Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Ask The Gunwriters Puzzling projectile penetration, particularly Partitions versus others

On another post, I described how I compared a 140 grain 270 cal Ballistic Tip to a 200 grain Nosler Partition out of a 30-06- I was surprised at how far the Ballistic Tip penetrated in comparison to the 200 grain Partition.
Tonight at the rifle range, I deciced to shoot a 170 grain Remington Corelok ifactory load in a 32 Special nto the same
test medium to see how well it would do. Surprise! Surprise! The 170 grain bullet (chronographed at 2170 fps) penetrated FOUR telephone books, each about 7/8 inch thick, went through 3 1/2 inches of water and started into the first telephone book behind the antifreeze jug filled with water. This is only about two inches less than the Nosler Partition penetrated.
I am beginning to understand why scientific studies of the relative killing power of cartridges show so little difference between calibers, from big calibers to little one. I am thinking of the study that has been refered to on here of case studies in Europe of how far moose traveled after being shot with various calibers.
I realize that the only thing my crude experiments prove conclusively is that I need to get a life, but they amused me, and thought someone else might find them interesting.

Royce

Numerous studies done by DNR/Fish and Wildlife/Game Departments over the years have shown that shot placement is a far more important factor in the taking of game than what rifle, caliber or kind of bullet was used.

"I realize that the only thing my crude experiments prove conclusively is that I need to get a life, but they amused me, and thought someone else might find them interesting." Royce

Royce, I'll tell you, my life has gotten to the point where I don't have the time, energy, or "need" to run tests like that anymore. I just have too many other priorities. It's sad. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

You are far better off! Thanks for posting the results. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Kind or reminds me of the broadhead tests I did. I got tired of the "cut on impact" vs. "chisel point" arguement. Testing various targets I concluded the following...plain old target points penetrated deeper than either of them!

slow and heavy penetrated deep; fast and light opens fast.

Any in the right place kills stuff dead. Either in the wrong place won't do the job.

<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

BMT

Postulating and pondering the penetrating powers of proprietary projectiles provides pleasure, passing the prolonged period prior to our primary passion... Huntin!

Precisely! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

pexactly!!

Precisely, blew my overbearing know it all aquaintances mind when his 340 weatherby magnum that he brags so much about didn't penetrate a wet box of magazines with a 180 gr ballistic tip at 3400fps as far as a 170 grain 30-30. Totally ruined his day and he really couldn't believe it, tried to explain to him what was happening, he was having none of it. He had to do it over and over again, completely shook his faith in his beloved rifle, he was very angry, threw a complete hissy fit, eventually went to his car threw the rifle in and slammed the door and took off gravel flying. We peacefully resumed our shooting rejoicing in the fact that we had finally shut up this unshuttable obnoxious being. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

To quote Hannibal Smith, "I love it when a plan comes together."