BillyHill said:
I guess you're right pisgah. It was probably a total waste of time with Hornady developing their leverevolution ammunition.
Well, not from a marketing standpoint, surely, because folks will always go for a gimmick. But a gimnmick it is, and one of limited utility.
I'll elaborate. Look at the Hornady ballistic chart and note two things:
-- First, having chronoed many, many .30-30 loads in my time, I will absolutely guarantee you that all velocities quoted were from 24" barrels. No factory 150 or 170 gr. loads will equal the velocities shown, and neither will the LE round, from a 20" carbine, which is what the vast majority of .30-30 shooters are using. True, the LE will outspeed standard loads in a carbine, too, but the differences will not be as dramatic, and the resulting trajectory and energy figures shown become pure bunk.
-- Second, note that the LE's figures are shown for a 200 yard zero, while the standard loads are shown with a 100 yard zero. Make that 100 yard figure for the standard loads 3" high to match the LE, and all of a sudden the trajectory advantage of the LE ammo out at 300 yards all but vanishes -- the difference becomes .6" WITH A 20" BARREL AND ATTENDANT LOWER VELOCITIES -- use a 24" barrel for the standards and the difference is even smaller -- and very few can even see or hold to within .6" at that range. True, the remaining energy will be higher for the LE at long range, given the higher velocity; but keep in mind, they've jiggered the velocity figures, as well.
I am not saying that souped up handloads or LE ammo offer no advantages -- but they are very, very small. I will say again, if you need more gun, get it, and don't fool yourself in to thinking you're getting it for free with magic ammo.