cajunchefray
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Consider reading the thread by @michael458 regarding very detailed penetration tests with modern monumental FN solids400-450 grains (CEB) and Northfork versus old school 500 grain .458 solids, like Hornady or Remington.the 500gr projectiles offer significantly more penetration, especially when looking at solids. while bullets under 450gr may perform well in most situations, they lack the sectional density of the 500gr bullets. this is of course important for back up shots at fleeing or charging dangerous game.
The data is clear. Michael conducted engineering based tests, over hundreds of rounds fired in controlled experiments.
Then he tested these on dozens of dangerous game over several years, all with good results.
Sectional density, as a static measurement, is not the same as functional sectional density performance on game.
It’s an eye opener.
Monumental bullets, with an optimal 67% meplat, in the 400-450 weight range out penetrating conventional 500 grain RN solids every time. And straight line much better for more effective kills.
It’s something I learned, then forgot dozens of years ago.
A .357 magnum hard cast SWC will always out penetrate a RN, in a straight line every single time.
After you get a pass through, how much more do you need?
Hence drop down the bullet weight, load a great bullet design, less recoil.
His extensive testing is worth the read.