Seems too be a LOT of interest on this subject...........................
And why I'm not sure why I’m posting this, IMHO. 100% sure many will disagree…just as I respectfully disagree with you. Seriously now…I don’t disagree with you when your light .22, .24, .25 or .26 bullet works. It’s when it doesn’t on bigger game animals and especially at much longer ranges where both external and terminal ballistics fall dramatically.
And my heavier bullet is guaranteed? No, it isn’t. But I’ll stick with my 2 larger cartridges for 1 reason: insurance. Meaning? I want that bullet to keep on working when things don’t go according to plan. And when they haven’t, my game animals have typically fallen inside 100 or 200 yards…sparing me (and the animal) a 1/2 mile or more chase and risk of losing the animal altogether.
First…you’re right…I’m old school, so there’s that. And with that comes a lot of hunting experience. With DRT a serious, planned goal, even if it goes wrong…cartridge and bullet choice (insurance) is comforting when the safety comes off. And why I believe in bigger on BG. Yes…lighter and heavier bullets both kill. Bigger / heavier (placed right) just deliver a bit more insurance should tracking become necessary.
Second…for sure…bullet placement is a high priority for all hunting cartridges. It’s when the unexpected happens…a bigger bullet typically gives the hunter a bit more leeway. And yeah…we all know about the 300 Mag or 338 Mag that took 5 shots to kill whatever. All that does is further emphasize why cartridge, bullet choice and bullet placement matter greatly when the rifle comes out of the truck.
My 2 primary BG hunting rifles are chambered in .270 Win (130 gr and 150 gr) and 30-06 (180 gr or 200 gr). Are they necessary for almost all our game up to Elk and Moose? No, they’re not. However………….using one of the two (or a similar power cartridge)…offers at least a bit of DRT peace of mind. The point I’m trying to make here.
And should I win the lottery so I can afford my Bucket List Brown Bear hunt…yes, the ’06 would suffice and I’d be sorely tempted with a 200 gr Partition…but I might pick up a .35 or .375. Necessary? No. Insurance? Yes, unquestionably.
All said and done...you bring the cartridge of your choice and for damn sure, I’ll gladly hunt with you. Meet you at the planning table…first beer is on me.
Happy New Year.
And why I'm not sure why I’m posting this, IMHO. 100% sure many will disagree…just as I respectfully disagree with you. Seriously now…I don’t disagree with you when your light .22, .24, .25 or .26 bullet works. It’s when it doesn’t on bigger game animals and especially at much longer ranges where both external and terminal ballistics fall dramatically.
And my heavier bullet is guaranteed? No, it isn’t. But I’ll stick with my 2 larger cartridges for 1 reason: insurance. Meaning? I want that bullet to keep on working when things don’t go according to plan. And when they haven’t, my game animals have typically fallen inside 100 or 200 yards…sparing me (and the animal) a 1/2 mile or more chase and risk of losing the animal altogether.
First…you’re right…I’m old school, so there’s that. And with that comes a lot of hunting experience. With DRT a serious, planned goal, even if it goes wrong…cartridge and bullet choice (insurance) is comforting when the safety comes off. And why I believe in bigger on BG. Yes…lighter and heavier bullets both kill. Bigger / heavier (placed right) just deliver a bit more insurance should tracking become necessary.
Second…for sure…bullet placement is a high priority for all hunting cartridges. It’s when the unexpected happens…a bigger bullet typically gives the hunter a bit more leeway. And yeah…we all know about the 300 Mag or 338 Mag that took 5 shots to kill whatever. All that does is further emphasize why cartridge, bullet choice and bullet placement matter greatly when the rifle comes out of the truck.
My 2 primary BG hunting rifles are chambered in .270 Win (130 gr and 150 gr) and 30-06 (180 gr or 200 gr). Are they necessary for almost all our game up to Elk and Moose? No, they’re not. However………….using one of the two (or a similar power cartridge)…offers at least a bit of DRT peace of mind. The point I’m trying to make here.
And should I win the lottery so I can afford my Bucket List Brown Bear hunt…yes, the ’06 would suffice and I’d be sorely tempted with a 200 gr Partition…but I might pick up a .35 or .375. Necessary? No. Insurance? Yes, unquestionably.
All said and done...you bring the cartridge of your choice and for damn sure, I’ll gladly hunt with you. Meet you at the planning table…first beer is on me.
Happy New Year.
