Can You Recommend Factory Loads For High Altitude Hunting Conditions?

Choosing the Right Load

When hunting at high altitudes, it’s essential to select a load that maintains sufficient kinetic energy to ensure a quick and humane kill. For rifles, look for factory loads with muzzle velocities above 2,500 feet per second (fps) for cartridges like the .243 Winchester, .308 Winchester, and .270 Winchester. For example, the Winchester Super X 243 Win 100gr Power Point load has a muzzle velocity of 2,900 fps. For handguns, consider loads with muzzle velocities above 1,500 fps for cartridges like the 9mm Luger and .40 S&W.

Ballistic Considerations

When selecting a load for high altitude hunting, it’s crucial to consider the bullet’s ballistic coefficient (BC). A higher BC can help a bullet maintain its velocity and accuracy at longer ranges. For example, the Hornady V-Max 70gr bullet has a BC of .22, while the Sierra MatchKing 80gr bullet has a BC of .40. These bullets can help you achieve a more accurate shot and compensate for the decreased air resistance at high altitudes.

Load Selection Guide

Here’s a rough guide to help you select a suitable load for high altitude hunting:

• .243 Winchester: Winchester Super X 243 Win 100gr Power Point (2,900 fps)
• .308 Winchester: Federal Premium 308 Win 150gr Gold Medal (2,650 fps)
• .270 Winchester: Remington 270 Win 130gr Core-Lokt (2,800 fps)
• 9mm Luger: Winchester 9mm Luger 147gr SXT (1,550 fps)
• .40 S&W: Speer 40 S&W 180gr Gold Dot (1,500 fps)

Keep in mind that these are just examples, and the best load for you will depend on your specific hunting conditions and rifle/handgun configuration. Always consult your rifle or handgun manual and local hunting regulations before selecting a load.