.338-06 anybody?

[SAWMAN]

Couple things - - ->
Disclaimer- - -> I have no expierance with the 338 solid copper bullets . . . BUT . . .
On more than several ocassions I have talked to the Barnes people on the phone re. their TSX and TTSX line of .308",.224",and .458" bullets. Also in re. to the .308" bullets for use in my 300BLK guns. These are <131grs.
On every ocassion they tell me that their published or stated minimum opening velocities are for "optimal expansion". They will not elaborate on that,but as I understand it you will get a lesser level of expansion at the < "optimal expansion" velocities. Question is . . . how much less ????
Obviously,if your bullet drops off 100fps under their "optimal expansion" velocity,it will still expand. But how much ?? Remember also that a bbls faster twist rate will help with expansion also.
All in all,I have not got too hung-up on the velocity vs impact distance thing. If my figured max distance for a 110gr coming out of one of my 300BLK's is 225yds,would I attempt to kill a critter at 250,275,etc. ?? Yep,I sure would . . . within reason.
Also,Barnes will tell you that their solid copper bullets like a little jump into the lands and not right on them. I load accordingly and get some amazing accuracy from their bullets. --- SAWMAN

[Jbotto]

Couple things - - ->
Disclaimer- - -> I have no expierance with the 338 solid copper bullets . . . BUT . . .
On more than several ocassions I have talked to the Barnes people on the phone re. their TSX and TTSX line of .308",.224",and .458" bullets. Also in re. to the .308" bullets for use in my 300BLK guns. These are <131grs.
On every ocassion they tell me that their published or stated minimum opening velocities are for "optimal expansion". They will not elaborate on that,but as I understand it you will get a lesser level of expansion at the < "optimal expansion" velocities. Question is . . . how much less ????
Obviously,if your bullet drops off 100fps under their "optimal expansion" velocity,it will still expand. But how much ?? Remember also that a bbls faster twist rate will help with expansion also.
All in all,I have not got too hung-up on the velocity vs impact distance thing. If my figured max distance for a 110gr coming out of one of my 300BLK's is 225yds,would I attempt to kill a critter at 250,275,etc. ?? Yep,I sure would . . . within reason.
Also,Barnes will tell you that their solid copper bullets like a little jump into the lands and not right on them. I load accordingly and get some amazing accuracy from their bullets. --- SAWMAN

Thanks for this post SAWMAN. I appreciate it! I can honestly say I didn't really stop to think about that. Like you mentioned, if the Barnes people say 1800fps, it's not like at 1750 or even 1700 they will just stop expanding. The numbers that everyone has heard is for "optimum expansion" which to me means that will cover their butt a bit as they probably start seeing inconsistencies under that veloity. Inconsistencies don't mean complete failure of performance. I think I'm over thinking this, and your post has helped calm me down a bit. Thanks also for the seating length hint! That is much appreciated!