Which bullets perform better post TS: Solids or Lead Core Jacketed?

[harry_x1]

Hi All,

I am trying to understand if anyone has done any study or based on their experience can make some educated guesses as to which type of bullets perform better past TS?

I understand there are various other pros/cons like splash on target, difficulty to tune, barrel life etc etc...but I am particularly interested in understanding if for a given caliber (let us say 300 grain projectiles for 338 caliber), will solids in general have better transition to sub sonic? For comparison purpose we can use 300 grain Berger OTMs vs 300 grain CE Lazers Gen2.


thanks for the inputs

Harjeet

 

[SKWERLZ]

Past transonic I don’t feel there’s a difference.

Solids can have better ballistics, need faster twist, can be more finicky and have less impact signature

Cup core has a better impact signature, standard twist and a bit less ballistic performance.

 

[ShaunBrady]

Neither of those bullets have trouble transitioning.

Neither should be taken as representative of solids or jacketed bullets as a whole.

By the time they transition, the accumulated dispersion from velocity and BC variations will be far larger effects.

With a fresh barrel, the Lazer will have lower BC spreads than sorted Hybrids. If the Hybrids haven't been heavily sorted and culled, or trimmed and partially tipped, it won't even be close. If you're running too much pressure, the BC spread of the jacketed bullet will also suffer.

I've had an easier time lowering velocity spread with solids, but it's about a third level effect after finding a primer/powder combination that dances well and putting some effort into refining your brass prep. I also see a lot of ELR ammo that has no chance because the bullet has varying levels of marks from the seating process.

For hobby use, I save myself a lot of trouble handling bullets multiple times by just using the ATips.

I have a 1:7 338 barrel I was saving for the introduction of the Berger 338 caliber solids, but those don't seem to be coming soon. I might chamber it and wear it most of the way out with the Lazers as a rain dance for the Bergers for the rest of you.

 

[harry_x1]

Neither of those bullets have trouble transitioning.

Neither should be taken as representative of solids or jacketed bullets as a whole.

By the time they transition, the accumulated dispersion from velocity and BC variations will be far larger effects.

With a fresh barrel, the Lazer will have lower BC spreads than sorted Hybrids. If the Hybrids haven't been heavily sorted and culled, or trimmed and partially tipped, it won't even be close. If you're running too much pressure, the BC spread of the jacketed bullet will also suffer.

I've had an easier time lowering velocity spread with solids, but it's about a third level effect after finding a primer/powder combination that dances well and putting some effort into refining your brass prep. I also see a lot of ELR ammo that has no chance because the bullet has varying levels of marks from the seating process.

For hobby use, I save myself a lot of trouble handling bullets multiple times by just using the ATips.

I have a 1:7 338 barrel I was saving for the introduction of the Berger 338 caliber solids, but those don't seem to be coming soon. I might chamber it and wear it most of the way out with the Lazers as a rain dance for the Bergers for the rest of you.

I have a new 7t in 338 and it is shooting lazers great. My very first impression exactly matches what you just said...I feel that the BC of the lazer remains more consistent vs the OTMs which I have been using till now in a 9t barrel. However for given powder charge and chamber pressure (calculated in QL), I am able to get higher velocity firing jacketed...but that might also be driven by the fact that my 9t barrel has 400 rounds through it, while the 7t is brand new.

 

[SKWERLZ]

I have a new 7t in 338 and it is shooting lazers great. My very first impression exactly matches what you just said...I feel that the BC of the lazer remains more consistent vs the OTMs which I have been using till now in a 9t barrel. However for given powder charge and chamber pressure (calculated in QL), I am able to get higher velocity firing jacketed...but that might also be driven by the fact that my 9t barrel has 400 rounds through it, while the 7t is brand new.

Glad they are working for you.
The pressure band solids are definitely more accommodating to variances of barrel bore dimensions.