How critical is Woodleigh's impact velocity window that they list?

With a Woodleigh .404J .423 RN SP the recommended impact velocity is from 1900 to 2400 fps.

Using a ballistic calculator (two different ones) say the above bullet started at 2400fps
would have a velocity of
200 yrds = 1915/1930fps
225 yrds = 1859/1875fps
250 yrds = 1804/1822fps
Two velocities are because of two different programs.

If I were to go with the .404J I would want to
be able to use it out to 250 yds at least. On PG, not DG of course.Elk and Mule Deer in the US
also.

So the question is, will Woodleighs 400gn .423
RN SP work, ie.expand enough to be useable at 1800 to 1825fps?
Which is below their listed velocity of 1900fps.

I realize that Ballistic programs and listed BCs are not exact real world results, but reasonable reference points.

Allen

Allen,

I can't think of any plains game one would use a 404 on which one would shoot at 200+ yds. If it is an issue, buy some of their fine protected point bullets which have a slightly better BC than RNSPs. I suspect this will give you the added 25yds in question.

For my 425 Express, I used the excellent 350gr X Bullet by Barnes for the purpose you describe. It proved to be an excellent choice. Kudude

Back in the day the 404 Jeffery came with two bullet weights. 400 soft and solids for the big stuff, and a 300gr load for "hill shooting in India".

For plains game I think a 300 to 350gr bullet is in order.

If distance is an issue, for deer sized plains game, I would load the Hawk 300gr with the .025 or .030 jacket.

For bigger plains game I would load the 300 or 350gr Hawk with the .050 jacket.

I have had great results on deer and wild pigs with the 300gr Hawk with the .025jkt at @2300fps.

am thinking of using this as one would a .375H&H. As an all around gun, bigger than
needed for most things but it's such a "cool" cartridge.

Especially when done up in the classis British style and with LW 5130 type A barrel.

If I go with the .404J I will pair it with a 7x57 for the real small stuff.

But I know I will be using the .404 for a lot of hunting where it's power is not needed,
just to be able to use the ol' girl.

N E, I didnt think about the Hawk bullets for the smaller stuff. Good idea.

Allen

Allen,
The Woodleigh RN is a pretty good expander ... I'd not worry about it. You also have the choice of the 347gr if you wanted something lighter. I sometimes think it works against Woodleigh to publicise their recommended impact velocities ... whilst many are happy not knowing what their non Woodleigh projectile's working range is.
Cheers...
Con

....or Swift A-Frames. The shoot less than MOA in my Heym 404.

Gary
DRSS
NRA Lifer
SCI
DSC

Well, you can test them in wetpack for yourself. At 2200fps they expand ok, I wouldn't trust them to deform much @ 250yds IMO. I agree w/ kudude though, for me, the 404/400gr is not a 250yd round. If I had to stretch it I would, but drop to the 340grNF (if you can find some) or the 350gr Woodleigh @ 2500fps+ for a PG load.

Allen

In my 450/400 3 1/4", 400gr Woodleigh Softs have performed perfectly.
With them I have killed 2 caribou in Alaska, one at 85 yardsd one at @150/175.

A Black bear in Montana at @12 yards.

In Zim several baboons, warthog, cape buff, and a lion.

All the recovered bullets have penetrated well and looked perfect.

Like wise the 300gr Hawks on deer and pigs have done excellent.

For Bolt Rifle Trash [sorry could not resist ]
The 404 Jeffery is a great cartridge.

I see no reason to take a 400gr bullet, soft or solid over 2200fps.

If you need distance on the smaller stuff, pump up the 300gr bullets.

I'm speculating a little here, but if you expect long range shooting, you probably don't expect to get any shots below, let's say, 100 yards..... so why not load them hotter for a faster muzzle velocity and a consequently faster impact velocity at 250 yards.

From my experience, Woodleighs don't like too fast an impact velocity, but are not quite as sensitive to slower speeds.

Yikes. If a 400 gr. bullet going 1800 fps won't kill a mule deer, we are all in deep trouble!

quote:

Originally posted by Will:
Yikes. If a 400 gr. bullet going 1800 fps won't kill a mule deer, we are all in deep trouble!

Well the question wasn't would it kill @ 1800fps but will it expand. My own testing finds it will not expand sig. @ 1800fps, but I'm sure a 42cal hole thru any PG animal will kill it in due time.

I have done PG safaris in RSA, enroute to Tanzania to shoot Buffalo..I shot all my PG with a 404 on several ocassions, and on several other ocassions with a .416 Rem...That way I only had one gun to drag through the airports..

I never felt any disadvantage..