Minimum impact velocity for big game with Matchkings?

[MontanaMarine]

For the experienced long range hunters,

What do you consider minimum adequate terminal velocity for hunting deer to elk with these bullets:

.338 300grSMK
.308 240grSMK
.308 220grSMK

I've read a couple things that seem contradictory on this forum. In one case, a .338 300gr at under 1000 fps can kill elk, leaving volleyball sized exit wounds. Another LR hunter indicates a 300WSM does not lauunch .308 240grSMK fast enough to kill deer well at 600 yards....I guessin a 300WSM in a 26" barrel would be able to push a 240grSMK to at least 2600fps, at 600 still moving over 1900fps with almost a ton of kinetic energy.

Can some of you experienced in hunting with these bullets tell me what you consider minimum impact velocity on these bullets? Thanks.

MM

[ 11-26-2002: Message edited by: MontanaMarine ]

 

[MontanaMarine]

I'm bringing this back up. Hoping some of you with LR hunting experience will share your assesments.

MM

 

[*WyoWhisper*]

Well I'll tell you how I limit myself.

I use my ballsitcs table to calculate the ft. lbs of energy at a given distance.

I figure you need 800 -1000 lbs to kill a deer

you need 1800-2000 to kill an Elk.

But hey thats just me...

 

[MontanaMarine]

Wyo,

Your limits are exactly what I have always set for myself, when working out max engagement range with hunting rifles.

Using this standard would equate to the following approximate minimum velocities:

300gr .338,1200fps deer/1700fps elk
240gr .308,1300fps deer/1900fps elk
220gr .308,1400fps deer/2000fps elk

MM

[ 11-27-2002: Message edited by: MontanaMarine ]

 

[Charles A]

MM, I think that they were trying to say that the 300wsm is not the best platform to launch a 240smk. It will certainly kill game alot farther than 600yds. But you would be better served with a 300wsm if you went with a lighter bullet like a 190gr or 200gr for close to medium shots(under 800yds). My findings with Matchkings, if the velocity is above 1500fps it will expand. If below 1500fps it will tumble once inside the animal, creating an extreme wound channel. The close shots can be messey as well. We shot a small buck the 25th at 34yds with a 190gr smk impact vel. was about 2950fps. He was faceing us slightly to our left, bullet entered right in front of left shoulder exited rear edge of right. Exit wound was the size of a basketball, 13 inches long 8.5in wide.


Bother, said Pooh, as he chambered another round...