which has more penetration

well i guess the 200 grain would go deeper. but i found some 158 grain jacketed soft points that will suit my needs better.

also it matters because i was curious.
 
I think it would take a lot of gel testing to come up with an inconclusive answer. There's only a 2% difference in momentum with bullets having a 10% weight difference. They'll probably penetrate about the same.
 
I think I probably shouldn't assume stuff, I guess

The testing has been on-going since we started launching projectiles in rifled tubes.

The increased velocity of the 180g will limit its penetration potential; the slower velocity, increased sectional density, and heavier bullet with its greater momentum will penetrate deeper.

Keep google-ing........
 
Sometimes increasing the velocity reduces penetration.

200g in your scenario.

I think I probably shouldn't assume stuff, I guess

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The testing has been on-going since we started launching projectiles in rifled tubes.

The increased velocity of the 180g will limit its penetration potential; the slower velocity, increased sectional density, and heavier bullet with its greater momentum will penetrate deeper.

Keep google-ing........
Click to expand...

I read it, there for it's true....:rolleyes:

What are we penetrating?
 
Test Them

There was another thread on TFL concerning constructing economic ballistic penetration test boxes. Some suggested wet news print as a medium. For a head to head comparison, as long as the medium is consistent, you should be able to answer your question. When posting a question like that you are bound to get various expert opinions, some contradicting the others.
TEST IT and know.
 
He read it, therefore it's true.... Or else he has some background in physics.

Higher impact energy of the bullet means higher resistance by the mass of the target.

The drag of a gas or fluid against an object increases with the square of velocity. So, bodies being 70% liquid, doubling your bullet velocity quadruples your drag; velocity gets eaten away in tissue a lot faster than momentum does.

We are assuming different weights, but same bullet type. 200gr HP won't go as deep as 180gr HC. Construction matters.

Also, if you exceed design velocity range for your bullet, it may just come apart when it hits the target, and give very poor penetration.
 
I was gonna respond with something cute and cryptic, like:

"I read it here"

But instead I will not.

I will instead point out experiments with penetration can be performed by anyone with the patience.

For web-based learning go directly to Garrett Cartridges.
 
Good answers, or replies if you may.

For web-based learning go directly to Garrett Cartridges.

Been there a few times, I would probably load his +P 44s in my Ruger Red Hawk if in Bear country.
 
At 50 yards I'd assume the 180 grain will still be moving faster but at longer ranges things might change. I am as guilty as the next guy in always just using velocity at the muzzle but what we really need is impact velocity. Impact velocity plus bullet design ( that is shape and construction) will ultimately determine what is the better choice.
And, on the hard cast, I've read some of Elmer Keith's writings and I think in was his work that had some pictures of recovered hardcast bullets- but most held together very well- maybe just a bit deformed on the tip if they hit bone.
 
deeper penetration in what??

They penetrate roughly the same. You're splitting hairs if you actually believe one will penetrate more than the other..
 
The same?

High school physics flash back. Let's see if I can still remember how to apply Newtonian physics.

180 grain hardcast .357 @ 1425 fps
200 grain hardcast .357 @ 1305 fps

P = M*V

.01166 kg * 434.34 M/s = 5.066 kg M/s
.01295 kg * 397.76 M/s = 5.154 kg M/s

The 200 grain bullet has 1.7% more potential energy. If I understand bullet construction, the bullet doesn't get wider, it gets longer for heavier weight. They should have the same nose surface area and identical density. In this scenario, I think the 200 grain will penetrate further. If the velocities were adjusted so they have equal potential, it should penetrate the same depth.
 
High school physics flash back. Let's see if I can still remember how to apply Newtonian physics.

180 grain hardcast .357 @ 1425 fps
200 grain hardcast .357 @ 1305 fps

P = M*V

.01166 kg * 434.34 M/s = 5.066 kg M/s
.01295 kg * 397.76 M/s = 5.154 kg M/s

The 200 grain bullet has 1.7% more potential energy. If I understand bullet construction, the bullet doesn't get wider, it gets longer for heavier weight. They should have the same nose surface area and identical density. In this scenario, I think the 200 grain will penetrate further. If the velocities were adjusted so they have equal potential, it should penetrate the same depth.
Click to expand...

If you remember all that from highschool physics……Must have went to a private school:D
 
The 200 grain bullet has 1.7% more potential energy.
Click to expand...

Mass * Velocity is momentum, NOT energy.

M * V^2/2 is energy (be sure you use mass and not weight).

Any difference is only going to be visible in a uniform test media.

Animals are not uniform enough you would likely detect any difference.
 
Mass * Velocity is momentum, NOT energy.

M * V^2/2 is energy (be sure you use mass and not weight).

Any difference is only going to be visible in a uniform test media.

Animals are not uniform enough you would likely detect any difference.
Click to expand...

Sounds reasonable. It still seems that penetration would be equal with these variables.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top