So I am reloading for my AR which is in a 1:9 barrel. Thus far I have thoroughly experimented with 8 different bullets and found the best accuracy is attained with Sierra GameKing 65 gr (jacketed, boat tail, Spitzer, with a soft lead point).

I measured these bullets and find they are 0.843". I actually got a few sub-MOA groups at 100 yards out of my 16" barrel (I am exstatic on the inside folks!). But I'd like to try a few bullets a little shorter and longer to try to fine tune the accuracy even more, but I can't find the length numbers (the most important part of accurate bullet stabilization) published on the manufacturer's website or on the box of bullets.

Any help?

BTW here is my masterpiece, painted from 100 yards (3 fliers yuck! But still sub MOA)...

i think i get my best accuracy out of 223 with a 60 gr sierra and 25 gr h335 out of 14 223's only one old sako did better with something else

have you tried the 55 Nosler BT's and the Hornady 68 hp's? These both work well in my AR.
C.G.B>

quote:

Originally posted by Not_Infringed:
...I'd like to try a few bullets a little shorter and longer to try to fine tune the accuracy even more, but I can't find the length numbers (the most important part of accurate bullet stabilization) published on the manufacturer's website or on the box of bullets. Any help? ...

Hey NI, I have a few 22cal Light weight Bullets. Can't help you with the Heavy ones.

Here is from the Shortest to Longest that I currently have. All of these will be a "Random Selection" from the box:

1. Remington 45gr SP - 0.567"

2. Remington 50gr PLHP - 0.606"

3. Sierra 50gr Spitzer - 0.671"

4. Speer 50gr TNT - 0.685"

5. Nosler 50gr Solid Base - 0.693"

6. Sierra 52gr HPBT - 0.710"

7. Berger 52gr Match FBHP - 0.728"

8. Nosler 50gr B-Tip - 0.786"

quote:

Originally posted by Hot Core:

quote:

Originally posted by Not_Infringed:
...I'd like to try a few bullets a little shorter and longer to try to fine tune the accuracy even more, but I can't find the length numbers (the most important part of accurate bullet stabilization) published on the manufacturer's website or on the box of bullets. Any help? ...

Hey NI, I have a few 22cal Light weight Bullets. Can't help you with the Heavy ones.

Here is from the Shortest to Longest that I currently have. All of these will be a "Random Selection" from the box:

1. Remington 45gr SP - 0.567"

2. Remington 50gr PLHP - 0.606"

3. Sierra 50gr Spitzer - 0.671"

4. Speer 50gr TNT - 0.685"

5. Nosler 50gr Solid Base - 0.693"

6. Sierra 52gr HPBT - 0.710"

7. Berger 52gr Match FBHP - 0.728"

8. Nosler 50gr B-Tip - 0.786"

Hey HC

Are you measuring the bearing length with a "thingy"!!

You do know that if you are not measuring bearing length but just total length of the bullet, then the information is pretty much useless.

Hey Woods, I gave him what he asked for.

And "NO" the Bearing Length has nothing to do with the Stability Factor, it is the Overall Bullet Length that makes the difference.

However, that tends to get Hosed Up a bit with the Politically Correct Bullets. So, the only way to know for sure is to Ask as he has done and make a judgement based on others experiences, or try them yourself.

What do you think Bearing Surface has to do with the Stability Factor?

Berger Bullets lists the barrel twist rate for all bullets on there website. Sierra only lists a few , but you must click the bullet number.Most of the heavy for caliber bullets are marked.

quote:

think i get my best accuracy out of 223 with a 60 gr sierra and 25 gr h335 out of 14 223's only one old sako did better with something else

Yes I have tried the 60gr Sierra's. They are HP but not BT's. They are decently accurate for me...but I want better! I have been messing around with Varget and H322 lately. I just got my first pound of H335 to play around with next.

quote:

have you tried the 55 Nosler BT's and the Hornady 68 hp's? These both work well in my AR.
C.G.B>

Yes and Yes.

I only got to go to the range once with the Nosler Ballistic Tips and was impressed with what they did.

I am not impressed with the Hornady 68gr. Those are REALLY LONG bullets (.985")! And personally I am not impressed with the "jacketing" job that Hornady did. The nose of all the bullets seems really sloppy and inconsistent.

quote:

Hey NI, I have a few 22cal Light weight Bullets. Can't help you with the Heavy ones.

Here is from the Shortest to Longest that I currently have. All of these will be a "Random Selection" from the box:

1. Remington 45gr SP - 0.567"

2. Remington 50gr PLHP - 0.606"

3. Sierra 50gr Spitzer - 0.671"

4. Speer 50gr TNT - 0.685"

5. Nosler 50gr Solid Base - 0.693"

6. Sierra 52gr HPBT - 0.710"

7. Berger 52gr Match FBHP - 0.728"

8. Nosler 50gr B-Tip - 0.786"

Hey thanks for the info Hot Core!

You are welcome. Gald (How `bout) Glad I looked because I was surprised that the 50gr B-Tip was longer than the 52gr Berger FBHP.

By the way, I'm not sure what effect the Plastic Tips have when it comes to "Stability". Obviously they have less weight than a Lead Tip and the old Formulas were derived based on Lead Tips. So, a person "might" be able to Stabilize a slightly longer Plastic Tip Bullet.

You might try some RL-15. My son in law used RL-15 in his F-Class shoots. Velocity is consistent.

i have had great groups with aa2230c power and all 50 to 55 gr bullets will be trying 68 gr hornady match and 69 gr sierra match this week will let you know how they shoot with aa2230c varget and h335

quote:

You are welcome. Gald Big Grin(How `bout) Glad I looked because I was surprised that the 50gr B-Tip was longer than the 52gr Berger FBHP.

By the way, I'm not sure what effect the Plastic Tips have when it comes to "Stability". Obviously they have less weight than a Lead Tip and the old Formulas were derived based on Lead Tips. So, a person "might" be able to Stabilize a slightly longer Plastic Tip Bullet. bewildered

I was reading "Understanding Firearm Ballistics" (http://www.amazon.com/Understanding-Firearm-Ballistics-Robert-Rinker/dp/0964559854) and he mentioned that hollow points are better for accuracy because it moves the center of gravity further back into the bullet (away from the tip*), thereby improving the stability. I would imagine you are correct, since the plastic is less dense than the lead, it also moves the CG back, although not quite as far back as an HP, so yes I agree that you could conceivably go longer*.


* That's what SHE said!

quote:

You might try some RL-15. My son in law used RL-15 in his F-Class shoots. Velocity is consistent.

quote:

i have had great groups with aa2230c power and all 50 to 55 gr bullets will be trying 68 gr hornady match and 69 gr sierra match this week will let you know how they shoot with aa2230c varget and h335

I have a softspot for Hodgdon since they are a local (to me) company here in Kansas City. But accuracy is king! I am eager to hear the range reports for RL-15 and aa2230c.