Berger 88 gr FB vs 90 gr BT

[sewwhat89]

I have been testing these two bullets in my .243 out to 200m thus far with the goal of punching paper at 500m soon. I am getting 1/2 MOA groups at 100 and 200m consistently with both bullets. Here is the problem. I am shooting the 88 gr FB at 3100 fps and the 90 gr BT at 3000 fps roughly. The wind drift by my calculations is identical at 550 yards,roughly 500m). The 88s have about three inches less drop at 550 too.

On paper I will most likely not be able to notice any difference in their ballistics. With the data given, or if you need to know additional data ask, which bullet would you pursue?

 

[6Dasher]

The 90gr BT shows about 5" less drift in the same 10mph winds as the 88grLD at these speeds,at 500y). Bullet path is almost identical to within .5" at impact. I shoot the 88LD on calm days and 105 scenars on windy days,from a 6Dasher), as the 88LD has more grouping potential in my rifle but is also more sensitive to the wind.

 

[sewwhat89]

Well, I chrono'd the loads today. The aforementioned velocities were estimates; today was 66F and the 90 gr load was shooting at 3031 fps and the 88 grs were shooting at 3318 fps. I do not know why the 88s tolerate/prefer the greater speeds, but in my rifle they seem to.

44.5 gr H4350 88 gr Berger FB
42.5 gr H4350 90 gr Berger BT

I am using Nosler brass and CCI BR2 primers.

 

[paulT]

shooting the 90 scenars, 46.6 vit lapua brass, cci bench r, ave vL 3200 in a Blaser prone with bypod, on a good day can produce .350 at 200y 5 shot groups, useing a T8 moderator can realy tighten groups up, but they do tend to heat up at that velocity. paul t, Ireland.

 

[Forum Boss]

the 90 gr load was shooting at 3031 fps and the 88 grs were shooting at 3318 fps. I do not know why the 88s tolerate/prefer the greater speeds, but in my rifle they seem to.

44.5 gr H4350 88 gr Berger FB
42.5 gr H4350 90 gr Berger BT.

The 88s have a very short Bearing Surface and they may seal off a little better being slightly larger in shank diameter and having a flat-base. Given the great velocities you're getting with the 88s it looks like a viable alternative to a 90gr BT. Thanks for the report!