Distance to test bullets
- Thread starter dgcie
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Re: Distance to test bullets
I do my testing at 100. You elimenate some of the human error at 100. This is to test some of the bullets, to see if my rifle likes that particular weight and brand.
Unless you are doing a ladder test and developing a load.
I do my testing at 100. You elimenate some of the human error at 100. This is to test some of the bullets, to see if my rifle likes that particular weight and brand.
Unless you are doing a ladder test and developing a load.
Re: Distance to test bullets
I would also recommend 100 yards. I shoot to 1500 with my custom 300wm but wouldn't waste my time going past 100 until I knew the load was good. You will need to know the rounds/and you are accurate. Considering it is .223 you will have alot more variables to deal with since it is a lighter rifle round.
I would also recommend 100 yards. I shoot to 1500 with my custom 300wm but wouldn't waste my time going past 100 until I knew the load was good. You will need to know the rounds/and you are accurate. Considering it is .223 you will have alot more variables to deal with since it is a lighter rifle round.
Re: Distance to test bullets
I'd test at 300.
Unless you are going to be shooting 100 yd only, no sense testing at 100 as you don't really get much useful data IMHO. I've seen too many loads be a one holer at 100 and well over a MOA at distance, once I've got scope zeroed at 100 I do testing at 300 or further.
YMMV
I'd test at 300.
Unless you are going to be shooting 100 yd only, no sense testing at 100 as you don't really get much useful data IMHO. I've seen too many loads be a one holer at 100 and well over a MOA at distance, once I've got scope zeroed at 100 I do testing at 300 or further.
YMMV
Re: Distance to test bullets
Test at 100, and by bullets I assume you are referring to reloading? If so work your loads at 100 until you find a good recipe with no shift in POI and then work the oal until for smallest group.
If you are talking about ammo, then again try various ammo at 100, lead sled or supported on bags to eliminate movement. Once you find the ammo your rifle likes, then zero that ammo at 100 and either dial up to 300 or use holdovers.
The reason I suggest 100, in your case, is as AAM stated. Lack of accuracy due to the shooter is a bit easier to see at 100. Vertical or Hoz stringing, flyers, poi shifts dur to barrel heat.
Also you can test your ammo in a round robin format. On a target with 3 or four spots, 1 round of each at their own spot on the target until you have shot 5 rounds each.
Test at 100, and by bullets I assume you are referring to reloading? If so work your loads at 100 until you find a good recipe with no shift in POI and then work the oal until for smallest group.
If you are talking about ammo, then again try various ammo at 100, lead sled or supported on bags to eliminate movement. Once you find the ammo your rifle likes, then zero that ammo at 100 and either dial up to 300 or use holdovers.
The reason I suggest 100, in your case, is as AAM stated. Lack of accuracy due to the shooter is a bit easier to see at 100. Vertical or Hoz stringing, flyers, poi shifts dur to barrel heat.
Also you can test your ammo in a round robin format. On a target with 3 or four spots, 1 round of each at their own spot on the target until you have shot 5 rounds each.
Re: Distance to test bullets
300 or longer will show more variation if it is present as long as you are sure that you will be hitting the paper. I zero at 100 and then I want to walk it out to 300 or 600 if it is available.
300 or longer will show more variation if it is present as long as you are sure that you will be hitting the paper. I zero at 100 and then I want to walk it out to 300 or 600 if it is available.
Re: Distance to test bullets
For short range calibers I test at 100. Mid-range + get tested at 200. A 300 hundred yard zero seems a little strange for a 223. What is your intended use for the gun?
For short range calibers I test at 100. Mid-range + get tested at 200. A 300 hundred yard zero seems a little strange for a 223. What is your intended use for the gun?
Re: Distance to test bullets
I test loads at 100, then confirm how they perform further out. When I'm doing that, it's never just any one component that I'm testing.
Swapping bullets out with with an otherwise fixed recipe is not a straight up comparison; the load needs to be perfected at 100yd for each bullet.
Only then can the distance confirmation become a true comparison. Velocities may differ slightly, true; but the point is about shooting the bullet under <span style="font-style: italic">its own</span> ideal conditions.
Greg
I test loads at 100, then confirm how they perform further out. When I'm doing that, it's never just any one component that I'm testing.
Swapping bullets out with with an otherwise fixed recipe is not a straight up comparison; the load needs to be perfected at 100yd for each bullet.
Only then can the distance confirmation become a true comparison. Velocities may differ slightly, true; but the point is about shooting the bullet under <span style="font-style: italic">its own</span> ideal conditions.
Greg
Re: Distance to test bullets
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: dgcie</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I wasnt sure where to put this..
WHat range would you recommend I test out my new bullets at for 223.
I plan on zeroing at 300 so I was going to test them at that distance, but a mate recommends I test them at 100
</div></div>
What do you mean by testing the bullet? What are you expecting? And, do you have a process which will isolate the bullet's performance from everything else that effects good shooting? It could be your test will conclude nothing about anything. Why not just buy a bullet with a good reputation and zero at somewhere around 25 meters. This should create a trajectory where the bullet path and line of sight will intersect again at 300 meters. You can then fine tune the 300 meter no-wind zero; and, by using a center of mass hold you'll be able to get good quick hits all the way out to 400 meters with a little hold under or hold over on the E type target. The 300 meter zero is so versatile it is commonly used on military rifles as a "battle sight zero".
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: dgcie</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I wasnt sure where to put this..
WHat range would you recommend I test out my new bullets at for 223.
I plan on zeroing at 300 so I was going to test them at that distance, but a mate recommends I test them at 100
What do you mean by testing the bullet? What are you expecting? And, do you have a process which will isolate the bullet's performance from everything else that effects good shooting? It could be your test will conclude nothing about anything. Why not just buy a bullet with a good reputation and zero at somewhere around 25 meters. This should create a trajectory where the bullet path and line of sight will intersect again at 300 meters. You can then fine tune the 300 meter no-wind zero; and, by using a center of mass hold you'll be able to get good quick hits all the way out to 400 meters with a little hold under or hold over on the E type target. The 300 meter zero is so versatile it is commonly used on military rifles as a "battle sight zero".
Re: Distance to test bullets
I test loads at 100 and 300 yards. I have found that sometimes a load shoots good at 100 and might not at 300 and vice versa so it's good to check both. I have also found that if I can get a load that shoots good at 100 and 300 it has never let me down out to 1000+.
I test loads at 100 and 300 yards. I have found that sometimes a load shoots good at 100 and might not at 300 and vice versa so it's good to check both. I have also found that if I can get a load that shoots good at 100 and 300 it has never let me down out to 1000+.
Re: Distance to test bullets
I generally do an OCW or something similar at 100 yards and fine tune at 300, that is if you are building a new load... If that’s what you are referring to.
I generally do an OCW or something similar at 100 yards and fine tune at 300, that is if you are building a new load... If that’s what you are referring to.
Re: Distance to test bullets
I believe, for long range load development you don't get a good feel at 100 yds. I've had loads shoot really good at 100, but blew at 300. And vise versa. Some bullets, especially the VLDs stabilize out better at 300 yds and beyond. If they don't shoot good at 300, they're not going to get better.
I believe, for long range load development you don't get a good feel at 100 yds. I've had loads shoot really good at 100, but blew at 300. And vise versa. Some bullets, especially the VLDs stabilize out better at 300 yds and beyond. If they don't shoot good at 300, they're not going to get better.
Re: Distance to test bullets
What about doing ladder test. Are those at 300 too or do I need to be at 100
What about doing ladder test. Are those at 300 too or do I need to be at 100
Re: Distance to test bullets
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Savage220Swift</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What about doing ladder test. Are those at 300 too or do I need to be at 100 </div></div>
The further out the better and 300 maybe a little on the close side.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Savage220Swift</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What about doing ladder test. Are those at 300 too or do I need to be at 100 </div></div>
The further out the better and 300 maybe a little on the close side.
Re: Distance to test bullets
You mean testing loads, not bullets, right?!
The obvious answer is that if you are going to shoot it at 100, test it at 100; if you are going to shoot at 500, test at 500.
The not so obvious answer is that if it shoots well at 100 it may or may not shoot well at 300. But if it shoots well at 300 it will almost always shoot well at 600. And if it shoots well at 600 it will probably shoot well at 1000.
So I routinely test at 300 and 500 meters.
You mean testing loads, not bullets, right?!
The obvious answer is that if you are going to shoot it at 100, test it at 100; if you are going to shoot at 500, test at 500.
The not so obvious answer is that if it shoots well at 100 it may or may not shoot well at 300. But if it shoots well at 300 it will almost always shoot well at 600. And if it shoots well at 600 it will probably shoot well at 1000.
So I routinely test at 300 and 500 meters.
Re: Distance to test bullets
Tested my loads at 300 with a ladder test. This will let you know what your barrel likes. An example is in the range report and ext. ballistics section savage 10FCP ladder test
Tested my loads at 300 with a ladder test. This will let you know what your barrel likes. An example is in the range report and ext. ballistics section savage 10FCP ladder test
Re: Distance to test bullets
It can depend on shooter ability too. I did all my ladder testing at 500y. Testing at 100y IMO is a bit close. Unless you're a mess your not letting the round fly long enough to really show you something. I would test at 300 and out. Once you think you have a good load then I would start at 100 and go out to 1000y.
It can depend on shooter ability too. I did all my ladder testing at 500y. Testing at 100y IMO is a bit close. Unless you're a mess your not letting the round fly long enough to really show you something. I would test at 300 and out. Once you think you have a good load then I would start at 100 and go out to 1000y.
Re: Distance to test bullets
!00 yards eliminates some of the wind interference. and some of the errors of not doing everything the same way every time. After you have established good groups at 100, you know your equipment and ammo is good to go.
!00 yards eliminates some of the wind interference. and some of the errors of not doing everything the same way every time. After you have established good groups at 100, you know your equipment and ammo is good to go.
Re: Distance to test bullets
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: wcb6092</div><div class="ubbcode-body">After you have established good groups at 100, you know your equipment and ammo is good to go. </div></div>
Disagree. Close range will sort out some of the really bad loads, but I've also had one-holers at 100 that were over MOA at 300. If you're going to shoot at 300 yards, test at 100 and at 300.
1911fan
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: wcb6092</div><div class="ubbcode-body">After you have established good groups at 100, you know your equipment and ammo is good to go. </div></div>
Disagree. Close range will sort out some of the really bad loads, but I've also had one-holers at 100 that were over MOA at 300. If you're going to shoot at 300 yards, test at 100 and at 300.
1911fan
Re: Distance to test bullets
Admittedly not related to a .223
But when I test something I try to test at 300 and 800 yards... Generally it syncs, but shoot both when given time and opportunity to do so.
Admittedly not related to a .223
But when I test something I try to test at 300 and 800 yards... Generally it syncs, but shoot both when given time and opportunity to do so.
Re: Distance to test bullets
I start at 100 to weed out what obviously doesn’t work. The loads that look like shooters get moved to 300 yards. If they shoot good at 300 yards I'll go to 500+ and check vertical and group size. At distance, I do the testing early in the AM so mirage isn’t too bad.
With a 223, environmental conditions at distance will start to work against you and real quick like. Chances are usually good that if your bullet/load combo shoots .75moa or better at 300 yards with minimal vertical it’ll hold up to even further distances.
I start at 100 to weed out what obviously doesn’t work. The loads that look like shooters get moved to 300 yards. If they shoot good at 300 yards I'll go to 500+ and check vertical and group size. At distance, I do the testing early in the AM so mirage isn’t too bad.
With a 223, environmental conditions at distance will start to work against you and real quick like. Chances are usually good that if your bullet/load combo shoots .75moa or better at 300 yards with minimal vertical it’ll hold up to even further distances.
Re: Distance to test bullets
I always start at 100. I want a rifle to shoot consistently in the .3s or lower for 5 shot groups. That gives me confidence for KYL shots in the 100 yard range. I then look at 300, 500, and 1K.
I have yet to see a load that shoots great at 100 not shoot great at distance. I have seen loads that shoot great at distance but so so at 100. That kinda load is not for me. Lots of guys say VLDs don't shoot good at 100. That's B.S. I got plenty of proof to back that up
I always start at 100. I want a rifle to shoot consistently in the .3s or lower for 5 shot groups. That gives me confidence for KYL shots in the 100 yard range. I then look at 300, 500, and 1K.
I have yet to see a load that shoots great at 100 not shoot great at distance. I have seen loads that shoot great at distance but so so at 100. That kinda load is not for me. Lots of guys say VLDs don't shoot good at 100. That's B.S. I got plenty of proof to back that up
Re: Distance to test bullets
There's alot of good advice but it seems like some people are forgetting that this is for a .223 - that would be like trying to get your dope for a .22 40gn at 200 yards on a breezy day IMO. .223 is a good short/medium range round but the "variables" play more heavily on the lighter weight bullets. Kinda like trying to shoot a .30 caliber 210gn at 1500yds and a 185gn and expecting there to be no major differences.
There's alot of good advice but it seems like some people are forgetting that this is for a .223 - that would be like trying to get your dope for a .22 40gn at 200 yards on a breezy day IMO. .223 is a good short/medium range round but the "variables" play more heavily on the lighter weight bullets. Kinda like trying to shoot a .30 caliber 210gn at 1500yds and a 185gn and expecting there to be no major differences.
