Thread: Are we seeing a shift to smaller calibres and lighter bullets?

Originally Posted by HuntGatherRepeat

I was just contemplating this as I looked at some different projectile options for my 260. I've never really done a comparison and just ran with the heaviest longest projectile that I could. Had a look at published load data and if I compare a 143g to a 100g projectile, loaded to max speed on the Hornady website, using 10 mph wind at 90*, the 143g has 50" of drop and 13.9" of wind drift at 500. The 100g option has 40" drop and 16.3" of wind drift at the same distance. The 143g obviously has more retained energy (1374 ft-lb) vs the 100g (1059 ft-lb) but both are over the magic 1000 ft-lb number. I would think that sacrificing just over 2" of wind drift to 10" of vertical would be advantageous.

On paper and within real world hunting ranges, at least for me, the lighter faster projectiles seem to be a better option. Anyone else been down this rabbit hole or have any thoughts on why running a heavier load would be advantageous? I see the retained energy as the only real benefit but if it's surplus to requirements, would it even matter?

Also, as above. Wind is usually more important than drop/elevation now everyone has a range finder.

If you are shooting at 500m you are either dialing or using holds in the reticle, and drop is easily accounted for.
Whereas most people either can't read wind for shit or more likely don't even think about it, so a bullet less effected by wind gives you more chance of making a good hit.

But again, if you are doing most of your shooting inside of 300m it doesn't really matter.

Ive gone from magnums to a 16inch 22 creedmoor shooting the 88eldm at 2900fps
I can say that you cannot tell the difference in terminal damage between the two.
The light weight portable creedmoor with its low recoil, wicked accuracy and spotting the shots is a real joy to shoot and carry.
I certainly wouldn't go back to a magnum, anything sub 600 yards i won't need to

Originally Posted by Gkp

Ive gone from magnums to a 16inch 22 creedmoor shooting the 88eldm at 2900fps
I can say that you cannot tell the difference in terminal damage between the two.
The light weight portable creedmoor with its low recoil, wicked accuracy and spotting the shots is a real joy to shoot and carry.
I certainly wouldn't go back to a magnum, anything sub 600 yards i won't need to

How do you find performance up close with that combo? Any issues with penetration?

Originally Posted by Nick-D

How do you find performance up close with that combo? Any issues with penetration?

Good! Leaves 2 inch exit holes. The 88eldm doesn't need to be driven fast to perform. Perfect for a short barrels