Learning to Compare Ammunition

[Bobson]

I don't know if this will make a difference as far as how this question is answered, but just in case it does, here's the thing: I don't reload or handload any ammo, out of a lack of time, space, and funds. That being said, this is going to be mostly "gee whiz/good to know" info for me, rather than practical, applicable knowledge; but it is something I've been curious about for a good while.

What is the proper way of comparing two different rounds to each other? And I don't mean in regards to achievable accuracy, I mean as far as things like energy at the muzzle compared to energy downrange, penetration and expansion, etc.

What terminology would one use to compare a certain load of 9mm 124 grain FMJ to another slightly different load, and what would those numbers mean in a practical sense? An example here would be outstanding, if someone would give one.

Thanks a lot; I realize this topic is probably much more detailed than my very limited knowledge of it. Any help is appreciated.

 

[rcmodel]

About the only thing a manufacture publishes is bullet weight, bullet type, muzzle velocity, and muzzle energy.

And they are often very optimistic when fired from a real gun by a real person.

Just about all ammo companies have on-line specs and sometimes ballistic programs you can download and run on your computer.
http://www.remington.com/pages/news-and-resources/ballistics.aspx

You just check the loads you want to compare and hit enter.

Here are some more freebys you can play with.
http://www.handloads.com/calc/index.html

rc

 

[Bobson]

Thanks, RC.

 

[Jim Watson]

compare a certain load of 9mm 124 grain FMJ to another slightly different load, and what would those numbers mean in a practical sense?

In this specific case, approximately zero point nothing.
There is not much you can do different to a FMJ service pistol load that will make much difference. If it is not loaded so light as to not function the action or so heavy as to batter up the parts, one is pretty much like the next. A few feet per second in the charts does not really mean much at all.

 

[MachIVshooter]

What is the proper way of comparing two different rounds to each other? And I don't mean in regards to achievable accuracy, I mean as far as things like energy at the muzzle compared to energy downrange, penetration and expansion, etc.

Intended use. Without parameters, it's apples and oranges.

In terms of hunting, you'd need to determine game size and maximum range at which you'll take a shot, and cross-reference that with your tolerance for recoil.

For CCW handguns, you need to figure out your perceived threat level, the size of handgun you desire to strap on daily, the number of rounds you wish to have on tap and the amount of recoil you're comfortable with.

Same goes for any application.

Once you've established those guidlines, then you can start comparing ballistics to figure out what cartridge best suits your needs. Say you're after bull elk, and you're comfortable taking a shot out to 400 yards. You want a normal weight sporter, but the maximum recoil you wish to feel is around 30 ft/lbs. Well, that recoil max is going to rule out heavier calibers like the .338 Win Mag or really flat shooting rounds like the .300 RUM. So, in that case, you'd start comparing rounds like the .30-06, the 7mm Rem Mag, etc.

 

[vellocet]

Quite often, but not always, the good stuff costs more than the crappy stuff.