Shooting the Breeze: Compromise bullet weights

Published 6:15 am Friday, June 9, 2023

Whenever I acquire another rifle, I’ve taken the time beforehand to study out its ballistic amenities, general usefulness and what role it might play in my gun library and hunting adventures.

In times past, folks had to get whatever gun(s) they could and make do with whatever ammunition they could buy or craft. We today are blessed with often hundreds of choices — between factory offerings and handloading our own — for the most popular of our favorite rounds.

Rather than applying the traditional method of purchasing three or four different bullet weights and styles to enjoy the range of versatility of your favorite rifle, it makes a lot more sense to pick a single weight and style. A middle-of-the-road bullet weight makes a lot of sense here; one that will handle the spectrum of game animals that you intend to use it for.

For big game in Oregon, this will typically mean something of medium to heavy weight in whatever range of bullets your cartridge of choice provides. Your choice of shot placement should factor in here as well. Shots into the ribs will be more generous with thinner-jacketed bullets, while shots placed into heavier bones like the shoulder or spine will be much more consistent with heavier jackets, bonded cores or lead-free projectiles.

Muzzle velocities of between 2,600 and 2,900 fps in standard cartridges are where optimum performance levels are typically best garnered. Most bullets are designed to perform best when started at these speeds.

A common myth that I still hear tossed around is that “heavier bullets always hit harder.” This can be true at handshaking distance, but even as early as 100 yards, a medium-weight bullet will begin to outrun a heavier one, and due to better velocity retention will actually hit harder as distances increase.

Familiarity with a single trajectory isn’t as important today as it once was, especially if you plan to dial a turret or use a bullet drop compensation reticle. But if you aren’t a turret jockey, and prefer a “set and forget” system, finding a compromise bullet weight is the way to go.

For my rifles chambered for standard cartridges, I tend to prefer 55 grain bullets in .224 caliber, 117 grain in .257 caliber, 130 grain in .277 caliber, 140 grain in .284 caliber, and 165 grain in .308 caliber. For Magnum cartridges of the same caliber, these go up one notch — for example, a 160 grain bullet in a 7mm Magnum instead of a 140 grain bullet in a 7mm-08.

For simplicity’s sake, finding a single all-around bullet weight is the way to go. I don’t know how many times I’ve helped others sight in where the zip-lock bag full of ammo they were dipping into contained several different brands, weights and styles of bullets and if their groups were any larger they could apply for statehood. Taking even a casual interest in bullets and ballistics can save you a heap of irritation down the road.

What’s your magic bullet weight? Write to us at shootingthebreezebme@gmail.com and check us out on Facebook!