Accuracy Question
#4
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Garfield NJ USA
Posts: 3,067
RE: Accuracy Question
There are a few instances where bullet weight would make a difference. The 244 remington is a perfect example, while not common these days the 6mm remington rifles have the same twist as the 243 winchester. Another instance is with the twist on some of the 223 barrels. Without more info the only way to know is to shoot it and see.
#5
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Blissfield MI USA
Posts: 5,293
RE: Accuracy Question
Obviously a lighter bullet would shoot more flat, providing it was loaded the same and had more velocity.
However, accuracy is another ball game. It would depend on barrel harmonics and twist rate. A lighter bullet will vibrate your barrel at a different frequency than a heavier one will. If your gun likes that bullet it will shoot well with it, maybe better than the heavier one. If your gun doesn't like it, it probably won't be as accurate.
Also twist rate factors in a few things, two being the speed of the bullet and the length of the bullet. A heavier bullet of the same caliber will be longer, and a lighter bullet would be shorter. Depending on the weight difference and length difference the twist in your barrel may not be suited to the particular bullet you are using. This will not help the accuracy any.
The only way to know is to try though. If there is a certain style and weight of bullet you want to use by a box and head to the range. If they group well use them.
Paul
However, accuracy is another ball game. It would depend on barrel harmonics and twist rate. A lighter bullet will vibrate your barrel at a different frequency than a heavier one will. If your gun likes that bullet it will shoot well with it, maybe better than the heavier one. If your gun doesn't like it, it probably won't be as accurate.
Also twist rate factors in a few things, two being the speed of the bullet and the length of the bullet. A heavier bullet of the same caliber will be longer, and a lighter bullet would be shorter. Depending on the weight difference and length difference the twist in your barrel may not be suited to the particular bullet you are using. This will not help the accuracy any.
The only way to know is to try though. If there is a certain style and weight of bullet you want to use by a box and head to the range. If they group well use them.
Paul
#7
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Blissfield MI USA
Posts: 5,293
RE: Accuracy Question
Often times you will see long distance target shooters pick a heavier bullet. Like with a .308, they will pick the heavier bullet for long range because it is longer and more stable in flight. So even though they have to estimate for range better the bullet is actually more accurate at a longer distance. Also they pick the .308 over a 30-06 or .300 mag.
I did the same thing with my inline muzzle loader. I was talking to someone and mentioned I thought about going to a 190 grn bullet so I could shoot farther. I was using 300 grn XTP's but they didnt group to well beyond 100 yards in my gun. I was told to go in the opposite direction. To get a longer heavier bullet because it would have a better BC. The suggestion was to go with Precision Rifle bullets with a polymer tip and boat tail design. I went with a 350 grn bullet vrs the 300 I had.
And low and behold it extended my range to 150 yards which is what I wanted. And it still shot flat enough at that distance that with a 130 yard sight in I didn't have to change my point of aim from 30 yards to 150 (2.5 inches high at 25 and 3 inches low at 150). just put the cross hairs on the deer and pull the trigger.
Paul
I did the same thing with my inline muzzle loader. I was talking to someone and mentioned I thought about going to a 190 grn bullet so I could shoot farther. I was using 300 grn XTP's but they didnt group to well beyond 100 yards in my gun. I was told to go in the opposite direction. To get a longer heavier bullet because it would have a better BC. The suggestion was to go with Precision Rifle bullets with a polymer tip and boat tail design. I went with a 350 grn bullet vrs the 300 I had.
And low and behold it extended my range to 150 yards which is what I wanted. And it still shot flat enough at that distance that with a 130 yard sight in I didn't have to change my point of aim from 30 yards to 150 (2.5 inches high at 25 and 3 inches low at 150). just put the cross hairs on the deer and pull the trigger.
Paul
#8
RE: Accuracy Question
Lighter bullets may shoot flatter for a distance but at some point the heavier bullets MOMENTUM will take over and at long range will usually end up shooting flatter. But to answer the question, as others have said there is no solid rule of thump as to which will be more accurate.
#9
RE: Accuracy Question
All good answers! All these factors affect accuracy. One thing not mentioned is, all things being equal, heavier bullets will be less affected by wind drift, giving them the nod in accuracy.
#10
Giant Nontypical
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: fort mcmurray alberta canada
Posts: 5,667
RE: Accuracy Question
One thing not mentioned is, all things being equal, heavier bullets will be less affected by wind drift, giving them the nod in accuracy.