I have a couple of loads in different weights that are in the 1 to 1.5" range.
One is a 300 grain Speer at 1900 fps, using H322, and the other is with a 420 LBT bullet at 1650 fps, using H4198.
I also use a load with a 300 grain Hornady at 1650 fps, with H4198, that is just about as accurate as the Speer load, and both loads impact within 1" of each other at 100 yards. The reason for the slower speed with the Hornady is that it tends to expand quicker than the Speer, so I hold the speed back a little, and for deer there has been no difference in the reaction at the shot. I will give the edge in penetration to the Speer, and it can be driven quite fast. I've gone up to just over 2200 fps with it.
Recoil with the milder 300 grain loads makes it very pleasant to shoot, about like a .308 or something in that class. The heavier bullets start getting noticeable and I tend not to fire as many at a time. Point of impact between the two weights is also far enough away to require a sight adjustment and staying with that load.
Last edited by Vic_in_Va; 03/29/15. Reason: better grammar.
