If someone was to ask you to list in order of power the top 10 factory calibres then:

1) What basis would you use for qualifying a round as a factory calibre?

2) Would you use kinetic energy as the basis

3) If you used kinetic energy would you make your list based on "factory clamed ballistics" or what the power would be if all the calibres were loaded to the same pressure.

Mike

Mike,
I would start by saying "other than the freaks, and rounds that don't work in FIELD managable weapons(which excludes the 577trex-at full power, 50bmg, and 20mm and such), but does include the 700 NE, but i think that's a freak, too

700 NE
585 Nyati -not factory
600 NE
577 NE 3"
510wells/A2
505 gibbs/jeffery
500 NE
470 mbogo-not factory
470 NE (couple others right here, various 475x's)
460 woundabeast
458 Lott/ackley/etc

Based on "power" and experience. I should list the 585 first, as the most powerful field use gun, but *I* would never load it past 577 NE....

jeffe

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Mike375:
[QB]If someone was to ask you to list in order of power the top 10 factory calibres then:

1) What basis would you use for qualifying a round as a factory calibre?

Reasonable sourcing of quality components for handloading.

2) Would you use kinetic energy as the basis?

The generally accepted level of performance, afield. Numbers don't always tell the story.

3) If you used kinetic energy would you make your list based on "factory clamed ballistics" or what the power would be if all the calibres were loaded to the same pressure.

Again, the proven level of field performance with the bullet weights and velocities generally associated with a given cartridge, those, either responsible for it's "reputation" or those clearly suitable. Doing more, invites a host of possibilities that only serve to muddy the waters and undermine the attempt to classify.

Ranking rifle WHOMP:

http://www.accuratereloading.com/bsivalue.html

Thanks to Nickudu and his son for their help, and indulgence of my concept, in creating the table, once upon a time.

Hey, it is not perfect, but it is better than anything else for ranking DGR's as to their potential for delivering WHOMP!

The other factors in the equation are:

Bullet construction (Regardless of caliber or weight, kinetic energy or momentum. A velocity range of 2100 to 2700 fps might be best, but new bullets like the GSC FN are re-writing the rules. Higher velocity with the right bullet may be O.K.)

Bullet placement (Always!)

Animal factors: Non-quantifiable, hence making any "lethality index" a suspect for parlor game status.

The BSI is basically a Taylor KO Value weighted by sectional density.

This means that the BSI is a momentum value weighted by bullet caliber and sectional density.

The Bwana Saeed Index may also be called the BS Index.