250 vs 300 gr w/4198

[gjs4]

Running low on B.O. was thinking abotu trying a 250 gr load. Anyone ever compare velocity/trajectory of these two?

[wilmsmeyer]

The answer to your question lies in how fast you want to shoot. H4198 is capable of significant speed advantages over N120. With a 300 gr bullet you can attain 2500 fps easily and safely without blowing sabots. With a 250 gr bullet speeds will reach 2800 fps with the same qualities.

Recoil now enters your equation. There will be significantly more.

Gains of doing this? If shooting less then 200 yds....No appreciable gains that would pit success against failure due to trajectory or power. Approaching 250 and farther, there are enough inches in trajectory difference that a ranging error will be not as critical with the faster bullet.

If you are comfortable shooting a BO at 2200 fps, I would shy against doing the same speed with H4198 for lack of pressure. You MAY run the risk of ignition inconsistency at the low doses that would be required to get the same speed.

To stay in the same speed range I would choose another powder or stay with N120. Other powders? Book loads of 4759 or N110. IMO, If you can get N120, this powder is better suited. Book loads at this speed tend to make all that needed pressure real fast...yet only reach the lower ends of the speeds we shoot. This leads to potential sabot finickiness and failures IME. However, by switching to a 250 gr bullet, the book powders will be nice in the speed range you now shoot and trajectory will be very similar if a nicely profiled bullet is chosen.

I've jumped around a little in trying to answer your question but these are things I would consider.

[gjs4]

I have used 5744, 4759 and 4198. 4198 has been the fastest and at least as accurate as the others- although i had two hangfires this deer season.

The 300gr barnes do have recoil @67gr. I was hoping to limit my bullet drop because 200+ yard shots are common. (I spend time on the bench and feel confident in these shots with a good rest).

I know a 250 is more affected by crosswind as well.

Just trying to make sure i am shooting the flattest deer round. I can. I love SSTs but left them for BOs due ot inconsistent performance (on killing deer). The Bo have flattened the deer I have shot. I was thinking about trying the barnes TMZ in 250.

Again- out of bullets...if i am making a change; now is the time.

As always- thanks for your help bwilsmeyer.

[gjs4]

Just spent some more time scouring the boards...

it comes down to this in terms of prioritization
#1 accuracy ( a component of which is flat tradjectory)
#2 knock down/tranferred energy - i am sure most loads on here are in surplus of what is needed for a 150# whitetail...

maybe a 275gr is the way to go...

again, graciously accepting your ideas, loads and comments here

[wilmsmeyer]

I have had excellent results with TMZ 250's and heavy doses of H4198 at 2700-2800 fps. 100 yd accuracy is very good but 200 yd accuarcy begins to show deterioration. However, still plenty accurate for hunting. Past 200, I have little data, but the 200 yd groups show me that I may be disappointed way out there.

To a thinking person this begs the question: Why do I keep using them? That's a good question. They do a great job up close and stay together and penetrate. I like that. From zero - 200 yds it's a laser beam. No thinking about trajectory. I like that. Past 200 yds, I have very few stands that afford a proper rest to take the shot anyway. So...that's a good answer for some I guess. Since most of my shots end up being 50 yds or less, the toughness and lack of blown up meat is a plus.

[gjs4]

I try to shoot my does at longer distances, late season- just one of my takes on keeping bucks around.

Many of my stands (and i have alot of them) have rails or limbs for a rest. I would guess I have killed around 10 deer 200 yards or better. Granted the vast majority would fall in the 200-225 range. I also have a rangefinder with me all deer season.

If I shoot close- he's a trophy.

I keep thinking about the 275 BEs are being one to try. A slight bump in ballistics, a slight drop in recoil.

[gjs4]

Any other options?

What abot the 4500s?

Should I consider a powder switch?

[Deleted]

gjs4, several have had good results with the 275 be and they are a good long range bullet but they like the BOs & tmz are pricey, I cant speak for the 4500s but if the tmz or tez will shoot well in your gun take Wilms advice, they are real killers. Out of everything I have fired from the savage these show the best terminal results, always a pass through and always good expansion.....Bill