bearing length vs accuracy

tomestone

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Dec 6, 2010
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saskatchewan canada
I have found that bullets with different bearing lengths effect my accuracy at ranges over 440yds.I have tried Sierra 150gr.spitzer B.T ,150GR Hornady BTSP,interlock, Hornady 150gr SST,Iam loading Nosler Brass 73grs IMR 4350,CCI Mag primers, 300 WM Tikka TAC. I cant get the Hornadys to settle down Sierra will group .5 but the Hornadys are 1.25 at 100yd. I have found this true in my Ruger 25-06 with 117 gr,also. do I need a certain load for every manufacturer of the same Gr. of bullets or what Iam I not seeing ,frustrated, can you help,Thanks
 
Just wondering, if you are shooting past 440 yards and looking for accuracy, Why are you using such light for the caliber bullets?

Jeff
 
Kind of thinking the same thing plus the 100 yard grouping is not the best for LR bullets, which you are not shooting. I have shot real tight groups at 100 to have them open at 200. I have shot crap at 100 and had them super tight at 200 and beyond. I think most real serious LR guys shoot 500 yard groups minimum. I also think they look for a bullet designed for the twist of the barrel, FPS, and down range capability. 300WM seems to really like a 190-210 grain bullet. Long, sleek, and high BC.

Back to the topic of 1.25" at 100. Have you tested the seating depth to see if they settle down? Something like 25 50 75 100 125 off the lands or 30 60 90 120 etc.
 
I use them on coyotes i can see 880yd but i cat shoot that far yet.last year i used 168gr.i found the 150gfaster less wind drift at my ranges .why is there with so much difference in bullet drops at longer ranges with the same gr.bullets
 
Are you seeing significant drop differences with same bullet weights and speed? Not all bullets are created equal. Different bearing lengths, designs, and bc.

Struggling to understand how a lighter bullet is less affected by the wind. If you are shooting short distances I get it. But no LR.
 
Are you seeing significant drop differences with same bullet weights and speed? Not all bullets are created equal. Different bearing lengths, designs, and bc.

Struggling to understand how a lighter bullet is less affected by the wind. If you are shooting short distances I get it. But no LR.
I was in the understanding that a fast lite bullet had less wind drift at its set range,say 3200fps 150grs versus 3000 fps with 168grs at 440yds,Iam trying to hit a coyote on the move,[ 6in. .target, at best] I just shot off the last 10 rounds of the SST 150gr .1.5in group, at a 100yds, that's way to large at 300yds to hit my targets .I have some Sierra 168gr. HPBT MatchKings left Iam going to load and try them.
 
If you want less drift at distance from the wind go with a heavier higher BC bullet.

A lighter bullet with a lower BC starts out with a higher muzzle velocity, but at some point the heavier , higher BC bullet will catch and pass the lighter one. This is due to the fact lighter bullets loose velocity faster and heavier bullets retain velocity longer. Thus the reason we shoot heavy high BC bullets for long range. Also because the heavier , higher BC bullet will have less wind drift.

If it were me I would load a 215 Berger Hybrid and wait for the sucker to stop and bust him.

Jeff
 
BC has far more to do with wind drift. Use a ballistic program and take a look at drop and wind drift. All of the long range guys use relatively heavy for caliber bullets to take advantage of the high BC's. A heavier bullet with a higher BC'S will catch up to a lighter lower BC'S bullet over distance. That's why Berger is so popular. Good luck. Bruce
 
And to complicate things a little, but not much, a light bullet with high bc will surpass a heavier bullet with lower bc even if shot at similar fps.
Personally I would listen to these guys if I were in your shoes. I have learned a ton, still learning.
 
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