Supaduke wrote:It's set as a calibre so officers in the field can simply check the headstamp of a case and you are on your way. Muzzle energy etc gets to complex, different pill weights , different powders, different volumes. Opens up a legal minefield for people to contest. It's not arbitrary at all really. Can you imagine a field officer trying to conclude the suitability of a round in the middle of a forest, arguing with hunters about supposed energies etc. It's just about expediency and simplicity. A .270 will do the job with any powder and pill combo.
It wouldn't be too difficult to do what competition does, require hunters to give up a cartridge or two, tag it as evidence, and test it back at the office.
6.5x55mm with a 160gn RN at 2500fps hits bloody hard.