I have never hunted a lion, so am not sure whether one goes heavy and slow or light and fast. I will be hunting one around next May, and here are my options for the guns I could be taking. Bullet drop is not an issue at the short distance the target will be. Recoil is immaterial as well.
.500 caliber 450gr HP @2450fps = 5999ft/lbs or 335gr HP @2800fps = 5833ft/lbs at the muzzle.
.458 caliber 420gr HP @2300fps = 4934ft/lbs or 250gr HP @2900fps = 4669ft/lbs at the muzzle.
As far as the energy difference goes between heavy and light in each caliber there does not seem to be big difference. However, I do not know what the impact would be like on a thin skinned animal.
Would appreciate any feedback, especially from those that have hunted cats.
.500 caliber 450gr HP @2450fps = 5999ft/lbs or 335gr HP @2800fps = 5833ft/lbs at the muzzle.
.458 caliber 420gr HP @2300fps = 4934ft/lbs or 250gr HP @2900fps = 4669ft/lbs at the muzzle.
As far as the energy difference goes between heavy and light in each caliber there does not seem to be big difference. However, I do not know what the impact would be like on a thin skinned animal.
Would appreciate any feedback, especially from those that have hunted cats.