Deer load input

[swamphunter]

I was thinking about using 42gr. 5744 behind a 250 or 300 grain XTP. Most of the deer we shoot are under 100 yards, with the odd one around 150. Can anyone tell me the fps, fpe, and drop of this load. Which bullet would be better? From what I gather the Savage was designed to shoot 300 class bullets, but I see a lot of guys are shooting 250's. If you don't think 42gr. is stout enough I will likely use 44. Would you be kind enough to provide the ballistics for this load.
Thanks,
Swamphunter

 

[Grouse]

42grns of 5744 and a 250grn XTP is a great Deer load.

 

[big6x6]

Here's some of my data using 5744..
250gr SST/XTP
44gr 1965fps 2143ftlbs
46gr 2081fps 2403ftlbs
47gr 2128fps 2513ftlbs

300gr SST/XTP
43.4gr 1896fps 2394ftlbs
44.5gr 1910fps 2429ftlbs
46.0gr 1943fps 2514ftlbs

I would CERTAINLY think 42.0gr WOULD be stout enough for a deer with either bullet. You really don't gain much velocity at all with 5744 with slight increases in powder charge. The way to do it is to use the weight charge that is the most ACCURATE and the rest will take care of itself. Figure out which is the most accurate and then we'll worry about trajectory.

 

[Rifleman]

If I had a self imposed max distance of 150 yds the load I would use is the one Big 6x6 came up with for Kristel, I believe it was 34 grains of N110 and 250 xtp.