Fundamental Accuracy vs. Ballistic Performance

[ratbuster]

At 600 yards which would be more advantageous when the wind is gusting say 10-20 mph, a 6BR that shoots .25MOA or a .284 Win that shoots .5 MOA?

Assume average wind reading skills. Of course environmental factors and bullet choice come into play but lets say the 6BR drifts 30.5" at 600 while the 284 drifts only 22". Despite the 284 Win only being half as accurate is it not a much better choice on windy days?

Also assume a brake would be used on the 284 Win so recoil would not negatively affect accuracy.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

Whichever one you learn to shoot. Remember the stories of the guys beating a field of 308 with a 223? He knows what his rifle is going to do and has practiced for it

 

[ratbuster]

Of course familiarity and confidence are important factors but which choice (as described) is better if you consider everything else is equal?

 

[Keith Glasscock]

Personally, I think the topography of the range has more to do with that decision than the total wind velocity.

 

[ShootDots]

When the wind is "basically" steady, even at 20 m.p.h., accuracy always trumps better ballistics. However, your statement says 10-20m.p.h. which means constant let-offs and pick-ups as well as an increasing wind velocity. That creates a set of circumstances where HIGHER b.c., as long as it's accurate, will almost always outperform a bullet with considerably less b.c... Personally, I will give up SOME b.c. for accuracy and lower recoil / torque. I WAS a big 7mm fan and had several .284s, Shehanes and SAUMs. As I age, I grew weary of the recoil and torque. I have settled on the 6.5s for 600 / 1000 yard F-Open. AND if you can get the 150 SMKs to shoot well, you give up literally little or nothing to the 7s.. It's all a matter of personal likes and dislikes. However, FUNDAMENTALLY, once the wind gets "stupid" the higher b.c. will have the definite advantage..

 

[Bart B.]

Also assume a brake would be used on the 284 Win so recoil would not negatively affect accuracy.

That brake tames recoil after the bullet leaves the barrel. More recoil during barrel time makes it harder to shoot accurately.

Bore axis direction moves during barrel time. Bore axis points to the place on target above point of aim equal to sight height plus bullet drop then to the side compensating for windage drift only when the bullet exits. It points elsewhere before bullet exit. After bullets are out of the barrel, doesn't matter how much recoil moves the bore axis.

 

[ratbuster]

That brake tames recoil after the bullet leaves the barrel. More recoil during barrel time makes it harder to shoot accurately.

Bore axis direction moves during barrel time. Bore axis points to the place on target above point of aim equal to sight height plus bullet drop then to the side compensating for windage drift only when the bullet exits. It points elsewhere before bullet exit. After bullets are out of the barrel, doesn't matter how much recoil moves the bore axis.

That makes sense Bart. I thought heavier recoil was primarily a psychological effect on shooters rather than an physical phenomenon.

 

[Bart B.]

That makes sense Bart. I thought heavier recoil was primarily a psychological effect on shooters rather than an physical phenomenon.

To some, it's mental manipulation they cannot manage.

There are lots of people who insist the barrel doesn't move until the rearward jet effect of high pressure gas happens after bullets leave the barrel.

 

[Park ranger]

Litz talks about this with WEZ program to some degree. Being a better wind caller is the take away. Then drift, then 1/4 moa more precision . For sling targets anyway- IIRC.