Custom bullets

[Topwater]

Okay, those of you that are competitive shooters, do “ custom “ bullets make a great bit of difference and are they worth the extra expense? Thanks.

 

[Toby Bradshaw]

Look at the equipment list for the winners in short-range benchrest to see that the answers to your questions are "yes" and "yes." A handmade BR bullet is the best value in shooting, if you ask me. No way I'd pull the press handle that many times to make a dime or two.

 

[dkhunt14]

Okay, those of you that are competitive shooters, do “ custom “ bullets make a great bit of difference and are they worth the extra expense? Thanks.

In what competition are we talking? I believe it makes a difference in long and short range. Although in long range I saw a lot of good groups with Bergers, you just have to sort them. Matt

 

[INShooter]

Many shooters in the benchrest game believe good bullets are as important as good barrels. Toby had it correct in the post above. Anyone who makes bullets will tell you that the added expense over factory bullets doesn't begin to compensate the maker for the work involved in making the darn things.

 

[Topwater]

I’m just getting into competition benchrest. I will be using a 6XC, initially out to 600. Eventually stretching to 1000. The cost of putting together a rifle, optics, rest, etc. has become quite expensive. I’m trying to decide if custom bullets are the way to go. Thanks again for the input.

 

[6MMsteve]

if your serious hell yes go custom

 

[LRPV]

Against my better judgement I’m going to tell you to shoot factory bullets. At first you aren’t gonna know which way is up or down when it comes to being competitive. After you do it for awhile and learn a little more about what you’re doing, you’ll switch to a BR based cartridge for 600+ yds at which time you should take a serious look at custom bullets at that time. I think you’ll end up wasting money at first trying to learn the intricacies of the benchrest dance.

 

[JFrank]

I’m just getting into competition benchrest. I will be using a 6XC, initially out to 600. Eventually stretching to 1000. The cost of putting together a rifle, optics, rest, etc. has become quite expensive. I’m trying to decide if custom bullets are the way to go. Thanks again for the input.

Tough call
Are you proficient with load development?
You can spend a lot of time testing and learning how to develop.
J

 

[Falfan2017]

Ive been experimenting with my first batch of vapor trails so I have very little experience with them but one thing I notice is you can really see the effects of your load development. I tried 3 different load depths at 600 yards in club matches. Jammed .04, .06 and .09. Shot two groups of each. Each seating depth produced almost exactly the same group with the exact same vertical each time and on two different weekends. Not only the same size group but the same shape. Sure does make it easy to see if you have a good load or just got lucky or unlucky. I never had results like that with previous Berger 108s and hybrids some loads were clearly better than others but it certainly felt more random.

 

[BartsBullets]

Against my better judgement I’m going to tell you to shoot factory bullets. At first you aren’t gonna know which way is up or down when it comes to being competitive. After you do it for awhile and learn a little more about what you’re doing, you’ll switch to a BR based cartridge for 600+ yds at which time you should take a serious look at custom bullets at that time. I think you’ll end up wasting money at first trying to learn the intricacies of the benchrest dance.

Listen to this guy!

Bart

 

[johara1]

I set one record with Berger Hybrids and did well with them but that was one lot. The next lots were not even close the them, the chance you take. They pushed me to Spencers and lot to lot was the same. Did I save money with the Bergers? one good the next three average at best. Plus they are all over the place in dimensions, some as fat as .244. I am now shooting Barts and they are the best I have found dimension size and I cut some of each lot open to see what is hidden, Barts are even nice on the inside. To me it is cost effective, 500.00 for a barrel worn out by average bullets. When you get a hummer you had better you use the best bullet you can get, it only last a short time....... jim

 

[michaeljp65]

If your going to spend say $5000 on a custom BR rifle why not spend some extra on custom bullets? ITs like buying a Ferrari and running it on cheap fuel.

 

[WyleWD]

Somewhere very soon in your acquiring knowledge, components, etc. buy a very good set of wind flags and use them everytime you go out to do load development and practice. They'll pay for themselves very quickly the sooner you know how to space and read them and see how they affect your groups.

As far as the non custom bullets it might be a thought to buy some that are at least relatively close in weight and configuration to what custom bullets you are ultimately wanting or thinking to use in competition.

Two of the most expensive items in competitive shooting are poor optics and the absence of windflags. JME. WD

 

[One Shot One Thrill]

From my experiences let the barrel decide. I've had good luck with both but I've never had any luck trying to force feed anything.
You will need to try and find what it likes with very few rounds down the pipe. I've worked with some PRS shooters and had the 6xc barrel shot out with 800 rounds down the tube.
I would start with a few different good factory projectiles and see what it likes if you hit on something good shoot it. If you must once you identify what it likes look at the customs and compare weight, length, diameter ECT. Remember don't shoot any more than necessary. If you hit on a factory bullet that shoots good try and find the same lot number and buy enough to shoot out the barrel in this case most likely after you have tested 1000 will be enough.
Good luck
Remember HAVE FUN!!

 

[dcali]

The only disciplines where they make sense are benchrest and f class. If you can tune a gun with something good like a Berger, you can probably eke out a little more from a good custom. But you have to be pretty proficient to appreciate the difference. Burn up a barrel or two on the factory stuff and you will save a lot of money in the learning. Once you’re dialed in and looking for an edge, that’s the time to go custom.

 

[Puzzaz01]

All I can say is y'all better look out...... when @BartsBullets starts cranking out those highly sought after 6.5 sledge hammers/dead blow hammers the tables will be turned. There won't be a 6mm of any configuration winning any longer, it'll all be with 6.5's.

Custom bullets are not just a compliment to your BR or F class rifle they bring out the full potential. To me it's just like the difference between factory ammo vs a tuned handload.

Darrin

 

[jimmymac]

I have a couple LV PPC’s. For the small difference in price it makes no sense for me to shoot factory bullets. For me, it’s all about eliminating potential weak links in my system. Shooting good bullets helps me become a better shooter because now when I end up with a four and one I cant blame it on the projectile. I probably did something stupid like missing a let up. YMMV

 

[farmerjohn]

+1 on what LRPV and Bart said, after you shoot 1k rds in matches and at least that many more in load development you will be able to see the difference.