I strongly disagree.Any shooter will shoot the most accurate load at the highest velocity they can and stay in the pressure range they are willing to accept.
I originally thought that for best accuracy, I must use the slowest powder that load data listed highest muzzle velocities. That was when I was ignorant of the facts regarding pressure curves' effect on velocity and accuracy.
Conversing with people getting best accuracy (national champs, record setters and Sierra Bullets' ballistics technician) revealed one common thing. Use the powder and charge weights that produces best accuracy. Don't get upset if bullets leave 100 fps slower than another will safely produce. Bullets leave the barrel most consistently when pressure curves are all the same shape and start bullets into the rifling such that they're not deformed and unbalanced. Ball powders are notorious for doing that. The slowest powders often produce highest velocities, but typically with greatest spreads.
Rarely, if ever, do bullets winning the race to the target land in the smallest area. When Sierra their made their first hollow point 30 caliber match bullet for the US Army International Rifle Team to use in 300 meter free rifle matches, that 168-gr. bullet shot most accurate from 308 Win cases leaving about 2200 to 2300 fps in 1:11 and 1:12 twist barrels. That load won gold in the Olympics.
Last edited: