12-17-2011, 01:20 AM
I used the Alexander Arms load of 30.0 gr Win 748 and the 120 gr Berger Match Tactical (V=2525 ft/sec) to estimate your muzzle velocity with the 120 gr Nosler Partition and 30.8 gr of W748 and an 18" barrel to be right at 2470 ft/sec. JBM calculations indicate that we get just above 1700 ft/sec at 437 yards.
That is very close to Nosler's recommended 1800 ft/sec for reliable expansion. Your observation of a round dime-size exit wound indicates that there was still some expansion and that Nosler (probably wisely) may a bit conservative in their guidles. Hard to tell with just one shot, however.
The Hornady HITS score is just a bit above 501 at this velocity, indicating that it just meets their suggested criterion for standard construction bullets in non-dangerous game weighing up to 300 lbs. This would indicate that the penetration potential is still pretty good.
The effects on the deer speak for the effectiveness in this event.
That is very close to Nosler's recommended 1800 ft/sec for reliable expansion. Your observation of a round dime-size exit wound indicates that there was still some expansion and that Nosler (probably wisely) may a bit conservative in their guidles. Hard to tell with just one shot, however.
The Hornady HITS score is just a bit above 501 at this velocity, indicating that it just meets their suggested criterion for standard construction bullets in non-dangerous game weighing up to 300 lbs. This would indicate that the penetration potential is still pretty good.
The effects on the deer speak for the effectiveness in this event.