06-25-2020, 01:12 PM
I didnt mean ballistic coefficient - Im talking about sectional density BUT I will grant that I dont fully understand the calculations to establish what SD is for a given bullet. Even after reading the Chuck Hawks page I couldnt get the formula to spit out the SD for a known weight and caliber and the charts are confusing as heck...
Here is what SD means to me :
Note- Im probably wrong from a technical aspect but given my approximations Im thinking Im more right than wrong in realistic application (hunting only).
This article is where I derived that bullet length has an impact on SD : https://ronspomeroutdoors.com/blog/bulle...y-matters/
Again maybe Im reading it wrong but there are a few statement in the article that clearly lead a lay man to believe bullet length is a contributing factor to SD.
Now, in my head, I rely on some past experiences and posted data (Midway will work for this example) to derive a understanding of what Im shooting into game.
When I pick up a 223 I ordinarily choose a 62 grain bullet / when I pickup a .243 it shoots a 95 grain / 308 is usually 165 grain / 458 will dispense a 250 grain and so on.
As I look at the available ammunition and bullet choices the number of options are generally clumped in the bullet weights above - these represent the grain weights with the widest hunting utility in the field (no speciality utilization). AND I dont need to run and grab a calculator but Id bet a steak dinner that the SD is higher as you work from . 22 to .458....
MY POINT: for the 6-ARC discussion and 90 grain bullets available in other calibers that match the AR-15 profile (Gren and 6.8) is that hunters can only choose what the market bears (ammo makers have focused on other weights for 6.5 and .277) and so in this case the SD charts are thrown upside down because the 6mm 90 grain has a higher SD grain for grain - which isnt the norm when typically stepping up in calibers.
Hopefully this explains my position and understanding a bit more -
Oh and dont get me wrong, if you give me a 308 and I get to choose the ammo to hunt hogs from 3 grain weights (110 grs / 165 grs / 220 grs) Im going to choose the 165 grain all day long (given the same bullet construction/properties). That choice isnt based on SD alone rather there is recoil, trajectory, and penetration all factoring into that decision.
But Ive learned to never discount a few special grain weights and caliber combos that buck the math and just work and work well despite the ordinary school of thought - the 90 grain Speer TNT on hogs is one of those Huh? choices for hogs.
And therefore what if I could supercharge that 90 grain TNT - I.e. 6-ARC bonded bullet (YES theoretically speaking)
Here is what SD means to me :
Note- Im probably wrong from a technical aspect but given my approximations Im thinking Im more right than wrong in realistic application (hunting only).
This article is where I derived that bullet length has an impact on SD : https://ronspomeroutdoors.com/blog/bulle...y-matters/
Again maybe Im reading it wrong but there are a few statement in the article that clearly lead a lay man to believe bullet length is a contributing factor to SD.
Now, in my head, I rely on some past experiences and posted data (Midway will work for this example) to derive a understanding of what Im shooting into game.
When I pick up a 223 I ordinarily choose a 62 grain bullet / when I pickup a .243 it shoots a 95 grain / 308 is usually 165 grain / 458 will dispense a 250 grain and so on.
As I look at the available ammunition and bullet choices the number of options are generally clumped in the bullet weights above - these represent the grain weights with the widest hunting utility in the field (no speciality utilization). AND I dont need to run and grab a calculator but Id bet a steak dinner that the SD is higher as you work from . 22 to .458....
MY POINT: for the 6-ARC discussion and 90 grain bullets available in other calibers that match the AR-15 profile (Gren and 6.8) is that hunters can only choose what the market bears (ammo makers have focused on other weights for 6.5 and .277) and so in this case the SD charts are thrown upside down because the 6mm 90 grain has a higher SD grain for grain - which isnt the norm when typically stepping up in calibers.
Hopefully this explains my position and understanding a bit more -
Oh and dont get me wrong, if you give me a 308 and I get to choose the ammo to hunt hogs from 3 grain weights (110 grs / 165 grs / 220 grs) Im going to choose the 165 grain all day long (given the same bullet construction/properties). That choice isnt based on SD alone rather there is recoil, trajectory, and penetration all factoring into that decision.
But Ive learned to never discount a few special grain weights and caliber combos that buck the math and just work and work well despite the ordinary school of thought - the 90 grain Speer TNT on hogs is one of those Huh? choices for hogs.
And therefore what if I could supercharge that 90 grain TNT - I.e. 6-ARC bonded bullet (YES theoretically speaking)