Energy Graph

[Wanttohuntmore]

Was goofing off with excel and a ballistics program and made this chart with some cartridges I'm debating on buying in certain platforms.  One of the criteria was energy at 700 yds with factory ammo.   Some of these loads are known hand loads or measured factory loads/speed.  Really looking for an ultralight elk gun that can run factory shells in a pinch.

[Wanttohuntmore]

 horizontal axis is in yards, vertical is in foot pounds of energy.   Not a presentation graph but for my information.

[yorketransport]

Good graph!

I look at that and see two 6.5s and a 308 Win load that get the boot. I like the 1000 ft/lb rule for elk and those 3 don't make the cut at 700 yards.

[Wanttohuntmore]

That one load is a 270 and not the 6.5 with the 143 eld, which was just over 1000 lbs.  The colors look similar.

[kentrek]

Also keep in mind every kind bullet needs a certain minimum velocity to expand properly

Cool chart 

[Wanttohuntmore]

Yeah,  I'm very well aware that 1000lbs energy is really on the low side for bullet expansion and decent penetration.   You really need good shot angles at 700 yds.  Just interesting to see a comparison.   I should throw my 7stw into the chart for giggles.

[Magnum_Willys]

Nice Chart.  I look at a 30-30 as a lil underpowered for elk.  It has 1350 ft # at 100 yards. I consider 1500 ft # a good cutoff but that said I've seen the 300 WSM perform well at 680 yards with 1300 ft #.  At very long range I like knowing my Lapua has 2000 ft-lbs at a 1000 yrds.

[Wanttohuntmore]

 I'm an archery elk hunter and realize that placement is more critical than anything, but a little energy assurance is nice for piece of mind.   Father wants a backup for his out of state hunts.