This is a conversation to answer your listener-submitted questions in response to our two-part podcast with Form that explores how bullets kill and why smaller calibers may be better for big game hunting. If you have not listened to the first two podcasts, you can find those here — Part 1 | Part 2
Listen Now — Hit play in the header above, access the podcast on Spotify, or download the episode from SoundCloud.
Questions & Topics Discussed
- (00:00:00) Introduction
- (00:02:22) The most reliable trigger Remington 700 style actions
- (00:05:38) Is Extreme Spread is entirely meaningless?
- (00:15:47) Is near-max, high-velocity load development worth it?
- (00:16:40) Should you carry a pistol with a round in the chamber?
- (00:18:46) What is “drop safe” in pistols and rifles?
- (00:21:57) Does velocity or energy matter more for terminal performance?
- (00:33:10) The psychology and physiology of animals that don’t die quickly.
- (00:41:11) Why do manufacturers still make traditional, controlled-expansion hunting bullets?
- (00:50:24) Why do manufacturers state that bullets are not suitable for hunting, when Form says those same bullets are ideal for terminal effectiveness?
- (01:00:41) How do you find verified data and trusted research on terminal ballistics?
- (01:03:35) Should smaller calibers be avoided because they have more wind drift?
- (01:10:04) The benefits of MIL over MOA and understanding your gun’s “wind number”.
- (01:17:52) What is better? The 6mm Creedmoor or the 22 Creedmoor?
- (01:18:51) Should you shoot the fastest cartridge with the most recoil that you can handle accurately?
- (01:22:12) Performing terminal ballistics research on live animals.
- (01:26:28) What is the most terminally effective non-lead, copper bullet?
- (01:32:25) How do all-copper, monolithic bullets expand at different impact velocities?
- (01:36:02) What is a good short-barrel rifle setup for someone shooting non-lead bullets?
- (01:42:19) What is Form’s understanding of the dangers posed by eating game shot with lead bullets?
- (02:01:58) Puppies, Rainbows, & Additional Resources
Additional Resources
- Part 1 and Part 2 of this podcast series
- What’s Wrong With The Wound Ballistics Literature, And Why by M.L. Fackler, M.D.
- Ballistic Gelatin Comparisons (source from Hornady)
- Terminal Ballistic Performance of the 5.56 (source)
- ELD-Match Standardized Gel Test Example (full source from Hornady)
- ELD-X & ELD Match Whitepaper (source from Hornady)
- “.223 for bear, mountain goat, deer, elk, and moose” thread on Rokslide. Warning: this is a very graphic thread with many photo examples of wound channels on big game animals.
Note: We include this podcast in both The Gear and The Hunter categories, as it covers the mindset of the hunter, as well as the gear that the hunter chooses to use.
