Bullet drop

[DennisH]

I was wondering if a 6 inch drop from 50 yds to 100 yds is average with my Rossi 92 16 inch barrel using 45 colt 300 gn with either 8gn of Tightgroup or 18gn of IMR4227. I'm getting a hunting load set for deer and just trying to get zeroed in. Should I use a 250 gn bullet for less drop ?

[DennisH]

I'm using a 1/16th bead with a tang sight. Could it be the bead just covers the target more at that distance. At 50yds its right on.

[Ranch Dog]

Have you shot these loads across a chronograph? Without a velocity, it is tough to know what they are doing.

[DennisH]

No I don't have one but I guess I'll have to start saving for one.

[Ranch Dog]

No I don't have one but I guess I'll have to start saving for one.

What is your bullet length and cartridge overall length. With that and your powder charges I can give you an idea of what the loads are producing.

[DennisH]

Missouri Bullet Company 300 gn length .775 oal 1.6125 Tight group 8gn IMR4227 18gn
I get almost identical groups. I was just hoping to get a flatter trajectory up to 100yds. Thats about as far as I can see good without a scope anyways.
I was thinking of using 250 gn or maybe trying H110 powder but hate to buy another powder.

[Ranch Dog]

With the data you provided, QuickLoad estimates that the 8-grains of TiteGroup produces 1105 FPS and the 18 grains of IMR4227 1155 FPS.

[jdb]

The thing is Dennis, if you get a 300 grain bullet going the same speed as a 250 grain bullet, the 300 grain has more momentum and will shoot flatter. All other things being equal. Which I'm guessing you already know. But for me, if two other wise equal bullets go the same or near the same speed, I'll take the heavier one every time just for the flatter trajectory.

That said, a 240 grain bullet is a big hunk of angry to use on medium game like deer. Especially when it's dang near a half inch across. ;~)

I wouldn't hesitate to use the 240 for deer if I had a load that I was comfortable with at that distance.

And to answer your question. There are factory 30/30 rounds that have a 1" drop at 50 yards and 6" drop at 100 yards if sighted in at 25. So that's a 5" drop in 50 yards for a 30/30 and they are usually 120 grains lighter than what you are shooting and have probably knocked down more deer than any gun ever made. So there is that. ;~)

I would be more concerned that the point of impact was the same every time than the drop. I can aim high. I can't guess where to aim if it's sprayin' um everywhere. LOL

If ya like a load and it's a tight, predictable grouper...shoot it.

[DennisH]

Ok my shots group the same so I just have to practice . Even at 65 yds it is right on . I wasn't sure if the drop was normal. I have had it for a year now and up to 65yrds I'm pretty good even shooting standing with no rest. So I'm practicing for longer distance now.
Last season I saw a big buck but it seemed like a far shot so I didn't shoot. I paced it out and it was about 110yds. So just in case I see him again I wanted to be ready. It was the biggest one I've ever seen.

[Ranch Dog]

These loads might not be 100 yard killers. At the muzzle they are only generating around 850 ft/lbs of energy, at 100 yards it is down to around 650 FTE.