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Old 09-15-2005, 07:44 AM
bigbrother bigbrother is offline
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Join Date: Dec 1969
Location: Crown, PA
Posts: 433
First off, you have to define what "long range" is to determine which caliber will suit you better. If you're talking under 700 yards you're not going to notice a difference between the 2 rounds when shooting deer. In fact you won't notice the difference in many rounds under 700 yds. Recoil will be a little stiffer in the .30. Shooting past 700 is another consideration. You have to look at bullet selection. The Hornady 162 AMAX has the best ballistic coefficient of any of the major mfgr's .284 cal bullets. You have to go into "custom" type bullet makers to get a better b.c. and you're looking at $1 per bullet (yes just bullet). The .30 has a better selection of high b.c. bullets which is vital to long range trajectory and energy retention. Both will run 180g bullets at similar velocities so if you're looking at that the 7 will win every time because of the better b.c. If you don't want to shoot a 200 or heavier bullet out of the .30 I wouldn't bother.

In reference to the btsp vs. "ballistic tip" question, it simply revolves around the ballistic coefficient of the bullet. Simply put, it's the shape of the bullet and how well it retains velocity. Polymer tipped bullets of the same weight typically have a higher b.c. therefore will shoot flatter. Again at "normal" hunting distances you will never notice (maybe 1" more drop at 400 yds). That being said, ever notice that most winning match bullets are hollowpoints? You can go to Sierra's web site and find the bc's of any of the bullets that they make. Hornady's site you can also.

If you're looking to shoot deer beyond 700 yards, stay away from Nosler ballistic tips. Believe it or not, they are too hard! They will not expand reliably at lower velocities. Most long range shooters are shooting AMAX or Sierra Match Kings or JLK's or other custom bullets on game beyond 700.
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