which would be more effective?

troy_mclure · November 14, 2009, 04:17 AM

what would be a better load, a .40 180gr saboted load, or a .44 180gr saboted load, assuming same bullet construction?

which would work better terminally, and ballistically?

Delmar · November 14, 2009, 04:55 AM

I can't see a reason to assume that one would work better than the other. If the outer diameter of the sabot is the same and we know the weight is the same they should come out of the barrel at the same speed. I would suppose the question becomes, which one has a more aerodynamic shape? Can anyone tell I'm just guessing

B.L.E. · November 14, 2009, 10:19 AM

Weight and bullet style being equal, the smaller diameter bullet most likely will have a better ballistic coefficent and will retain velocity better at long ranges.
The smaller bullet will also need a faster rifling twist to stabilize it.
That's why you don't see .50 caliber sabots for .308 rifle bullets, no .50 caliber barrel comes with the rifling twist needed to stabilize such a bullet.

arcticap · November 14, 2009, 05:40 PM

The .40 180 gr. bullet has a better sectional density over the .44 180 gr. which would result in better penetration.

BTW, 20 gauge saboted shotgun slugs start out at .40 caliber before expanding in game.

November 14, 2009, 04:17 AM	#1
troy_mclure Senior Member Join Date: November 17, 2008 Location: gulf of mexico Posts: 2,716	which would be more effective? what would be a better load, a .40 180gr saboted load, or a .44 180gr saboted load, assuming same bullet construction? which would work better terminally, and ballistically? __________________ There is only one tactical principle which is not subject to change. It is to use the means at hand to inflict the maximum amount of wound, death, and destruction on the enemy in the minimum amount of time."

November 14, 2009, 05:40 PM	#4
arcticap Senior Member Join Date: March 15, 2005 Location: Central Connecticut Posts: 3,166	The .40 180 gr. bullet has a better sectional density over the .44 180 gr. which would result in better penetration. BTW, 20 gauge saboted shotgun slugs start out at .40 caliber before expanding in game. Last edited by arcticap; November 14, 2009 at 06:26 PM.

November 14, 2009, 04:55 AM	#2
Delmar Senior Member Join Date: March 20, 2009 Location: Norhthern Indiana Posts: 307	I can't see a reason to assume that one would work better than the other. If the outer diameter of the sabot is the same and we know the weight is the same they should come out of the barrel at the same speed. I would suppose the question becomes, which one has a more aerodynamic shape? Can anyone tell I'm just guessing

November 14, 2009, 10:19 AM	#3
B.L.E. Senior Member Join Date: December 20, 2008 Location: Somewhere on the Southern shore of Lake Travis, TX Posts: 2,603	Weight and bullet style being equal, the smaller diameter bullet most likely will have a better ballistic coefficent and will retain velocity better at long ranges. The smaller bullet will also need a faster rifling twist to stabilize it. That's why you don't see .50 caliber sabots for .308 rifle bullets, no .50 caliber barrel comes with the rifling twist needed to stabilize such a bullet.