I have a question for the ballistically inclined. Why do long range shooters typically opt for higher weight bullets? I understand that they typically have better BC's, but they don't always work out on paper.
For example, I was loading up some 6.5 CM rounds yesterday. I had some 140g Nosler RDF bullets with a G1 of .658, and some 147g Hornady ELP's with a G1 of .697. For the 140g at 2600 fps, at 500 yards the drop is -11.1 MOA, at 1000 yards, it is -33.13. For the 147g, at 2550 fps, the corresponding drops are -11.44 & -33.63. The wind drifts are less with the 140g bullet too. Why on earth would I use the heavier bullet?
For example, I was loading up some 6.5 CM rounds yesterday. I had some 140g Nosler RDF bullets with a G1 of .658, and some 147g Hornady ELP's with a G1 of .697. For the 140g at 2600 fps, at 500 yards the drop is -11.1 MOA, at 1000 yards, it is -33.13. For the 147g, at 2550 fps, the corresponding drops are -11.44 & -33.63. The wind drifts are less with the 140g bullet too. Why on earth would I use the heavier bullet?