Thread: Accuracy nodes per projectile weight?

Ok, here's a noob question, but one generated by seeing packs of cheap PPU projectiles at Reloaders...

Do you get similar accuracy nodes for a given projectile weight?

So, e.g. do you tend to get the similar accuracy nodes for most 150gr projectiles? Meaning that you can work up ladder loads using cheap 150gr projectiles instead of 150 gr projectiles distilled from single malt? Then, once accuracy nodes established, can finesse with the expensive 150gr stuff? Or whatever.

Or doesn't it work that way?

No


Accuracy nodes are the effect you observe as a result of consistent barrel harmonics for a given load.

Yes*

This is what I suspect but I still need to do more testing. Once you have found a velocity node for a 150gr projectile it will be very close for the other 150gr. However the seating depth (done first) and charge weight will be different. Which means you may not save much.

depends on how fussy you want accuracy.....for AROUND inch.....yes definately,and just use one loaded round to set dies up for next lot,the point on oglive where die connects will be similar on next round as long as you arent going silly eg rem corelocts to eldm or round nose...anything similar will end up similar.
and PERSONALLY all projectiles of same weight OTHER THAN BARNES get same powder charge and seating depth...BARNES I will drop down and work back up.....as it is they ended up the same IN MY RIFLES.

Originally Posted by Micky Duck

anything similar will end up similar.

Yep, this is what I was wondering.

I'd expect you can't load up 150g Round Noses and expect them to act like a MK, but a 150gr BT should roughly act like any other similar BT?

Interesting question

To some extent, yes. I can back that up because of a fair amount of experience with 185gr projectiles in FTR teams. Both 185 hybrids and 185 juggernauts had very similar nodes. Bear in mind that both those were Berger projectiles, and probably had very similar jackets.

But I think if you are going to be comparing a thick jacket FMJ to a sleek high BC projectile you may well see some differences.

My approach would be to rather use the cheap(er) 150gr projectiles to establish your pressure limits for a given primer, case and powder combination, and then to do a second round to clearly identify the node(s) with the final choice of projectile.

Hope that makes sense.