Different weight bullets for same caliber and group size.

I tend to think that a bigger bullet for a given caliber will be more accurate than a smaller weight bullet of the same caliber.

For Example, A 230 g .45 FMJ (or HP) bullet is longer than a 200 gr .45 FMJ (or HP) bullet. And because it is longer, it is better stabilized by the rifling in the barrel.

So I think 230 .45 FMJ (or HP) bullets should produce tighter groups than 200 .45 FMJ (or HP) bullets. I know that velocities will make a difference, but if everything else is optimum for the bullet, I think the longer 230 gr bullets should group better.

What say you?

Hack

All depends on the gun some shoot them all well some shoot only one well my 416 shoots bullets from 300 to 400 grs in one ragged group. Others I have are very picky.

quote:

So I think 230 .45 FMJ (or HP) bullets should produce tighter groups than 200 .45 FMJ (or HP) bullets. I know that velocities will make a difference, but if everything else is optimum for the bullet, I think the longer 230 gr bullets should group better.

What say you?

I say.....I disagree.....you have t determine the most accurate by testing them

There are many things that determine accuracy.....such as twist rate....you're being way too simplistic here.

From the responses, it looks like my idea won't hold water.

This all came up because I'm about to buy some more bullets from Berry in .45 caliber and I was wondering what kind to get: 185 gr, 200 gr or 230 gr. I thought the 230 gr might fly better. Guess I'll buy some of all 3 and see for myself by shooting them.

But now I figure I'll have to load them to various velocities to see which recipe is best. This could get much more involved that simple ole me likes. I can probably get all OALs the same, and maybe reload for mid range velocities for each kind of bullet.

Hack

Hack,
You need to read up on sectional density and bullet stabilization. Bullet length, twist rate, and velocity are all factors. Heavier for caliber bullets are longer and slower.

Vapodog is one of the wise men here. There's a lot that can be learned from him.

Thanks Winchester, I will. Appears to many. many variables involved.

Hack

btefft,
The .45 acp has been around a very long time and IRC the military used 230 FMJ bullets.....and I'd be willing to bet they tested the snot out of it before they went that route.

If I owned a .45 ACP, I'd be using 230 something just for that reason.......well tested.....but you may wish to try something else.....BTW the .45 acp can be quite accurate......but it's not at all intended to be a target gun...it's a serious defense gun.....I'd recommend findint the performance bullet rather than the accurate one as the usual range is often under 25 feet! and a lot less!

If you're shooting the bullets in an auto, a primary consideration is the shape. The things have to feed reliably in your gun. Hand in hand, bullet weight and velocity determine what strength recoil spring the gun needs.

quote:

"Your rifle calibre dictates the diameter of the bullet you must use. Similarly, the rate of twist dictates the length of the bullet that must be used. Selecting a bullet by weight, rather than length, makes as much sense as choosing a pair of shoes by weight rather than shoe size."

"It is important to match the bullet length correctly with the twist rate of your rifle and with the intended range distance in mind. This is more likely to ensure good terminal ballistics than the traditional, but unscientific, method of choosing a bullet by weight."

Visit this website and learn all about the correct way to select the correct bullet length for your specific rifle and it's twist rate.

quote:

Originally posted by btefft:
...This could get much more involved that simple ole me likes. ...

Hey Hack, Yes, it can get involved "if" you want it to. Lots of folks get by with just randomly picking a Load from a Manual and shoot just fine. But some of us want the best possible Accuracy from our Reloading and it does take more effort to verify an Accurate Load.
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By the way, I agree with the folks who say the Bullets must be shot to see which Bullet a particular barrel will shoot the best. Same with rifles. Just because "we" want a particular Brand or Weight of Bullet to shoot real well dosen't mean it will.

Change to a different firearm and the same Bullet which does not shoot well in one of the same Caliber, and that Bullet might shoot great in it.

Best of luck to you.

That's what I coming to understand. Each gun is different, I just like tinkering with my reloading recipes.

Hack