Hey Whelanlad,
Just returned to this forum and saw your post. Hope you found the combination you are satisfied with.
For what it’s worth, I have to share that the 145gr Grand Slam has overachieved my highest expectations on deer for me in 7-08. Been using it the last three seasons.
Small entry, deeeep penetration, and all energy seemingly ends inside the deer. No excessive entry wound damage from other cup and cores like SST’s (and Nosler BT's on occasion). or some pass throughs the cavity with the tough bonded stuff like Trophy Bonded Tip or Accubonds that I have experienced. (Don’t get me wrong, both of these bullets are tough and for me the best bet bar none for severe tough shots to get game on the ground quickly, however the Grand Slams meet the checkboxes best.) My go to bullet now for deer outside of trying Fusions and a some Weldcores that I got a hold of. For deer these Grand Slams just WORK.
Accuracy is MOA or better. For the below recipe that works in my rifle, SD is 3.15 , ES of 9 and avg 2722 fps. These are the best numbers I have ever achieved.
Lapua cases, VV N540 41.2gr, CCI 250 primer and a slight crimp for hunting purposes with the 145gr Grand Slam on top. Seated .020 off the lands for hunting. Neck sizing with a shoulder bump once and a while.
Varget has worked very well for me for 140gr bullets or less for statistics and accuracy. Don’t know what other powders you may have access to but as others have mentioned W760/H414 has worked extremely well for me for 150gr bullets on paper. N140 I wouldn’t hesitate to try if available or 4350 if around but personally can’t speak with any experience with those. Staball 6.5 showed promise but too finicky and as other have mentioned, and pressures quickly. Got frustrated and quit that tangent and won't ever return.
Again, for what it's worth,
Best regards
Ronr
