Light for caliber and fast still. Good option?

[Poe]

Just for fun I thought it might be fun to discuss the trend to heavy high bc but slower for hunting. Do you think we might possibly be steering some people towards a cartridge and bullet choice that maybe isn’t the best option. For longer range shots you can’t really argue it but how many hunters really shoot over 300 yards when hunting and how many people actually practice enough to be proficient at 400 plus. For quick shots under 400 yards is a fast lighter and lower bullet maybe still a great option like the 257 weatherby?

 

[wildwilderness]

I say yes with the right bullets

 

[AZ_Hunter]

Sure. Been done forever. 257 Bee is a bad ass. I would even shoot Barnes with it since the velocity is so high. Friend of mine shot a bison recently just over 100 yards with his 257 and 100gr TTSX and it was highly effective.

The guys on the Hammer forum shoot light for caliber in large cartridges for ultra high velocity and destroy everything on the planet.

If you aren’t shooting long range like you said, high velocity, light for caliber, fragmenting monos are completely viable.

Where problems could arise is light for caliber varmit type bullets (cup and core) that may (MAY) lack the penetration needed to hit vitals. But light for caliber monos change the game. I have been wanting to do a fast twist 243AI or 25-06AI or something like that with light for cal Hammers for my wife. A low recoil point and click to 300 yards. KISS approach.

 

[SDHNTR]

Under 300 yards it doesn’t matter IMO. Why shoot something like the .257 Wby when it burns so much powder, components are expensive and it recoils more. Why not shoot a .243, 6/6.5 Creed, .270, .308, etc. same effect, far more practical.

 

[AZ_Hunter]

Not disagreeing with your point, but using my buddy’s 257 Bee data, MPBR (+or- 3” from point of aim) is 350 yards. That’s pretty far with no need to dial.

ETA: 7.5” drop at 400, “top of back”, no dialing. It’s old school, but it still works. Keep in mind this is with a 100gr TTSX, I’m sure with other bullets this could be improved.

 

[SDHNTR]

Not disagreeing with your point, but using my buddy’s 257 Bee data, MPBR (+or- 3” from point of aim) is 350 yards. That’s pretty far with no need to dial.

Even with standard calibers I don’t see much need to dial inside of 300 yards.

 

[khuber84]

90gr nosler ballistic tip from a 243, brutal on game.......

 

[Ferrulewax]

Isn’t that the whole reason we are recommending heavy for caliber, small caliber bullets? Like 22 creed? 6UM, 6 creed, etc. shoot flat and high bc, best of both worlds. If you only want to shoot 90grains, might as well shoot a smaller diameter higher bc 90grains.