The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - Ballistically speaking . . . what's more accurate?

Jimro · January 25, 2013, 01:56 PM

I can't answer that question in reality because there are too many variables.

I can answer hypothetically if we make some assumptions. Assumption 1: that all bullets of the same type are mathematically identical in shape and density. Assumption 2: that all bullets have perfect balance. Assumption 3: that bullet length alone determines ballistic coefficient in this case.

With these assumptions (that cannot be replicated in reality) then the longest bullet with the highest BC will be the "most accurate."

This is only because the effects of wind will be smaller due to more retained velocity.

In reality, there is no such thing as a perfectly balanced bullet in a perfectly uniform lot so your best bet is to buy 100 of each and see how they perform in your firearm.

Jimro

January 25, 2013, 01:56 PM	#2
Jimro Senior Member Join Date: October 18, 2006 Posts: 7,097	I can't answer that question in reality because there are too many variables. I can answer hypothetically if we make some assumptions. Assumption 1: that all bullets of the same type are mathematically identical in shape and density. Assumption 2: that all bullets have perfect balance. Assumption 3: that bullet length alone determines ballistic coefficient in this case. With these assumptions (that cannot be replicated in reality) then the longest bullet with the highest BC will be the "most accurate." This is only because the effects of wind will be smaller due to more retained velocity. In reality, there is no such thing as a perfectly balanced bullet in a perfectly uniform lot so your best bet is to buy 100 of each and see how they perform in your firearm. Jimro __________________ Machine guns are awesome until you have to carry one.