recommendation for pointing bullets?

[fastarget]

What do you use to point bullets? I am planning to follow recommendations of fellow shooters FTR, and Fopen, that are spending some time trimming and pointing.
Can just pointing be beneficial or should the meplat be also trimmed? does any of this really needs to be done?

Using 105 hybrids, 140 hybrids, and 185 all Berger.

thanks

 

[Keith Glasscock]

First off, let me tell you that I haven't worked with any of those bullets. I have, however, trimmed and pointed or just pointed:

Berger 155.5 fullbore
Berger 185 Hybrid
Berger 200 hybrid
Berger 215 hybrid
Berger 7mm 180 hybrid
Berger 6mm 105 VLD (Hunting)


So, do you need to? Perhaps. My 30 cal experiments showed a slight increase in BC (1-3%). 7mm Hybrid was significant (7-8%). 6mm VLD showed no detectable change. All testing was at 1000 yards by shooting round-robin and looking for differences in vertical impact point.

I found that the heavier jacketed target bullets tend to have a meplat that closing up does help. I also found that closing beyond a certain point had no further benefit - exactly as Bryan Litz explains. I don't bother closing to less than .050 any more.

YMMV

 

[fastarget]

ok, good testimony from two experienced shooters is good with me.

gstaylord is using the Whidden, are you using the Hoover Keith or prefer Whidden as well?

 

[Terry]

I used to point everything, until I tested a new bullet out of the box, pointed, and with moly. The out of the box bullets shot smaller groups at 600 than the pointed, or moly versions. I used loads known to be good in all test. Cutting 1/2" off my groups out of the box convinced me to test first.

 

[fastarget]

So will invest in a Hoover , I like the construction being stainless, and positive reviews,and I will test, it's part of the fun.

 

[broncman]

I bought the Whidden and pointed my 185 Jugs and some 215s. I only got to shoot one match early this year and I had been practicing alot. I shot my best scores to date that match. Not sure if it was the pointed or the practice. My x count was really good for the weekend as well.

 

[fastarget]

rethinking things, might look at the Whidden, the Hoover was really starting to ad up when you have to buy 3 punches etc for 3 calibers.

 

[DocUSMCRetired]

The Whidden pointing die system was designed with the help of Bryan Litz. This is one reason we carry it. I highly recommend reading this: https://www.facebook.com/AppliedBallisticsLLC/posts/959982670730283

 

[Keith Glasscock]

Sorry for the delay getting back - I use Whidden.

I've never laid hands on the hoover, but I've heard that they are great.

I've also changed how I use my pointing die - got tired of dropping bullets on the floor. I mount a press inverted and do the pointing downward. Works great, easier on me, and doesn't result in so many dropped (damaged) bullets.

 

[fastarget]

Sorry for the delay getting back - I use Whidden.

I've never laid hands on the hoover, but I've heard that they are great.

I've also changed how I use my pointing die - got tired of dropping bullets on the floor. I mount a press inverted and do the pointing downward. Works great, easier on me, and doesn't result in so many dropped (damaged) bullets.

Great Idea, I was looking for an entry level Lee or RCBS Partner to dedicate to just pointing but did not think of upside down, great idea.

 

[fastarget]

The Whidden pointing die system was designed with the help of Bryan Litz. This is one reason we carry it. I highly recommend reading this: https://www.facebook.com/AppliedBallisticsLLC/posts/959982670730283

Yes sir, I read that, and some early threads on Benchrest just today, great info. The only reluctance I had initially was a few reviews that the die was aluminum and some had issues with them, but the majority of the experienced shooters here have had tremendous success, so the reviews are mute. Thank you for the link, awesome.