Newtosavage
Member
- Joined
- Nov 30, 2015
- Messages
- 2,918
While prepping loads for my .284 Winchester the other day, a question popped up in my mind. I wonder what the most "efficient" cartridge is for each caliber, or if there even is one?
Reason I wonder this is because IMO the 7mm-08 (and 7x57 before it) are arguably the most efficient of the 7mm cartridges, in the sense that you get the best velocity to powder ratio for typical 7mm weight bullets. Or maybe not "the best" but it sure seems so.
It seems like as you go up in case size, the incremental gains in velocity get smaller in smaller. You can already see this going from the 7mm-08 to the .284 Winchester. It takes 7-10 grains more powder to deliver just 100-150 fps. more velocity. When you compare those to the 7mm Magnum, this seems even more true - a narrowing gap between powder spent and velocity earned.
So I wonder if there is a "most efficient" cartridge for each bore size, and if so, what is it? Surely with all the various rounds developed for each bore, one could map this out if not from real world experience, then just academically from published load data.
I suspect there might be a "most efficient for X range of bullet weights" winner in each caliber. IOW, where the 7mm-08 might be the most efficient cartridge for 120-140 grain bullets, it may not be for 160+ grainers. And so on.
Has this been done? If so, where could I find this list?
Reason I wonder this is because IMO the 7mm-08 (and 7x57 before it) are arguably the most efficient of the 7mm cartridges, in the sense that you get the best velocity to powder ratio for typical 7mm weight bullets. Or maybe not "the best" but it sure seems so.
It seems like as you go up in case size, the incremental gains in velocity get smaller in smaller. You can already see this going from the 7mm-08 to the .284 Winchester. It takes 7-10 grains more powder to deliver just 100-150 fps. more velocity. When you compare those to the 7mm Magnum, this seems even more true - a narrowing gap between powder spent and velocity earned.
So I wonder if there is a "most efficient" cartridge for each bore size, and if so, what is it? Surely with all the various rounds developed for each bore, one could map this out if not from real world experience, then just academically from published load data.
I suspect there might be a "most efficient for X range of bullet weights" winner in each caliber. IOW, where the 7mm-08 might be the most efficient cartridge for 120-140 grain bullets, it may not be for 160+ grainers. And so on.
Has this been done? If so, where could I find this list?