Lethality of the Savage 10ML-II
For a comparison of
the real-world game getting ability of the Savage 10ML-II, let's
consider the Federal Power*Shok .44 RemMag load #C44A, using rifle
ballistics, for a moment. Its 240 grain bullet is listed with a
static ballistic coefficient of .157, and it has a muzzle velocity
of 1760 fps.
Our .44 RemMag rifle
load that starts with 1760 fps by 100 yards retains 1361 fps and
987 fpe. Few would argue that this cartridge out of a rifle is not
a generous, ethical, quick harvester of deer at 100 yards striking
range. Well, maybe Homer from Albuquerque would, but his sport of
choice is bowling, not hunting, and he likes to argue over what
he considers to be a truly "legitimate" gutter ball. I'm
told he's quite capable at Nintendo, though.
Please note that out
of a handgun, this identical load (Federal C44A) has a static BC
of .172 (the BC rises in concert with its lower velocity)
develops 1180 fps and 742 fpe at the muzzle, dropping to 1010 fps
and 543 fpe at 100 yards. Since 1956, the year of its introduction,
the .44 Remington Magnum has been a reliable, proven hunting revolver
load on deer, wild boar, and black bear-- with a better velocity
and subsequent trajectory in non-vented, longer barreled rifle use.
Does anyone really believe a .44 RemMag wheelgun cannot quickly
take game literally shot off of its muzzle?
Enter the Savage 10ML-II,
with a 300 grain saboted projectile pushed by 42 grains of Accurate
Arms 5744, and a muzzle velocity of about 2000 fps. Not the very
fastest 10ML-II load, certainly not a very high recoil load,
but a superbly field-proven load with extreme reliability regardless
of temperature-- a "forgiving" load in the best sense
of the term.
Assuming the use of
a 300 gr. Barnes MZ-Expander with supplied (MMP HPH-12) sabot, we
have more retained velocity (about 1261
fps) and energy (about 1058 fpe) at 250
yards than our .44 RemMag revolver has at the muzzle.
Despite the 10ML-II's mild mannered shooting characteristics with
this immensely practical load, as they say-not much can live on
the difference. You'll also enjoy what other muzzleloaders cannot
possibly provide-the spectacle of witnessing your clean kill, with
no obscured vision and faster, easier game recovery.
It is soft-shooting,
easy to work with, yet devastatingly effective loads like this that
can easily handle the majority of muzzleloading hunting scenarios.
Of course, nothing compensates for exact shot placement. To find
the load your 10ML-II likes best, don't be afraid to start at 40
grains of Accurate Arms 5744 and then work up if you'd like to a
max of 45 grains-- you may not need to go beyond 40 grains at any
time. No deer will have any difference of
opinion with you whether he is more completely dead by being hit
with well-placed 300 grain saboted bullet pushed by 40, 42, or 44
grains of 5744 out of a Savage 10ML-II.
One
of the basic reasons for the development of the Savage 10ML-II was
the very quick, humane, devastating harvesting of game: what Henry
Ball likes to call "Slamification." By taking a bit closer
look and understanding that a mild recoiling, superbly accurate
Savage 10ML-II load such as 40 grains or so of Accurate Arms 5744
pushing a 300 gr. saboted bullet on game at 250 yards is actually
superior to holding a
.44 RemMag revolver to the throat of a game animal-- it isn't hard
to accept that the Savage 10ML-II has all the instant game-getting
performance that we can possibly wish for.
©
November, 2005 by Randy Wakeman
