Heavy Metal

[robertc1024]

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?

 

[Dawico]

Many say the 147gr bullets are a little too heavy for the 6.5 Creedmoor so you get into the laws of diminishing returns. You just can't push them fast enough to see the benefits.

I hear they do really well in the 6.5 PRC as it can take advantage of the added weight.

I know many shooters have dropped down to the 130ish grain VLD type bullets for the 6.5 CM with very good results.

This is just my take on it by reading what shooters are saying. I haven't really crunched any numbers to compare everything though.

 

[robertc1024]

Ok, I ran the numbers on a 130g ELD G1 is .554. @2670 FPS. @500, -10.96, @1000, -34.49. Now, the wind drift is significantly worse though.

 

[dee]

Drop is your more consistent known factor. The wind drift is more important as a simple miscalculation on wind speed can matter a lot. Also it's exactly the weight that's the factor but design.

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