Bullet Design For Silhouette

[Jerry G]

If you can give me the cal, I assume 30 and muz velocity for the two different BCs I can run the charts for you with my program.

[pistolero45]

So far no one has mentioned the Sierra 190 grain Match King. When I used a .308, I tried to play the game with 168 grain Match Kings on everything. That 168 grain bullet worked great on the first three animals, but the rams were not impressed. However, I can not remember a single ram being struck with a 190 grain pill that failed to succumb! I did not have a chronograph at the time, but according to the book my loads were probably traveling about 2600 fps. I see no reason why a 190 grain MK would not work well in an 30-06.

An old shooter gave me a great tip concerning the turkeys. His comment was, "most turkey misses go over the back." I find that aiming at the junction of the leg and body results in more turkeys knocked down. Give it a try next time.

[Jason]

OUch.. a 190-grainer at 2600fps would probably do fine on the rams, but it would do a number on my shoulder, too.

[pistolero45]

You're right! That is why I gave up on the .308 - it beat me to death.

But this guy has a 30-06. And my guess is after a few matches he will be so hooked that he will buy a smaller caliber rifle.

[NewAZShooter]

Thanks Jerry, that'd be great.

The loads are 30 Cal .308 dia. bullets fired from my 30.06 Springfield. The 110 grain bullet with the B.C. of roughly .250 using IMR 4895 should leave the muzzle at about 2700 fps according to the manual. But I have not chrono'd it. The 178 gain bullet with the B.C. of .460 should leave the muzzle at closer to 2350 fps, again according to the manual, not a chronograph. These were the starting powder charges for the bullets, per my reloading manual.

So far, on average we've been seeing somewhere around 10 to 20 MPH in the wind department on the days I've been at the range lately. I have a digital anemometer I use frequently on the job. I should start bringing it with me to the range to record some accurate wind speeds, just for fun. It might help me learn to dope the wind more quickly than just guestimating.

Pistolero, I looked at those 190's and they looked good to me as well. Heck, I even looked at some match bullets over 200 grains, but when I picked one up I decided that much lead leaving the muzzle would surely have a toll on my shoulder. So I opted for the 178s. So far so good. And yeah, you're probably right about my likelihood of buying a smaller caliber sometime soon. But for now, I'll see how the old hunting rifle in 30.06 does. It's a devilishly difficult sport, but a ton of fun!

Thanks,

[pistolero45]

I started HP with a .243 hunting rifle and after afew years switched to a bull barreled .308. I think I shot that gun just two seasons before I went back to the .243. Granted, I would ring about half the rams, but I made up for it by knocking down more of the closer targets.

I think using your hunting rifle when getting started is a great idea.

[Jerry G]

Meters 110GR 178GR

200 6.09" 3.83"

300 14.70" 8.94"

385 24"+ 14"+

500 26.78"

Figures are for 10 mph cross wind. For 20 mph wind double the numbers.

Good luck.

[Jerry G]

the forma went south on me. the drift at 500 is for the heavy bullet.

[NewAZShooter]

Thanks Jerry,

Wow, that is quite a bit of difference between those two loads I am using, especially at the turkey distance. I've printed those numbers and added them to my case for reference at the range. Much appreciated. I can see that calling the wind is going to be pretty important.

Looks like an argument for using a higher B.C. bullet for the turkeys, assuming the added recoil doesn't reduce my ability to hit the animals. I sort of think that it will, but how much remains to be seen.

Thanks again, and good shooting.