I was just experimenting with the Berger twist rate calculator and was shocked to see that several of the bullets I am using would be considered "understabilized" or at least "marginally stabilized" based on the twist rates of my rifles. Almost every twist rate chart I had found previously would show a 1:10 twist barrel appropriate for 212 and 220 grain bullets such as an ELD-X, but this calculator says not. Apparently, the old charts are an oversimplification and do not properly account for a bullets length in addition to its weight (length being the more important factor as I now understand). This would indicate they are useless for the new high BC bullets that everyone is moving to. The SG (Specific Gravity) rating delivered by the calculator shows anything under 1.5 as "marginally stable", over 1.5 as "Stable". I'm currently looking at an SG of 1.36. Apparently, you can still get good accuracy under 1.5 but you will actually be achieving a lower BC based on how far below the 1.5 you are, accuracy may also suffer. Below 1 would mean extreme instability and keyholing.
My question is if anyone has been achieving best accuracy with what would be considered a "marginally stabilized" bullet or if you have found "marginal stabilization" to be a serious limiting factor. I am wondering if I should continue load development or just choose a shorter, lower BC bullet and throw in the towel before wasting too much time and money.
My question is if anyone has been achieving best accuracy with what would be considered a "marginally stabilized" bullet or if you have found "marginal stabilization" to be a serious limiting factor. I am wondering if I should continue load development or just choose a shorter, lower BC bullet and throw in the towel before wasting too much time and money.