what's critical to you speed or accuarcy

ok with the shortage of certain components I tried different loads with different bullet weights using the Hornady manual number 11 , I tested fired differnt recommend grains of the powder on hand ,settled on the best group and know I wanted to know the speed , chronograph found my average . Looking at the a manufacture web site of the same bullet and caliber they state 2800fps at muzzle mine came in at 2550 average chrono was 5 feet in front of muzzle. . I realize these are hunting guns and not target guns but the accuracy I can produce gives me the self confidence that i can make the shot if I do my part . Whats your view speed or accuracy I believe I have found the balance Im happy with.

Accuracy all the way. What good is speed if you miss your target... :)

Accuracy for me!
And depending on the cartridge you're talking about, manufacturers are generally seen as publishing very optimistic velocity statistics. Likely you're not settling for a LOT less speed.
Accuracy builds confidence.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by bellerivercrossbowhunter

Accuracy all the way. What good is speed if you miss your target... :)

---

^^This

I would say ....
The fastest and most accurate load is the best for hunting ....

Neither. Critical are energy, bullet composition and the ability to put the round in the appropriate spot. Bench accuracy tells me how accurate the gun is not how accurate I am. Velocity is irrelevant providing the bullet energy is sufficient. An accurate, high velocity FMJ might be great at the bench but it isn't as good a hunting around as an expanding bullet at a slower velocity in a rifle I can shoot well.

I increase the load until bullets start spraying then back it off to the last load that was accurate. Maximize velocity to the point just below where accuracy drops off, this provides the flatest trajectory which in turn improves accuracy in the field where distance is not always known.

Accuracy first. If you can't get that at a decent speed, then you start changing powders.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by overtheir

ok with the shortage of certain components I tried different loads with different bullet weights using the Hornady manual number 11 , I tested fired differnt recommend grains of the powder on hand ,settled on the best group and know I wanted to know the speed , chronograph found my average . Looking at the a manufacture web site of the same bullet and caliber they state 2800fps at muzzle mine came in at 2550 average chrono was 5 feet in front of muzzle. . I realize these are hunting guns and not target guns but the accuracy I can produce gives me the self confidence that i can make the shot if I do my part . Whats your view speed or accuracy I believe I have found the balance Im happy with.

---

I use cast bullets so there is a decided limit to the velocity a bullet can be pushed. For killing energy you have to play bullet weight off against the ceiling on velocity. If the bullet can be accurately placed it only has to go fast enough to build enough energy to do the kill. Most manufactured ammunition has more than enough velocity to make for an over kill in terms of energy as well as generating a monstrous recoil. Light projectile require a lot more velocity to raise their killing energy. It's why the old timers when they reached the velocity ceiling for black powder went to heavier bullet masses.

You don't stop hunting because you grow old. You grow old because you stop hunting.
- Gun Nut

ok great answers I agree with all of them know i just need to find out the energy of my round out to 300yrds

[QUOTE=overtheir;1220320]ok ..... I tested fired differnt recommend grains of the powder on hand ,settled on the best group and know I wanted to know the speed , chronograph found my average . Looking at the a manufacture web site of the same bullet and caliber they state 2800fps at muzzle mine came in at 2550 average chrono was 5 feet in front of muzzle. . I realize these are hunting guns and not target guns...

Just on the note of Mfg. speed vs YOUR speed.

You should not beat yourself up on that topic.
Like in many advertisements -manufacturers use the BEST parameters for their products.In this case -that being barrel length.
Great chances the test barrel was 24".

Your barrel in most likely NOT 24".
Few inches shorter barrel makes up for the missed speed.

Other then that-many good advices above. I second the notion of accurate shooting capability is more important then few FPS more.
You just need to know your limits.