Handgun Hunting Afield

I have been using the Cutting Edge Handgun Raptors for a few years now. I have been impressed with their field performance to the point that they have replaced all of my hunting projectiles. It was AFTER I made the decision to switch over to CEB for all of my handgun hunting that I was selected to be part of their prostaff. The fracturing technology has enhanced the terminal performance of the handgun projectiles to the point where they exceed the performance of traditional lead core bullets in the field on game; and that is a statement I can stand behind!

Before we dive into load data for the CEB projectiles you should read these previous two articles which are full of valuable information on both reloading and field use.

https://handgunhuntingafield.blog/2024/03/13/mono-metal-bulletsa-multi-year-study/

https://handgunhuntingafield.blog/2024/04/19/reloading-the-cutting-edge-bullets-handgun-raptors/

Onto the reloading data, but first the disclaimer.

You need to use safe reloading practices which you can find in every reloading manual. Reloading scale tolerances vary, measuring tool tolerances vary, components lots (batches) vary, the firearms tolerances vary, and so on.

In short, these loads are found to be safe in my firearms and these measurements are found to be accurate with my tools.

You are responsible for your own actions and you need to reduce these charges, slowly and carefully work up your load, and follow all safe reloading practices until you find YOUR firearm’s maximum safe charge.

These are loads that I have either used in the field on game or intend to. Notes on animals taken, distances, and terminal performance will be added as they become available. This is a living document that will be updated as I develop more handgun hunting loads and field data.

Looking to give Cutting Edge Bullets a try? I can help! Save 20% off your order with code: PRO-Crhodes

357 Magnum 105 CEB HR

Multiple exotics were taken with most recoveries under 25 yards. The maximum range game was taken at was about 80 yards. Bullets performed well and exited the majority of the time.

Firearms used: Spohr 286, S&W 686, S&W TRR8

• Primer: Federal small pistol magnum
• Powder: Ramshot Enforcer
• Brass: Starline

C.O.L. 1.595 Charge 18 grains Average velocity 1540 fps

44 Magnum 200 CEB HR BFR Revolver ONLY

Extremely flat and fast shooting load in this particular BFR. Not safe in other firearms. Several deer, antelope, and rock chucks were taken at ranges up to 240 yards.

Firearm used: Magnum Research BFR 7.5”

BFR only load. Work up with extreme caution.

• Primer: Federal large pistol magnum
• Powder: Accurate #7
• Brass: Starline

C.O.L. 1.628 Charge 20 grains Average velocity 1900 fps

44 Magnum 200 CEB HR

Versatile load that has taken deer, elk, antelope, coyotes, and rock chucks.

Firearms used: S&W 629/29, Korth, Desert Eagle.

• Primer: Winchester Standard/Magnum
• Powder: Accurate Arms #9
• Brass: Starline

C.O.L. 1.628 Charge 21.5 grains Average velocity 1575

460 S&W 240 CEB HR

Absolutely devastating performance on game. Wound channels rival a slug gun. Complete pass through on elk at 220 yards.

Firearm used: S&W 460 XVR 7.5 PC

• Primer: Winchester large rifle
• Powder: Ramshot Enforcer
• Brass: Starline

C.O.L. 2.184 Charge 38 grains Average velocity 1859

This article will be updated as I continue to work up loads, gather data, and use them in the field.

6.5-284 120 CEB MTH

Good accuracy with ample velocity to expand/fracture and take game beyond 600 yards. This load was just developed and game has not been taken yet.

Firearm used: Custom Remington XP100. 15” barrel.

• Primer: Winchester Large Rifle
• Powder: H4831sc
• Brass: Peterson

C.O.L 2.985 Charge 51.5 grains Average Velocity 2719

500 S&W 340 CEB HR

Excellent accuracy, heavy recoil, and should be capable of taking anything in this galaxy.

Firearm used: S&W 7.5” PC

• Primer: Winchester Large Rifle
• Powder: Enforcer
• Brass: Starline

C.O.L 2.085 Charge 38 Grains Average Velocity 1650

6.5 Grendel 105 Maximus

Soft recoil, excellent accuracy, flat shooting. My load is intended for medium game such as deer. This data should be similar in a semi auto. I shot this load on steel to 300 yards and it showed great potential for the field this fall.

Firearm used: TC Contender 14”

• Primer: Winchester Small Rifle
• Powder: Ramshot TAC
• Brass: Hornady

C.O.L. 2.26 Charge 29.5 Average Velocity 2466

375 JDJ 200 Handgun Raptor

Hard hitting cartridge with a well proven track record in the field. The 200 Handgun Raptor modernizes the loading. Good accuracy with moderate recoil. This load should be capable of the largest game animals. the cartridge was easily formed from Starline 444 brass with a single pass through the die.

Firearm used: T/C Contender 14”

• Primer: Winchester Large Rifle
• Powder: Accurate 2015
• Brass: Starline

C.O.L. 2.736 Charge 47 grains Avg Velocity 2224

309 JDJ T/C Contender

The 309 JDJ is one of the more versatile chamberings for the Contender. It has a similar case capacity to both the 308AI and Don Bowers creation based off the 307 Winchester. The 309 JDJ is formed from 444 Marlin brass. Currently both Hornady and Starline make 444 and both work to make 309 JDJ. It is a labor intensive process as far as case forming goes with multiple dies being needed to form cases. After forming it takes two firings to fully form the case. I did my first forming load with the cream of wheat method and then fired inexpensive projectiles for the second forming. Caution should be observed when using the older load data found in many online sources as powder composition has changed.

150 FCH Maximus

Firearm used: SSK 50 14”

• Primer: Winchester Large Rifle
• Powder: Varget
• Brass: Hornady

C.O.L. 3.23. Charge: 45 grains Avg Velocity: 2414

125 Maximus

Firearm Used: SSK-50 14”

• Primer: Winchester Large Rifle
• Powder: H335
• Brass: Hornady

C.O.L. 2.948 Charge: 46 grains AvgVelocity: 2692

357 Magnum 140 Handgun Raptor

Firearm Used: Spohr 286 and S&W 686

• Primer: Federal Small Pistol Magnum
• Powder: Enforcer
• Brass: Starline

Seated to crimp grove Charge: 14.5 Avg Velocity: 1400 fps

Subscribe to our blog to be the first to know when new load data is added!