I've decided against testing these non-bonded bullets in my 35 Whelen. The next rounds of tests will be using the .348" 200gr and 220gr bullets. Maybe the following week I can test the bonded .358 bullets in the 35 Whelen. I'll need more newspapers though.
Dan, The bullet box is 25yds from the firing line.
Thanks, Dinny
Using Hornady's ballistic calculator with a BC of .316 (Speer 220gr), a MV of 2315 fps, a 25yd velocity of 2249fps, the bullet speed drops down to 1823fps at 200yds.
That's my target speed range for the 357 Maximum. Based on my tests so far I'm guessing they need 1800fps for expansion. 1693fps didn't get much, if any, expansion.
Again, I'm guessing, but I can't imagine the Speer 220 expanding at much less than 2000fps. I have shot them from my 22" 35 Rem bolt gun at 2250fps and they only expanded to .45 - .47" diameter and they only lost 15-20gr of bullet weight.
I drilled HPs into the Speer 220 based on those results and the expanded width was the same but the bullets lost 50-60gr.
It's important to state my tests are primarily focused on knowing what these bullets will do at a given velocity. Cartridge chamberings are less important but I will continue to provide them for additional data points.
Dan, The bullet box is 25yds from the firing line.
Thanks, Dinny
Using Hornady's ballistic calculator with a BC of .316 (Speer 220gr), a MV of 2315 fps, a 25yd velocity of 2249fps, the bullet speed drops down to 1823fps at 200yds.
Thanks Dinny. I think this bullet would be ok in my 35 Whelen past 50yds and more. Thats what I'd use them in. My 35 Rem is a 760 with 22 in barrel. Will be waiting to see your other tests and the final price. Thanks, Dan.
I got the bonded .358 bullets today. Will test in the coming weeks. Our hope is it will stand up to higher velocities and expand at lower velocities too. Time will tell.