Larger caliber and minimum velocity?

[bbell]

Figured this would be the forum to ask since you guys have experience working with a bullets minimum velocity.

Does size of caliber have any positive impact on a bullet’s minimum velocity? For example if a bullet has a min of 1800fps with your 6.5mm bullet does that same bullet in .338 have a little fudge factor or is 1800fps still the rule to go by.
Reason I ask is I will be working on some loads for my 35 Whelen. Depending on where my muzzle velocity lands it puts 1800fps around 450yds to 500yds. But it’s a big bullet and hits hard so I am wonder about bullet performance with larger calibers. Mostly academic but if I get proficient I would be willing to take a long shot.
Hope my question makes sense and thanks for your help.

 

[Journeyman]

Every bullet is different. Best to call the manufacturer and ask what their minimum recommended impact velocity is. Often it’s different for different weight/caliber bullets within the same line.

 

[bbell]

Yeah I need to contact Sierra about the game king I shoot now. Pretty sure it’s 1800fps. Just wanted to see if a larger caliber made up for some lack of expansion. Thanks

 

[JRMiller]

Every bullets different and will have a different BC.
Knowing the BC as well as its minimum expansion velocity of the specific bullet in your caliber will answer most of your questions it sounds like.
Use a ballistic calculator with those specifics and you’ll know youre effective hunting range