What makes a cartridge accurate?

[engineer40]

I was recently writing down some Pro's and Con's of certain cartridges that I'm contemplating changing a rifle to with a new barrel, etc...

One of the cartridges I'm considering is the 6.5-284. And under the "Pro's" column I wrote down; Known accurate cartridge.

After writing it down, something didn't sit right with me. I read it out loud a few times, "Known accurate cartridge... Known accurate cartridge..."

Hmmm. I have no idea what makes a cartridge accurate! I know what makes most rifles accurate. But I have to admit, I have no idea what makes one cartridge more accurate over another. Or, if any characteristics of a cartridge actually does affect it's potential accuracy?

I am ready to be edified. 1 - 2 - 3 - GO!!!

 

[MudRunner2005]

This is just my opinion.

A cartridge is not necessarily inherently more accurate than another cartridge...But, some cartridges have a more efficient design. And some of those designs have a broader range of accuracy nodes and/or larger accuracy nodes. Making some cartridges a lot easier to load for, because they are less finicky, thus making them appear to be naturally "more accurate" than another cartridge. All cartridges possess the ability to be accurate once you find the proper velocity node for your rifle, have everyting in tune, and as long as your rifle/barrel is up to the task.

 

[gohring3006]

I believe any cartridge can be accurate. Consistency in preparation is key. Some are inherently accurate and easier to get to shoot, but all can be accurate with meticulous component prep.

 

[roninflag]

the krieger barrel

 

[roninflag]

ever hear of a 7mmrsaum? the rifles components and the ammo. ..F-Open Champ K. Adams & 7mm RSAUM within AccurateShooter.com

 

[roninflag]

more articles.... ..http://www.accurateshooter.com/articles/..

 

[roninflag]

quite a fes articles here too...... ......The Rifleman's Journal: Equipment: The 40XL

 

[mitch260]

I was recently writing down some Pro's and Con's of certain cartridges that I'm contemplating changing a rifle to with a new barrel, etc...

One of the cartridges I'm considering is the 6.5-284. And under the "Pro's" column I wrote down; Known accurate cartridge.

After writing it down, something didn't sit right with me. I read it out loud a few times, "Known accurate cartridge... Known accurate cartridge..."

Hmmm. I have no idea what makes a cartridge accurate! I know what makes most rifles accurate. But I have to admit, I have no idea what makes one cartridge more accurate over another. Or, if any characteristics of a cartridge actually does affect it's potential accuracy?

I am ready to be edified. 1 - 2 - 3 - GO!!!

A well chambered barrel, well built rifle, quality loads and an capable shooter/reloader feeding it and steering it.

I believe the rifle is most important to precision, a good relationship between the ammo and rifle is a very close second, regardless of the shape of the case. I believe some features of a cartridge design may make it easier to to load precise ammo and easier to maintain a good rifle/ammo relationship that produces precision. However, I believe any cartridge loaded right will be precise in a quality rifle that the ammo is specifically loaded for. That's my .02 cents anyway

 

[rcoody]

I haven't read any of the recommended articles yet. This is just my opinion from a lifetime of observation.

Those short fat cartridges with sharp shoulders seem to be inherently accurate.

 

[jmd025]

I've honestly always wondered what the WORST group ever shot by a 6PPC was ... I bet it was me !

 

[tbrice23]

Get a fat barreled 6mm BR Norma 8 twist, Varget, and 105 gr pills and get going.

 

[MagnumManiac]

Inherent accuracy is perceived, I really don't believe it is real.
There are many cartridges that break most of the 'rules', such as belts, short necks and overbore capacities that are superbly accurate. Many people confuse efficiency, accuracy and precision, they are all different things, but vital to an accurate shooting system. The rifle also has to be considered, all of it's components must be within spec, any one aspect done poorly can turn ANY cartridge into a non shooter.
Precision, the ability to shoot a string of bullets into a tiny group, is not inherent, it is HOW the cartridge is held to very tight tolerances with small variables that achieves this aspect in a well made system that allows this.
Have you ever seen a rifle that no matter what prep or precision loading techniques are used, just will not shoot?
lightbulb

Cheers.
gun)

 

[Barrelnut]

ever hear of a 7mmrsaum? the rifles components and the ammo. ..F-Open Champ K. Adams & 7mm RSAUM within AccurateShooter.com

WOH! Looks like Kenny doesn't trim the Berger meplats! Check out the pic of his ammo. How can that be...

 

[FEENIX]

lightbulbIt's primarily the "NUT" behind the trigger!lightbulb