Terminal Energy

Northwest Cajun · June 26, 2001, 02:10 PM

Hi Guys,
Would it make a difference in bullet weight if the ammount of foot pounds are the same at a given distance?
Let me explain, I'll be going Elk hunting this fall and I have narrowed my choice of bullets between a 180gr or a 165gr Partition in a .30-06 both loaded to give 2000 Ft/lbs at 200 yds. Would the Elk know the difference?
I'm using varget in my loads and not getting the velocity with the 180's I was expecting. I might also try the 165gr Grand Slams and if are as good as Partitions I'll use them (they are about $5.00 cheaper per 50)

Thanks
Cajun

**Bud Helms** · June 26, 2001, 03:24 PM

Cajun,

Would the elk know the difference? Not at 200 yds. Of course what you describe means that two different bullet weights delivering the same energy at a given distance from the muzzle are traveling at different velocities at the muzzle and at the distance at which the energy is measured to be the same. At the distance from the muzzle where the velocities are the same, the energy is very different.

This question: "Would it make a difference in bullet weight if the ammount of foot pounds are the same at a given distance?" I do not understand.

JohnK · June 26, 2001, 05:44 PM

I the 180 gr bullet is going to have slightly more momentum than the 165gr which should get you more penetration, depending on the specific bullet design of course. The difference in momentum is pretty minor though, 55 lbs/ft vs 57.

I would think that most elk hunters would opt for the heavier bullet assuming equal accuracy so you can place the shot where you need to.

MrMisanthrope · June 26, 2001, 05:56 PM

See my reply in Hunting

June 26, 2001, 02:10 PM	#1
Northwest Cajun Senior Member Join Date: December 26, 1999 Location: Spanaway Wa. &Lafayette La,(Cajun Country) Posts: 189	Terminal Energy Hi Guys, Would it make a difference in bullet weight if the ammount of foot pounds are the same at a given distance? Let me explain, I'll be going Elk hunting this fall and I have narrowed my choice of bullets between a 180gr or a 165gr Partition in a .30-06 both loaded to give 2000 Ft/lbs at 200 yds. Would the Elk know the difference? I'm using varget in my loads and not getting the velocity with the 180's I was expecting. I might also try the 165gr Grand Slams and if are as good as Partitions I'll use them (they are about $5.00 cheaper per 50) Thanks Cajun __________________ Laizzes Les Bon Temps Rouler!

June 26, 2001, 05:44 PM	#3
JohnK Senior Member Join Date: May 12, 2001 Location: Duvall, Wa Posts: 552	I the 180 gr bullet is going to have slightly more momentum than the 165gr which should get you more penetration, depending on the specific bullet design of course. The difference in momentum is pretty minor though, 55 lbs/ft vs 57. I would think that most elk hunters would opt for the heavier bullet assuming equal accuracy so you can place the shot where you need to. __________________ John http://www.handloads.com Molan Labe!

June 26, 2001, 05:56 PM	#4
MrMisanthrope Senior Member Join Date: October 6, 2000 Location: Spokane WA Posts: 121	See my reply in Hunting __________________ --------------------------------------- All I say is by way of discourse, and nothing by the way of advice. I should not speak so boldly if it were my due to be believed. * HONOR PRAE OMNIBUS - INIURIA MINIMA OMNIBUS * Honor Before All - Doing Least Harm Always ---------------------------------------

June 26, 2001, 03:24 PM	#2
Bud Helms Senior Member Join Date: December 31, 1999 Location: Middle Georgia, USA Posts: 13,198	Cajun, Would the elk know the difference? Not at 200 yds. Of course what you describe means that two different bullet weights delivering the same energy at a given distance from the muzzle are traveling at different velocities at the muzzle and at the distance at which the energy is measured to be the same. At the distance from the muzzle where the velocities are the same, the energy is very different. This question: "Would it make a difference in bullet weight if the ammount of foot pounds are the same at a given distance?" I do not understand.