packgoatguy
Well-Known Member
In case anyone else finds this (often debated) topic interesting: Ive been planning on setting up another long range capable rifle. With SO SO SO many caliber and cartridge choices available, it is difficult to evaluate which one has the most to offer. The following link is to a Google Sheet spreadsheet that I created that compares some of the more popular long range hunting cartridges.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/156KStH-VKLIwILKsmubbCZDm6XzUvyz47oro0nR5hxY/edit?usp=sharing
The spreadsheet ranks the various cartridges based on the point in their flight when they drop below 1600fps (the minimum velocity when the popular Hornady ELD-X bullets are said to be designed to reliably expand upon impact.) For the purpose of this analysis, I am calling this the "max effective range" of the particular cartridge.
SPOILER ALERT, this spreadsheet puts the 28 Nosler at the top of the list (unless you can get 2900fps or more out of a 270gr 338 bullet.)
The spreadsheet uses the advertised velocities on Hornady's and Nosler's websites.
Also included is the wind drift and drop of each cartridge at 500, 1000, and 1500 yard increments.
Also included is the KPS (Killing Power Score) of each bullet at the corresponding yardages and velocities. (the KPS scale accounts for energy, velocity, bullet weight, sectional density, and the diameter of the bullet to give a "score" that more or less defines its "oomph" on target). Bear in mind that a 10mm pistol at point blank range has a KPS score of 12-17 depending on barrel length and how hot the ammo is.... and that is a round many would argue is adequate medicine for protection in bear infested woods...
So, my question to you all would be: in real life, do you see these velocities as advertised? What other considerations should be included in evaluating the "best" overall long range hunting cartridge?
If you were trying to put together the lightest weight, but still half MOA accurate rifle, which of these cartridges would you choose and why?
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/156KStH-VKLIwILKsmubbCZDm6XzUvyz47oro0nR5hxY/edit?usp=sharing
The spreadsheet ranks the various cartridges based on the point in their flight when they drop below 1600fps (the minimum velocity when the popular Hornady ELD-X bullets are said to be designed to reliably expand upon impact.) For the purpose of this analysis, I am calling this the "max effective range" of the particular cartridge.
SPOILER ALERT, this spreadsheet puts the 28 Nosler at the top of the list (unless you can get 2900fps or more out of a 270gr 338 bullet.)
The spreadsheet uses the advertised velocities on Hornady's and Nosler's websites.
Also included is the wind drift and drop of each cartridge at 500, 1000, and 1500 yard increments.
Also included is the KPS (Killing Power Score) of each bullet at the corresponding yardages and velocities. (the KPS scale accounts for energy, velocity, bullet weight, sectional density, and the diameter of the bullet to give a "score" that more or less defines its "oomph" on target). Bear in mind that a 10mm pistol at point blank range has a KPS score of 12-17 depending on barrel length and how hot the ammo is.... and that is a round many would argue is adequate medicine for protection in bear infested woods...
So, my question to you all would be: in real life, do you see these velocities as advertised? What other considerations should be included in evaluating the "best" overall long range hunting cartridge?
If you were trying to put together the lightest weight, but still half MOA accurate rifle, which of these cartridges would you choose and why?
