.243 ballistics

Ut-trout · Rookie Member Joined: Jan 19, 2012 Posts: 9

You have all been very helpful thus far and things are progressing nicely in my quest for my pet load. What Im thinking now, and correct me if im way off, but id like to have both a varmint bullet and a hunting bullet shooting ballistically equal to avoid having to rezero my scope when shooting different rounds. I really want to stick with my vmax 75g for varmints and barnes tsx 85g for deer, both have very similar bc. So assuming im using same case,primer, and powder, will bullets of equal bc shoot roughly the same, or will bullets with the same weight shoot more alike? Im open to increasing the 87 g vmax if need be.
I know I should just test it out on the range, but I like to have an idea of the direction Im going before I start something. If im way off in my thinking please let me know. Thanks

fnuser · Posted: Thu Feb 09, 2012 6:42 pm Post subject: Re: .243 ballistics

You are right function is everything, I have had some fantastic ideas, that didn't work as cool in reality. I don't see anything wrong with that. But usually for any range that would matter you will probably have to do some knob twisting anyway. Especially if you are trying to land one on a 2" wide target.

Vince · Posted: Thu Feb 09, 2012 11:05 pm Post subject: Re: .243 ballistics

As FNUser said mate...range time is what you need to do. Only seeing where the different weight bullets print on the target will you know for certain what the difference is...guessing only works with a functioning crystal ball. Very Happy

It isn't a problem to have different bullet weights and loads for the same rifle...what I do is pick which round is my standard or everyday round, zero my rifle to that round, then move the "click counter" on my turret to "0" by loosening the screw that holds it, moving it to "0", then re-tightening the screw.

When I zero the other rounds I record the number of clicks it takes to bring it onto target. Do this with each round. By returning your counter back to its start point you should, in theory, have returned the scope to your "everyday" zero...confirm this on the target because unless you have a good quality scope there may be slight differences.

You can keep a record of these settings with your ammo or on a chart on the side of your butt-stock.

Cheers, Vince

chambered221 · Posted: Thu Feb 09, 2012 11:26 pm Post subject: Re: .243 ballistics

Run the numbers through Point Blank !!!

This will give you an idea of how close things will be.
It's also possible that having two different zero points the trajectory might line up better.

inthedark · Posted: Fri Feb 10, 2012 12:37 am Post subject: Re: .243 ballistics

Vince wrote:

As FNUser said mate...range time is what you need to do. Only seeing where the different weight bullets print on the target will you know for certain what the difference is...guessing only works with a functioning crystal ball. Very Happy

It isn't a problem to have different bullet weights and loads for the same rifle...what I do is pick which round is my standard or everyday round, zero my rifle to that round, then move the "click counter" on my turret to "0" by loosening the screw that holds it, moving it to "0", then re-tightening the screw.

When I zero the other rounds I record the number of clicks it takes to bring it onto target. Do this with each round. By returning your counter back to its start point you should, in theory, have returned the scope to your "everyday" zero...confirm this on the target because unless you have a good quality scope there may be slight differences.

You can keep a record of these settings with your ammo or on a chart on the side of your butt-stock.

Cheers, Vince

God Love You Vince! Very Happy

Us old infantry types all think alike. You can separate us with continents, oceans, what have you but we were all taught and trained the same. : Party

wtf:

Vince · Posted: Fri Feb 10, 2012 2:43 am Post subject: Re: .243 ballistics

Totally true mate...I figure there is a good reason we were taught the things we were...they're time tested, tested over time and they bloody work mate. I'm of the belief that"if it ain't broke, don't fix it"...just maintain it to ensure its serviceable.
Salute

Cheers, Vince

Ut-trout · Rookie Member Joined: Jan 19, 2012 Posts: 9

Thanks Vince, that option seems easy enough. The only reason I thought of this is because I read a post from a guy who matched his ballistics identically using two different calibers. Im sure my idea is doable, but it would take some extensive trial and error, and probably result in alot of money spent. I like your idea better. Very Happy

MacD · Posted: Fri Feb 10, 2012 10:34 am Post subject: Re: .243 ballistics

Talking about adjusting scopes back and forth, I was always told to click once past in the direction of adjustment and then back to the desired setting. I assume this centers the check pin or ball in the groove. On high end scopes the clicks are crisp but even mid-quality scopes sometimes have a bit of creep in either direction. Not sure if it makes much difference but I now have the habit and do it without even thinking.

dhc4ever · Posted: Fri Feb 10, 2012 4:14 pm Post subject: Re: .243 ballistics

MacD wrote:

Talking about adjusting scopes back and forth, I was always told to click once past in the direction of adjustment and then back to the desired setting. I assume this centers the check pin or ball in the groove. On high end scopes the clicks are crisp but even mid-quality scopes sometimes have a bit of creep in either direction. Not sure if it makes much difference but I now have the habit and do it without even thinking.

MacD,
doing that takes up unavoidable freeplay in the threads of the adjustment mechanism.
I had to do similar when adjusting Pitch Change links on helicopter heads when tuning them in, works with most things with a thread.

Vince · Posted: Sat Feb 11, 2012 5:32 am Post subject: Re: .243 ballistics

Good advice Mac...and DHC4 of course. Laughing

Its a bit like tuning a guitar...do exactly the same thing. Thats why I always tap the scope after adjusting it...if its just a fraction off it will "drop" it into place.

Cheers, Vince

Dawgdad · Posted: Sat Feb 11, 2012 11:37 pm Post subject: Re: .243 ballistics

I have done this with a 30-06 using 110 V- max for coyotes and 165 SST for deer. As Vince described - I set the scope turret to zero for the SST load and fired the group for the V- max and determined I needed to go down 7 clicks for that load.

inthedark · Posted: Sat Feb 11, 2012 11:52 pm Post subject: Re: .243 ballistics

Ut-trout wrote:

Thanks Vince, that option seems easy enough. The only reason I thought of this is because I read a post from a guy who matched his ballistics identically using two different calibers. Im sure my idea is doable, but it would take some extensive trial and error, and probably result in alot of money spent. I like your idea better. Very Happy

Do you have anyone who has a chronograph? If you do, then get the velocities for the load you are using and then you can look at some loads for the other round that you want to load and pick out a load that will theoretically come close to your first velocities and then go out and fire a few rounds and see. it doesn't have to be onerous on you. While you are out there figuring out how many clicks you have to move up or down, you can also make your cheat sheet for the side of your stock for doping the wind. Its all good! Party

Elvis · Posted: Sun Feb 12, 2012 12:14 am Post subject: Re: .243 ballistics

range time is the best option. you never know you may just fluke it.