Before anyone jumps into a frenzy over this, let me start by saying, this is not a thread asking for advice on the cartridge's use or if this round/gun are good/powerful enough for deer. I am using my Ruger Single Seven 7.5"bbl for deer this fall, am fully confident and capable and require no further opinion on that particular matter.
What I AM trying to say is this. I am on a mission to come up with a load that meets MY criteria for a hunting round. I have chosen mostly 100gr. loadings with the exceptions being a 90gr. Sierra JHC on the low end and a 130gr. Buffalo Bore cast Keith boolit on the high end. I will post all data and results after Thursday when I can hit the range after work. I'll post my loading data as well.
Sierra JHC 90gr.
Badman Bullets 100gr. LRNFP boolit
Rainier Ballistics 100gr. CPHP
(Factory loadings)
Speer GoldDot 100gr. HP
A.E. 100gr JSP
Buffalo Bore 130gr. Cast Keith boolit
My first criteria in order of importance is accuracy. A well placed cruddy projectile is always better than a poorly placed uber magnum unicorn bonded ultra polymer-tipped moly coated rhino bullet, every time in my book. That being said, to the most accurate bullet goes the most points, but not all.
The next criteria is energy. I know full well that my cartridge of choice for this endeavor has a multitude of load ranges to choose from. Whichever load comes out on top for accuracy, to be chosen, must also be in the top end for power level. I'm going to go out on a limb and say minimum of 450ft/lbs @ muzzle.
The bullets will then be tested on water jugs or similar media at ranges from 25-100 yds to test for terminal performance. I have specifically chosen not to test the Hornady XTP because of numerous reports of jacket core separation at .327 velocities.
The bullet/boolit with the best combination of these criteria, will accompany me in the field this fall. The final determining factor in this whole endeavor will hopefully come this fall, with "real world results."