Bench-Talk

Hi

I have been thinking about a 30BR for VFS matches what i would like to ask is what bullet weight/ ojive and reamer combo would be best for 200 meters escluvesly?

 Thanks  Remy

Remy,  That is a good question, and I wish that I could give you a good answer.  First of all all guns shoot different, barrels are different as to twist and what bullet that you shoot, and what load that you try.  Not to give you a quick answer, but you will have to go to the range and try different loads. I might suggest that you start with a light load and go up 1/2 gr at a time until you see something that looks good down range. But before you increase your load try different seating depths. I might suggest that you start from the jam and work backwards.  For example you might load with H-4198 at 33.8 grs and your seating depth at .020 in the lands. Shoot a 5 shot group,at 100 yds, adjust your scope so that you do not take out the dot or your aiming point. This will allow you to sight at the same spot each time you shoot.  Look at the group, then reload same powder charge, this time move your bullet in .005 at a time and shoot a 5 shot group again.  Keep a record of eack time you shoot, I use the target  that I shot each group seperate and record on the back of my results.  Keep doing this until you see what you are looking for .  But remember to do one thing at a time,  One load, than different seating depths, Than try a different load like 34.0 than try the seating depths again,  After a while you will find what shoots best, then fine tune from there, with finer increments until you are shooting the best that that gun will do. As to bullet weight again you will have to try different weights, I shoot 110s with a 7 ogive and it does well for me , but a lot of folks shoot 118s with a 10 ogive and do well.  You will have to tune your gun what ever grain bullet and ogive that you shoot.  I have heard that some people like the 1-inch jacket for the longer ranges, other swear by the .925 jacket, but again it is what ever your gun likes.  Hope this helps.  Good Luck,  You might try to ask folks like Randy Robinett, or Henry Rivers as to to reamer combo question, for they will be suited to answer those questions.

Remy Palombit:

Hi

I have been thinking about a 30BR for VFS matches what i would like to ask is what bullet weight/ ojive and reamer combo would be best for 200 meters escluvesly?

 Thanks  Remy

Remy, welcome to the Hinterlands of the FORBIDDEN ZONE ! ;)

My take on this parrots the TV (beer) commercial: "Tastes GREAT - Less FILLING" - assuming a decent barrel/rifle, the differences between the various bullet weight/ogive configurations will be small. However, assuming equal grouping (agging) potential, where shooting at only 200 meters IS the game, I'd opt for 125 Gr. bullets of the highest possible BC. Regardless of bullet weight, the 30 BR case [usually] delivers "tune" at the same muzzle velocities: high 2900s and again in the mid-3000s FPS. In my experience, when using bullets of up to 125 Gr., decent barrels will deliver an easy 3000+ FPS along with the rquisite precision.

The only sacrifice, when using the 125s, being increased recoil. That said, though, at least, out to 300 meters,  AGGING capability trumps wind drift, and  "edges" only work for those trying to win . . . if you can tolerate the extra recoil, the table (BC) will be tilted your direction.

For bullets based upon the .925" long J4 jacket, regardless of ogive radius, the chamber should feature 0.010" or, < freebore - I prefer ZERO, or, a simple "forcing cone", per the old .300 Winchester design. With ten ogive bullets, based upon the 1.00" long jacket, the ZERO freebore is also desirable. For bullets based upon the 1.00 inch long jacket, and conventional 7-8 caliber ogives, freebore of up to 0.050" is useful - here, I prefer not in excess of 0.035". All of these are in conjunction with the typical 1.5 degree (three deg., included) throat angle.

For a quick BC  reference (G1 model), check the "products" page at my new web-site: www.bibullets.com  - most of my friendly competitors bullets will have [G1] BCs similar to the BIB seven ogive bullets of equal weight. There are many excelent bullet choices available today. Keep 'em ON the X ! RG

   Remy: Ron and R.G. have given you some great advice. Best of luck with your project.   -Al