Hey guys,
I hope you'll forgive me as this is actually a RIFLE, not handgun question. Nevertheless, some of you guys may have extensive experience operating in the intended muzzle velocity range. Here's the background info: my 12 y/o son has killed 4 whitetail deer the past 2 years using a youth load in his 308 Win rifle(Blue Dot/125 gr NBT @2450 fps). Both he and the gun shoot the load very well. Thus far, he's always hunted in the same stand w/ me w/ shots inside 100 yards. This year, I'm considering letting him hunt in a stand by himself and opening up the range to 150 yards. I'd like to bump up the muzzle velocity to about 2600 fps to flatten the trajectory some. What bullet would you use? Is the 125 gr NBT still ok at this velocity or would you rec a different bullet (I also have available the Hornady 130 gr SP, both the SSP and non-SSP varieties, but he sure likes that green tipped bullet! ) Thanks for your time and expertise. Gary T.

Gary-Don't mess with success. That load is perfectly suited to the 150 yards you mention and even farther -- and adding 150 fps will not flatten it enough for you or your son to ever notice. I've used a similar load is a pistol and had no trouble taking deer out to 225 yards and even a bit more.

My brother-in-law and I used the Remington Managed Recoil ammo in my 30'06 last year. The 125 gr CoreLokt clocks 2550 fps from a 22 inch barrel. Kills deer just fine, from five yards to 60. If I was going to duplicate the Remington load I'd use the 125 gr Ballistic Tip just like you've done. Like Bobby said, your formula is just fine for the job you and your son have in mind. Good job getting a new hunter off to a strong start. The sport needs all the top quality replacement talent it can get.

Gary,

Since your load is well over 2000 fps, you should be able to sight it in for 200 yards, and as long as you hold on the heart, it will strike the vitals. No need to speed up, just practice at longer ranges and he'll be fine.

gd

Hey guys, It's been a while, but I thought I'd provided an update. Looks like I'll end up using the 125 gr NBT and H4895. I could never get enough loading data for me to be confident using IMR 4759 (no reduced loads in their latest data manuel w/ this powder in 308 Win) or 4227. In addition, I was starting to feel pressured due to self-imposed "deadline." I also shot the 150 gr NBT, and although it was quite accurate, the recoil was noticably more w/ it than w/ the 125 gr NBT. The 130 gr Hornady/H4895 would probably be a servicable load if I played around w/ it some, but the 125 gr NBT looks too good to turn it away. Using IMI Match brass, Rem 9 1/2 primers, H4895/3-9 Bushnell scope, I got the following 3 shot groups at 100 yards today:
39.5 gr/mv 2503 fps/0.61"
40.5 gr/mv 2582 fps/0.63"
I'm going to pursue the 40.5 gr load as my goal was 2600 fps. After more research, I think the 125 gr NBT should perform well enough on game at the intended velociy. Strangely, I sent an email to Nosler twice asking their advice on the 125 gr BT, but they never responded. I also sent two email to Vihtavuori about using some of their powders for this, but they failed to respond, as well. My big challenge now may be finding the bullet as most everyone (except Widener's) seems to be out. Thanks for the help! Gary T.

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