Contrary to what some people may think, if you do things right, the difference between tipped and non-tipped bullets is noticeable even at 600 yds. I am part of the Puerto Rico F-Class Open Team and our latest performance is posted at Precision Rifle & Tool’s Web Site at the following link, http://www.precisionriflesales.com/customers-in-action/our-shooters-from-puerto-rico-first-time-1000yd/ . It was not bad for our first 1000 yds. NRA Regional in Blakely, Georgia, due in part, to John Hoover’s Bullet Tipping system. We usually shoot 7mm RSAUM for long range (1000 yds.) and .284 straight and 6.5/.284 Shehane (.4840 body taper) for mid-range up to 600 yds. If you do things right with no short cuts, pointed bullets (with everything else done right….) could mean the difference between a borderline 10 and a 9… For us, this is very significant in F-Class competition. At the 1000 yds. Stars and Bars Regional at Blakely, if you access the link above, you will notice that the first four positions were separated by just one (1) point. 1st place aggregate was 786-(39X), 2nd place (my teammate Carlos) with 785-(40X), 3rd place 784-(29X), 4th place (myself) with 783(27X), 5th place 781-(31X) and 6th place (one of our teammates untied by X count) 781-(27X) out of a possible 800pts.
About Meplat Trimming and Bullet Pointing, we can assure you it definitely works. When done correctly, it will decrease differences and minor defects between bullets within the same lot, resulting in a more consistent Ballistic Coefficient. This will translate in a reduction of the vertical spread on the target (waterline consistency), especially at 600yds. and beyond. You will be impressed with the differences between two groups, one with pointing and the other without it. You will clearly see the group reduced by 30% to 40% in relation to “verticalâ€. With the Hoover System, using his Trimmer/Ogive measuring tool, we first sort by ogive, then by OAL, then trim by groups to the lowest length and then Tip to close the meplats to about half of the original on the hybrids. Using the Hoover Tipping Die, you will then come out with a perfect tipping with a no-cone effect, “uniqueâ€to the Hoover System. To reach perfection, you have to experiment, which is not a big deal. However, you will generally achieve a clean, consistent and beautiful pointing not possible with any other system on the market.
Regarding the Hoover System vs. the Whidden System, we have tried them both and when comparing one against the other, just by looking at them, you will see an obvious difference in quality and craftsmanship much superior in the Hoover Die. The Stainless Steel construction and design of the Hoover Die can never be compared to the aluminum alloy used in Whidden’s. On top of this, the Whidden System has only a few tipping punches against a big list of tipping punches from the Hoover System for nearly every caliber, brand and type of bullet on the market today. This shows how the Hoover System is considering the differences in geometry or ogives that characterize different bullets. In short, we prefer the Hoover System, although any of them should improve consistency.
Jose Ramirez – Team Puerto Rico
About Meplat Trimming and Bullet Pointing, we can assure you it definitely works. When done correctly, it will decrease differences and minor defects between bullets within the same lot, resulting in a more consistent Ballistic Coefficient. This will translate in a reduction of the vertical spread on the target (waterline consistency), especially at 600yds. and beyond. You will be impressed with the differences between two groups, one with pointing and the other without it. You will clearly see the group reduced by 30% to 40% in relation to “verticalâ€. With the Hoover System, using his Trimmer/Ogive measuring tool, we first sort by ogive, then by OAL, then trim by groups to the lowest length and then Tip to close the meplats to about half of the original on the hybrids. Using the Hoover Tipping Die, you will then come out with a perfect tipping with a no-cone effect, “uniqueâ€to the Hoover System. To reach perfection, you have to experiment, which is not a big deal. However, you will generally achieve a clean, consistent and beautiful pointing not possible with any other system on the market.
Regarding the Hoover System vs. the Whidden System, we have tried them both and when comparing one against the other, just by looking at them, you will see an obvious difference in quality and craftsmanship much superior in the Hoover Die. The Stainless Steel construction and design of the Hoover Die can never be compared to the aluminum alloy used in Whidden’s. On top of this, the Whidden System has only a few tipping punches against a big list of tipping punches from the Hoover System for nearly every caliber, brand and type of bullet on the market today. This shows how the Hoover System is considering the differences in geometry or ogives that characterize different bullets. In short, we prefer the Hoover System, although any of them should improve consistency.
Jose Ramirez – Team Puerto Rico
