Bullet Question

[idcurrie]

I'm trying to decide on bullet choice. I'm changing away from Nosler due to some bad experience with on game performance with the Accubond and bad accuracy with the e-tip.

I find the GMX from Hornady quite compelling because they claim it can be loaded with the same data as their cup and core bullets because of the similar bearing surface. If I switch to the GMX I would also like to switch to the Interbond to replace the accu-bond.

I do now have the firmest grasp of what sectional density and ballistic co-efficient really mean, apparently.

Nosler publishes their bullet length but Hornady does not.

I am confused about whether the Hornady bullets will be shorter or longer than their Nosler counterparts.

This is especially concerning to me as my 1 in 12 twist rate Vanguard is very picky about bullet length. It can shoot a 45grain JHP very well but the 50 grain ballistic tip is simply too long to be as accurate and I have to stick with the 40 grain in this instance. So, you can see why I would want to know the length of the V-Max Hornady counterpart.

So for example:
We see that in .224 50gr:

Nosler Ballistic Tip Varmint
BC: 0.238 SD 0.157 (OAL 0.810")
Hornady V-Max
BC: 0.242 SD 0.142 (OAL ?)

From the higher BC and lower SD can I infer that the V-max is longer than the ballistic tip?

If so, then please help me understand the .308 diameter bullets in 165 grains:
Nosler Accubond
BC: 0.475 SD 0.248 (OAL 1.308")
Hornady Interbond
BC: 0.447 SD 0.248 (OAL ?)

Here's where I get confused. They both have the exact same Sectional Density. Does that mean they are the same length? If so, why do they have a different Ballistic Co-efficient? Or does the higher BC on the Accubond indicate that it is longer while the Interbond is more dense (more lead, less copper jacket?)

Where I get REALLY confused is with the guilded metal bullets which I will be using for Elk/Moose in 165/8 grain.
Nosler E-Tip:
BC: 0.503 SD 0.253 (OAL 1.4")
Hornady GMX:
BC: 0.447 SD 0.248 (OAL ?)

The fact that it has identical BC and SD to the interbond is not lost on me...

As you can see, I think I'm failing to understand what some of these numbers really imply. Any schooling would be appreciated.

 

[LoonWulf]

The BC of a bullet can change from very slight modifications. Using BC to determine shape, can be a bit slippery. Also note that Hornady made a point of keeping the interbond, GMX and SSTs as close to each other stats wise as possible. The reason being is so that you could go from one to another without changing loads or trajectory...hopefully point of impact would stay similar also

IF twist is an issue for you take a look at midways bullet listings, horndays bullets have the recomended twist in the adds. http://www.midwayusa.com/product/77...er-224-diameter-60-grain-flat-base-box-of-100

Most .30 cals ive seen have a rather fast twist, so any of the midweight bonded or monolithics should stabilize fine.

 

[Haxby]

All 165 grain .308 bullets have the same sectional density. Length has nothing to do with it. As Sierra defines it:
'Sectional Density: A bullets weight, in pounds, divided by its diameter in inches squared.'

Published, advertised, ballistic coefficients mean next to nothing. You can't believe them, especially as far as comparing bullets from two different companies. Hornady says they made the Interbond and the Gmx to have the same BC. That does not mean they are the same length.

A Gmx and an Etip will be about the same length. An Interbond an an Accubond will be about the same length.

If you have a 308, or any larger 30 caliber rifle, with any standard twist rate (1 in 12, 1 in 10) you're good to go with any 150 to 168 grain bullet out there.

 

[GP100man]

When I use jacketed bullets in my 06 I use & have more consistent groups & kills with either Hornady or the Remington CorLokt bullet.

The last jacketed was a bulk box of CorLokts