I've noticed that the discussions concerning pentration on different bullets within the big bore forum that bullet momentum is never mentioned. Does anyone look at these numbers and base any judgment on these? Seems that to me momentum is in direct correlation to penetration.

Given equal sectional densities, and similar bullet configuration and construction, perhaps momentum would give one a relative indication of expected penetration.

Momentum is indicated as p=mv where m is mass and v is velocity. Because momentum depends on velocity, it too has a magnitude and a direction and is a vector quantity.

There is rather a direct correlation between momentum or p, bullet mass and bullet velocity.
Both these units of measurement are mentioned in those discussions. Yet velocity seems to be the determining factor if one bears in mind that the bullet with the much lower mass and the higher velocity achieved complete penetration.
The higher mass lower velocity bullet failed the test in practice, though.

Só, momentum is there, although not called by its usual name!
Speed kills - when combined with a premium bullet it results in better penetration.

/

I fully agree with you, Alf.
Momentum, as only one of the factors, was mentioned by myself here because that's what was brought up in this thread as a stand alone issue.
That's why I said:
"Speed kills - when combined with a premium bullet it results in better penetration. "

Pegleg thought:

quote:

Seems that to me momentum is in direct correlation to penetration.

That is what you actually are addressing here.

We should also note that the bullet with the much lower sectional density out performed the bullet with the much higher sectional density.
SD then really a myth?

/

quote:

Methinks you have been reading to much of Gerard's stuff

Again, I agree with you Alf, you're right in saying so.
What's more, I enjoy every bit of 'Gerard's stuff' and it works in practice as predicted in his writings on his web site.
Só, why should I worry about a high SD figure if the opposite is proved with Gerard's premium bullets and proper shot placement?
That is the part I'm good at!

My fault is I assume that people would know that proper shot placement is part and parcel of the whole issue.
I should have said: "Speed kills - when combined with a premium bullet and proper shot placement, it results in better penetration and certain death of the animal. "
I saw that once again on the BWbees cow I shot recently.

Thanks Alf for your ability to describe things in detail, I do enjoy your writings tremendously.

But bullets with a high SD, low velocity and high mass for ordinary plains game hunting which I do for biltong - me don't buy!

/

Alf, welcome back to your place of birth! Trust you'll have a wonderful time.

In SA terms a cold winter. In the Highveld region, Jhb., Pta. and Witbank nights 0°C days 15 - 20°C. Colder areas like Ermelo and Belfast -1°C to -3°C and ± 12°C to 15°C during the days.

Last week we had 0° to 3°C on two early mornings and 12°C on other early mornings in the Alldays area (Bushveld temps vary quite a lot) day temps if not covered in clouds about 24°C, when clouds moved in ± 18°C during the day.

Cape Town temps are mild, but wet and windy this year.

Enjoy your hunting - place your shots well, friend!