Bullet pointing 6 mm Berger VLD 105 hunters- need help

[Andr01d]

Ok so this is my first attempt at improving long distance groups for 1000yd bench rest by bullet trimming and pointing, unfortunately I can only test at 350 yds prior to matches. I have consistent groups at .25 MOA using bullets right out of the Berger box. SD consistent in the single digits. So now comes the sorting by bearing surface in .001 batches. Trimmed to the same length and NOT pointed they stay at .25 MOA at 350 yds.

Now the pointing with Whidden die. Set up to just kiss the bullet at top of press stroke, die cap set to zero. Tested 5 shot groups pointed at 5( these look just like factory bullets when done), 10, and 15( as indexed on die cap). Looking at pictures that came with the die, the 5 and 10 pointed bullets look "correct", the 15 shows a hard angle from point to normal cone of the bullet, I would expect this to cause groups to open up.

None of the pointed bullets shoot better, the groups actually open right up .75 MOA or worse. I have tried trim, point shoot. Trim ,point, trim , point, shoot, not any better groups.

Looking for some advice from the guys that successfully bullet point!

Is it necessary to re-tune, ( ramp load, seating depth) with the pointed bullets? Or did I buy a 250 dollar bullet mangler? FYI I am using insert #1 for these bullets.

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

 

[racesnake]

I haven't had that experience with pointing. No loss in accuracy as far as I'm concerned. I point 6mm 105 vlds, , 6.5mm 140 vlds, and 7mm 180 hybrids with no problems.

 

[Andr01d]

Racesnake, does my procedure for pointing differ from yours, and are you able to see improvements to group size at distances less than 1000? What distance are you load developing at? What sort of group size improvements are you seeing from pointing? Thanks for the reply!

 

[jr600yd]

I've found trimming and pointing doesn't effect accuracy but at 1K I use about 1MOA less elevation.

 

[dreever]

I used to be EXTREMELY anal. Sorting, measuring, weighing, trimming, pointing, etc. etc. etc. Had half a dozen plastic tackle boxes with dividers to separate my sorted bullets. Yes, at the longest yardages I MIGHT have noticed a difference in how much elevation I needed to dial in. Groups didn't appear to be much if any different. So what do you do with all the little groups of sorted bullets? A real PIA. The hours and hours of pointing, trimming, re-pointing didn't seem to be worth it to me.
Now I just buy 500-1000 Bergers in the same lot and just use them as they come out of the box.
To each his own. If it makes you happy and if you can see (or think you can see) a difference, go for it.

Danny

 

[Jet]

Andr01d

Shooting consistant small groups requires the elimination of variables. One of which is an attempt to make sure your bullets are equal in every way.

I started sorting and prepping bullets earlier this year and through my testing (not scientific) I have been able to shrink .5" off my 10 shot groups at 600yds.

My process in order is:
1. Sort by bearing surface using tool from Mark King Rifles. Box of 500 105 Hybrids has always had a .007 variance. Most are within .003. I seperate them in groups of .001
2. Sort with a Bob Green Comparator. Almost all are within .001 of each other. Any plus or minus are set aside for foulers
3. Trim with Montour County Rifles tool
4. Point with Whidden die. I attempt to mirror the example Whidden provides
5. I haven't been weighing but will start and will seperate into seperate lots

As you work through what works and doesn't work, trust your testing and never stop testing.

My #1 reason for this is to catch the one or two bullets per 500 that will double the size of your group

Having complete confidence in your ability, equipment, loads, etc is critical to success. Ensuring my bullets are as close as possible to each other eliminates variables and builds confidence. For me, the time spent is worth it

Good Shooting

Rich