When is it too much bullet weight?
Question:
I have been looking at ballistics charts for Winchester .308 and have a fundamental hunting question about bullet weight as it cooresponds to energy and killing power. I found that a 150 grain Winchester Ballistic Silvertip (BST) has the same energy profile as their 168 grain BST. What the 150 lacks in weight it make up the difference in increased velocity (the kinetic energy is the same 1/2mv^2). It makes sense since energy is the rate of change of momentum. So, if a bullet of the same caliber hit the deer with the same energy, why then would the 150 grain BST be a better choice for say a 120 pound deer? Why is the 168 or even a 180 grain too much bullet? I am guessing the answer is in time verses bullet expansion. That being, the resistance of the deer’s body is not sufficient to deform the heavier bullet fast enough before it exits the body. This theory would work in reverse as well. If I were to hit the heavy grissle plate of a large wild pig with a 150 grain bullet, the bullet would expand too quickly and the grissle plate would absorb the energy, thus prohibiting deep penetration. I’m fairly certain this is how it works, but wanted to ask the opinion of the group as I am a novice hunter and want to make sure I pick the appropriate weight. Otherwise, why not just go with the heavy bullet? Visit the rec.hunting and rec.hunting.dogs FAQ Home Page at: http://sportsmansweb.com/hunting/ To leave the Hunting listserv list, send a message with SIGNOFF HUNTING
Response:
Bullet construction determines expansion more than weight in most big game bullets. Choose a weight that gives you the trajectory and energy profile you desire, then use differently constructed bullets of that weight for different purposes. Visit the rec.hunting and rec.hunting.dogs FAQ Home Page at: http://sportsmansweb.com/hunting/ To leave the Hunting listserv list, send a message with SIGNOFF HUNTING
Response:
