Reduced load bullet performance

pearson1662 · December 18, 2004, 08:58 AM

A freind told me that the 6.5mm 129 gr Hornady SP's that Im loading at 1800 fps would be adequate as far penetration was concerned, on deer at 100 yards but that they would not expand reliably and that I needed to find some bullets with thinner jackets. Is this accurate?

Leftoverdj · December 18, 2004, 12:12 PM

It's conventional wisdom that most rifle bullets need `1600-1800 fps impact velocity to expand. I've never tested it but am inclined to believe it. I'd be inclined to use a varmint bullet at those velocities.

December 18, 2004, 08:58 AM	#1
pearson1662 Member Join Date: June 4, 2004 Posts: 52	Reduced load bullet performance A freind told me that the 6.5mm 129 gr Hornady SP's that Im loading at 1800 fps would be adequate as far penetration was concerned, on deer at 100 yards but that they would not expand reliably and that I needed to find some bullets with thinner jackets. Is this accurate?

December 18, 2004, 12:12 PM	#2
Leftoverdj Senior Member Join Date: October 15, 2004 Posts: 934	It's conventional wisdom that most rifle bullets need `1600-1800 fps impact velocity to expand. I've never tested it but am inclined to believe it. I'd be inclined to use a varmint bullet at those velocities.