was the bullet tumbling? using Berger's calculator, the round was subsonic at 2000yards. Another 428yds and it was less than 500fps. Looks like the new Flash bangs are really sensitive and must be really bright.
No tumbling and yes, the bullet was subsonic a long way. Conditions were such that I remember terminal velocity was ~900 fps (99 deg F, relative humidity 26%, density altitude 5030 ft, muzzle velocity 2730 fps; I held 41.7 mils). However, I've learned not to be concerned with subsonic status. And yes, the Caldwell units have worked well without fail, thus far.
1. The Berger twist rate calc shows my Berger bullet was stable in this environment (gyroscopic stability).
https://bergerbullets.com/twist-rate-calculator/.
2. Though I am new to this shooting hobby and initially heard the rationale for "tumbling", I don't believe that type of dynamic occurs for 'stable' "today's technology" bullets. See this video for a reasonable explanation (starts at 5:30 mark).
My Kestrel 5700 elite shows me that my drop increases at a quicker rate the farther I shoot, but as the video explains it will still come down twisting as it was designed, regardless of the bullet fps decay.
My personal evidence: I can "walk in" my shots without seeing unreasonable variation in my shots. Once I get within a target or 2 of my elevation, I trust my elevation. I do adjust for elevation, but this is due to my rifle barrel muzzle velocity variation (as the barrel gets hotter my mv jumps around). So, I will hold under a bit if I see my mv getting higher than normal. I shoot with my Magnetospeed v3 chronograph. (This is key for me). I also try to let the barrel cool down after every 10+ shots.
3. I use the Bergers LRHTs because they have the highest BCs and best consistency (Hornady doesn't work as well for my set up and other branded factory loaded ammo takes up too much of my elevation). I will max out at 2720 yds unless I throw more money at it...40 MOA rail to use all of my Vortex Viper PST elevation (21.5 mils), an Eratac adjustable mount (+20 mils), and 10 mil more reticle holdover.
4. Being able to see my misses via dirt splash and wind have been the biggest deterrents.
I have spent this summer getting better at my shooting and trusting my data. 1760, 1860, 2008, 2278, and now 2428 yards achieved thus far. I have enjoyed shooting at Colemans Creek (Ellerbe, NC), Spearpoint ranch (Barnard, KS), NRA Whittington (Raton, NM), Camp Atterbury, IN, Rebel Ridge Outfitters (Syracuse, KS), and Hawks Double Mountain ranch (Rotan, TX). If others are present, I have been watching, listening, and asking lots of questions. I will have one more opportunity this summer to go a bit farther (2650-2720?), but only because I have run out of elevation. (If I decide to spend for a Nightforce scope or wedge prism, or a Tacomhq Charlie Tarac, then I will probably move up to a better elr caliber)
This internet doc was the most important reading to help me understand what factors were most important to elr success.
https://kestrelinstruments.com/mwdownloads/download/link/id/231. It helped me inform my spending decisions for stuff that made a difference.
