation.
With some guys it's all about exterior ballistics VS. terminal. I also agree for about 95% of the game shot in the country, the really high BC bullets aren't needed. But for the guys toting "crossover" rifles (More a TGT rifle than classic hunting rifle), why not maximize your range potential? Also, here in KS at least, anything that helps defeat the %$&^$ wind is a "good thing".