Author Topic: Reload for no target damage  (Read 922 times)

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Offline Cold Rider

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Reload for no target damage
« on: November 03, 2005, 05:28:10 AM »
Hi all,

I've got a G2 Contender, 14" bull barrel in 30-30AI that is a real tack-driver.

I'm currently shooting 125 grain Nosler Ballistic tips right at 2600 fps.

Couple of questions:

Is this load too fast and would cause target damage?  I'm more than capable of developing a different load if necessary.

2nd question, if I may.  Would the 125 grain ballistic tip at 2600 fps (15 feet from the muzzle) be enough to reliably topple the 200 meter rams?  Or, would I be better off developing a load with a heavier bullet.

Surely do appreciate any input, I'll be trying my hand at a couple of matches next summer.

Carl

Offline Randy Flowers

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Reload for no target damage
« Reply #1 on: November 04, 2005, 10:13:03 AM »
Carl, that sounds like you have a great load there.  It may be a little too much of a good thing for silhouettes, though.

In regard to target damage, I think you will be ok.  If your range has T-1 steel targets you should not have any trouble.  If you have some old soft steel, you MAY punch a hole through the chickens.  

In regard to knocking the rams down, that load should do it with no problem.  The "rule of thumb" is that you need about 1.00 Lb-ft/sec of momentum to reliably knock over the rams, no matter what the range is.  According to my Sierra ballistic program your load should have about 1.17 Lb-ft/sec of momentum at 220 yards.  The rams are either 200 yards or 200 meters on most handgun ranges, depending on where you shoot.

I used to shoot a 14 inch Contender chambered in 7-30 Waters and had good luck with it.
I kept it tamed down with starting loads from the Sierra manual.  I was shooting 150 grain Matchkings just over 2000 fps and never lost a ram with that load.  I did boost the load up somewhat when shooting in specialty matches where we shot at 500 meters.  

If you are worried about the target damage use a heavier bullet and therefore slow the thing down a little.  Or just slow those 125 BTs down a little, you do not need 2600 for silhouettes.  

At any rate, take that thing silhouette shooting and have some fun.
Randy Flowers