((sips drink, yeah this is going to be a big one))
Well, I'm back and have decided after feedback from my last thread to improve my data table to analyse the best big bore cartridges for you!
Why do all of this?
I would like to rationalise the performance of cartridges and their bullets. To logically make clear the performance variables of each cartridge. To allow people to make their own concise choices based on the variables important for them. As hunters and shooters, we compare cartridge performances too much based on our own/others' emotions and anecdotes, stories. Which can make the job of choosing tools to fit our needs more difficult than it needs to be sometimes! Hopefully this table can make the task visually simple while grounding our perspectives. (Note I'm not against people choosing based on other choices, eg, fun, historical value, etc.)
So how does it work and how did I put it together?
First, I've decided to use Hornady factory loads for all the cartridges, different companies will have different results. But Hornady is the only one with the Nitro express cartridge data, and I decided consistency is key. So I'll only be using Hornady data. The data shown will be using their maximum loads. The data will be colour coded, red is bad and green is good.
On the tables you will find:
- Bullet type and weight
- Powder used and amount of
- Max velocity
-Energy of the bullet
- Energy efficiency of the cartridge ( i.e how much energy does the cartridge convert from the powder's chemical to the bullet kinetic energy in percentage)
- Bullets Momentum ( momentum is the bullet i
mpetus, its forward force of motion, which is vital for reaching the vitals)
-
Sectional density ( The ratio of a bullet mass to its cross-sectional area. Useful in determining the bullet's penetrative capability in the animal.)
- Sectional area ( The area of the bullet, determined by the diameter of its calibre. Useful in determining the size of the bullet's wounding channel into the animal)
Why am I not using "Taylor's knock out factor"
I believe the TKO number can be a misleading indicator of the performance of a bullet on animals and is arbitrary, for example, a bullet can have an impressive score due to large mass and calibre, but have poor sectional density, which will affect the bullet's performance, incapacitating an animal effectively.
I believe Momentum, sectional density, and sectional area should be considered as independent variables, they cannot be judged or combined. Their mechanical functions are unique and each is equally important as the other. Their role in incapacitating animals is independent of each other.
With low sectional density, a bullet will struggle to penetrate.
With low momentum, a bullet's forward motion is quickly stopped.
With low sectional area, a bullet's wound channel will be small inside the animal, slowing incapacitation.
Without further ado,
View attachment 670212
View attachment 670214
Personal analysis
The best cartridges for big game hunting are, without a doubt, the 458 Win Mag and the 458 Lott, they combine great kill potential with amazing efficiencies with low powder charges comparatively. This leaves little doubt in my mind why these cartridges are the preferred culling and game ranger cartridges of Africa today! The 450 Rigby scored exceptionally good as well. However, you are paying for that performance with a lot more recoil and are over the physical limit of most people. Likewise with the 460 Wby Mag
The 458 calibre are the only ones to have green in every box, every other calibre group had compromises. The 505 Gibbs has impressive killing power, sadly that killing power is on both ends of the rifle, with lowest energy conversion on the list!!! Some people may ask themselves if the lemon is worth the squeeze with this one.
The next best choice would have to be the 400 calibres, with the 416 Remington mag may be the finest choice among them, followed by the 416 Ruger, which is like a unicorn, nobody has seen them ever!
The 404 Jeffery data does not illustrate its full modern potential but is close to the performance of its original loading. The 416 Rigby, of course, is designed for cordite high temperature pressure sensitivities, which reminds me of sensitive people when I criticise its poor energy conversion efficiency.
The 405 Winchester is a great example of a cartridge with a good TKO factor but a terrible cartridge for hunting thick-skinned dangerous game due to poor momentum and sectional density. Lastly, the 416 Wby Mag highlights its high momentum sectional density value, but its low out of balance sectional area value, which might explain why it is prone to over penetrating and wounding animals standing behind the target.
The .358 to 375 calibre all suffer from the same problems, namely a lack of sectional area and a lack of momentum. But except the last 3 cartridges in the group, benefit from reduced recoil. This 375 group will always be valued for its versatility for hunting plains, good trajectories and being the legal minimum for hunting dangerous game. Out of the group, the 375 H&H is the most balanced in performance with moderate recoil. With the benefit of being the most popular. The 375 Rugers performance is great for only a 20-inch barrel, and the 35 Whelen, while greatly efficient, is lacking in the killing power compared to the rest.
Lastly, the double rifle cartridges. The data surprised and highlighted why the 500 Nitro express is the preferred elephant cartridge for good reason, beating the 470 Nitro express in all variables except for producing slightly recoil. With 16 per cent more sectional area and 11 per cent more momentum. It is a significant upgrade in performance for a smaller cartridge case as well, being only 3" long compared to 3 1/4" of the 470 Nitro express. Out of all the cartridges, the 450 Nitro express is the most balanced in efficiency, killing power and recoil, and it is little surprising why it was the most popular cartridge during Africa's golden years before its ban. I think it's time for people to appreciate it again, as the do-it-all powerhouse it truly was!!! (Please start making more factory double rifles in it!)
For recoil reference
If you made it this far, thank you very much for reading.
All criticisms and opinions welcomed.
Tug.
