Are There High-Performance Factory Loads For Less Common Cartridges?

Availability of High-Performance Factory Loads

In the past, hunters and shooters often had to load their own cartridges or seek out specialty manufacturers to find high-performance loads for less common cartridges. However, many major ammunition manufacturers now offer a wide range of factory loads for these cartridges, often with similar performance to their more popular counterparts. For example, Hornady’s Custom line offers a 140-grain ELD-X load for the 7mm Remington Magnum, with a muzzle velocity of 3,050 feet per second (fps) and a muzzle energy of 2,600 foot-pounds (ft-lbs).

Specific Examples and Performance

One example of a high-performance factory load for a less common cartridge is the 6.5 Creedmoor, which is offered by several major manufacturers, including Hornady, Winchester, and Federal. These loads typically feature high-ballistic coefficient bullets and are designed to provide excellent accuracy and penetration. For instance, the Hornady 6.5 Creedmoor 120-grain ELD-X load has a muzzle velocity of 2,900 fps and a muzzle energy of 1,900 ft-lbs. Similarly, the Winchester 6.5 Creedmoor 140-grain Power Point load has a muzzle velocity of 2,900 fps and a muzzle energy of 2,100 ft-lbs.

Cost and Ballistics

While high-performance factory loads for less common cartridges can be more expensive than their more popular counterparts, they often offer a significant advantage in terms of accuracy and penetration. For example, a load like the 140-grain ELD-X in the 7mm Remington Magnum can cost anywhere from $50 to $70 per box of 20, depending on the manufacturer and retailer. In contrast, a load like the 150-grain Power Point in the .308 Winchester can cost anywhere from $30 to $50 per box of 20. However, the increased cost is often offset by the improved performance and accuracy of the high-performance load.