CJP1 wrote:I went to the range and found out that you can't go by avg. or SD to work up 200gr XPB loads for 450BM. My avg. FPS was lower than before as well as SD much higher than before with same load. I've been loading up more rounds to strictly use targets to find most accurate load. I also shot some 240 XTP Mags with decent group of 1-1/2"at 100yds but 8" group at 185yds. I think that I'll be hunting with the 200gr or 275gr XPB's as I have one spot that would be a 200yd shot and they are more aerodynamic than the XTP Mags.
Yeah, many have seen that low S.D. doesn't lead to accuracy in the 450B. IF I were you, I would try to figure out an average velocity. Main reason is that the 200 XPB has a low b.c., and a pretty high minimum expansion velocity (1800 fps). Usually over a 100yds won't give you expansion, or much of it, unless your really pushing them. You could always calculate for velocity on the lower end of what you're seeing, just to be safe. If you're aiming for 200yds, I suggest sticking to the 275 TSX, if you can. If you can't, well, you're still punching a 45 caliber projectile through the animal. So not too bad.