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Rifles, Reloading, Optics, Equipment
Reloading
Accuracy versus velocity
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<blockquote data-quote="30calyooper" data-source="post: 1867878" data-attributes="member: 107258"><p>Well, this is an old question...</p><p></p><p>From experience, there are some powders that seem to do their best at max velocities, with one caveat - this may be true in one caliber with that powder and bullet weight, but not quite the same in a different caliber, same caliber with a different bullet weight, or even with a different bullet of the same weight! This is why we start low and build up to higher powder charges - watching both accuracy and pressure signs as we go. It's certainly not uncommon to watch accuracy degrade with a heavier powder charge, way before we see pressure signs, right?</p><p></p><p>So - over the years, those of us who've been playing the game have developed our own set of pet loads, and even these may be great in one rifle but not so great in another. I won't launch into how many variables there are...but I will say this - nothing wrong with looking for max velocity, as some bullets perform better on game at the high end of the velocity spectrum. And it's hard to say that more ft-lbs of energy on a critter is a bad thing!</p><p></p><p>But - as several others have already pointed out - all possibilities go out the window when accuracy AND consistency are lost! Personally, I'll hunt with a load that gives me about one MOA at all temperatures, over a load that gives me tiny groups until the temperature warms up. My general goal is to find a load that groups around 1/2 MOA and does that consistently across the spectrum of temperature and altitude, but lets be honest here - if I can get ONE MINUTE OF ELK without worrying about temp or altitude, AND get it across a reasonable spectrum of ranges, I feel like I'm in a good place.</p><p></p><p>What I won't do - automatically go with the fastest OR the most accurate load if the bullet does not suit the game! Ran into a guy once who insisted on hunting mulies with a 30-06 and a Sierra 110 hollow point! Ummm, no thanks...</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="30calyooper, post: 1867878, member: 107258"] Well, this is an old question... From experience, there are some powders that seem to do their best at max velocities, with one caveat - this may be true in one caliber with that powder and bullet weight, but not quite the same in a different caliber, same caliber with a different bullet weight, or even with a different bullet of the same weight! This is why we start low and build up to higher powder charges - watching both accuracy and pressure signs as we go. It's certainly not uncommon to watch accuracy degrade with a heavier powder charge, way before we see pressure signs, right? So - over the years, those of us who've been playing the game have developed our own set of pet loads, and even these may be great in one rifle but not so great in another. I won't launch into how many variables there are...but I will say this - nothing wrong with looking for max velocity, as some bullets perform better on game at the high end of the velocity spectrum. And it's hard to say that more ft-lbs of energy on a critter is a bad thing! But - as several others have already pointed out - all possibilities go out the window when accuracy AND consistency are lost! Personally, I'll hunt with a load that gives me about one MOA at all temperatures, over a load that gives me tiny groups until the temperature warms up. My general goal is to find a load that groups around 1/2 MOA and does that consistently across the spectrum of temperature and altitude, but lets be honest here - if I can get ONE MINUTE OF ELK without worrying about temp or altitude, AND get it across a reasonable spectrum of ranges, I feel like I'm in a good place. What I won't do - automatically go with the fastest OR the most accurate load if the bullet does not suit the game! Ran into a guy once who insisted on hunting mulies with a 30-06 and a Sierra 110 hollow point! Ummm, no thanks... [/QUOTE]
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Reloading
Accuracy versus velocity
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