FACT OR FICTION

Do slow, heavy for caliber, bullets out penetrate big bore dangerous game calibers?

How many times have you heard that the 550 grain bullet at 1500 fps shot from a 45-70 will out penetrate the 458 Winchester or the 460 Weatherby? Having a real problem with this and being a bit of a "you'll have to show me that" kind of guy, I did my own testing. I loaded my 470 Mbogo to three different velocities with heavy 560 grain GS Custom Solids. After developing the loads I went to the range and did some shooting. The loads were a 560 grain solid at 1550 fps, 2150 fps and 2400 fps. I set up the video camera and the test box so you can see the results for yourself.

Click here to view the video.

The results:

Bullet and Speed
Penetration Result
560 grain solid at 1550 fps
Penetration was 20 inches and 22 inches
560 grain solid at 2150 fps
Penetration was 36.5 inches and 38 inches
560 grain solid at 2400 fps
Penetration was 42.5 inches and 44 inches

Conclusion:
When comparing apples to apples and velocities between 1550 fps and 2400 fps the faster bullet will out penetrate the slower bullet by a wide margin, actually the penetration was just over double. I think this rumor was brought about by comparing soft point bullet penetration to a hard cast bullet penetration which acted more like a solid.