Jack O'Connor's favorite. Flat-shooting, hard-hitting, and relatively mild recoil for its power level. Excellent all-around big game cartridge for deer, elk, and sheep. One of the most popular hunting cartridges in American history.

Best For

Hunting

Ballistics (Typical Factory Load)

3,060

Muzzle Velocity

fps

2,702

Muzzle Energy

ft-lbs

130

Typical Bullet

grains

7.06

Bullet Diameter

mm

0.410

Ballistic Coeff.

G1 BC

62,410

Max Pressure

PSI

73.15

Case Length

mm

🔧 Handloading Data

Reference load data for experienced reloaders. Always start at the start charge and work up. Consult official manuals before loading.

Bullet	Powder	Start	Max	Velocity	COAL	Source
130 gr (8.4 g) SPBT	Hodgdon H4350	51.0 gr 3.3 g	56.0 gr 3.63 g	3,100 fps	3.340	Hodgdon
130 gr (8.4 g) SPBT	IMR 4350	50.0 gr 3.24 g	55.0 gr 3.56 g	3,050 fps	3.340	IMR
140 gr (9.1 g) SPBT	Hodgdon H4831	50.0 gr 3.24 g	54.5 gr 3.53 g	2,950 fps	3.340	Hodgdon
150 gr (9.7 g) SPBT	Hodgdon H414	49.0 gr 3.18 g	53.5 gr 3.47 g	2,850 fps	3.340	Hodgdon
150 gr (9.7 g) SPBT	Alliant Reloder 19	50.0 gr 3.24 g	54.0 gr 3.5 g	2,880 fps	3.340	Alliant
150 gr (9.7 g) SPBT	IMR 4831	48.0 gr 3.11 g	52.5 gr 3.4 g	2,820 fps	3.340	IMR

📐 Measurement Guide for Reloaders

Powder Charge

Measured in grains (1 grain ≈ 0.065 grams) using precision digital or mechanical scales. Maintaining strict powder weight is crucial for safety and velocity consistency.

Cartridge Overall Length (COAL)

Total length from case base to bullet tip. Checked with digital calipers. Must be within manufacturer's specified range to fit and feed from your firearm's magazine.

Cartridge Base to Ogive (CBTO)

Precision shooters measure to the ogive — the curved part of the bullet that first contacts the rifling — for more accurate bullet seating depth and consistency.

Case Length & Headspace

Brass stretches with firing. Measure case length to know when to trim. Use headspace comparators to check shoulder bump-back during sizing.

Neck Tension

The grip the brass has on the bullet. Measured with ball micrometers by comparing neck wall thickness before and after bullet seating.

Pressure Signs

Inspect fired brass for over-pressure: flattened primers, ejector marks, case head expansion. If unsure, reduce charge and consult your load manual.

⚠️ Always consult established reloading manuals (Hodgdon, Hornady, Lyman) for your specific bullet and powder combinations. For experienced reloaders only.