Why small caliber heavy bullets??

[Cbrown3020]

I would like to know what the advantage is to shooting small caliber heavy bullets? For example 22 cal 80 gr bullet instead of a 6 mm 80 gr bullet? There must be something to it seems very popular what am I missing please.

Thank you everyone for your responses!!

Kevin

 

[ronemus]

Higher ballistic coefficient (lower drag) retains velocity and bucks wind better.

 

[ben-o]

Long and skinny bullets have higher ballistic coefficient. It’s mostly not that critical at normal hunting range, but it helps a lot at long range.

 

[Syncrowave]

When you see a long skinny bullet, think: Less like a ball, more like a spear=higher BC.
Retains velocity farther because it doesn't have to push as much air out of the way (or drag as much behind).
But you need faster rifling twist to give it more gyroscopic stability because the air has more "leverage" on a longer bullet to make it tumble.

 

[357Mag]

I would like to know what the advantage is to shooting small caliber heavy bullets? For example 22 cal 80 gr bullet instead of a 6 mm 80 gr bullet? There must be something to it seems very popular what am I missing please.

Thank you everyone for your responses!!

Kevin

CBrown-

Topics aligned with your question are…. what are shooters using these long/heavy bullets for ? When using long/heavy bullets to kill animals; shooters need to make an informed, sensible choice on the bullet(s) they use.

Using varmint shooting as an example:
It may make no sense at all for a shooter to use a very long/heavy VLD on things like PDs, rock chuck, or groundhog; when/if their typical engagement ranges are close enough that bullet’ retained energy is not a big issue. Moreover, the likelihood of a bullet to actually pass through and then exit a varmint becomes more-pronounced as bullet weights in each varmint calibre trend towards maximum. Bullets that exit the target animal….did not transfer all of their retained energy to it.

Ideally, shooters will also think about whether any potential candidate bullet might exit the animal amongst other considerations; while making their bullet selection(s). Varmint shooting was just one example.


With regards,
357Mag

 

[Texas Solo]

357Mag makes a good point. When I started F Class I was shooting 80gr Bergers. Very good at 600yds.

I took those out groundhog hunting and found every shot passed through.

I worked a new load with 55gr Nosler BT. They don't exit...ever!

 

[Hipshoot]

I shoot with guys that insist on using long heavy high BC bullets

For the most part they have never shot over 100 yds.

I guess they either think it is cool or just like spending their hard earned money!.

 

[K22]

I must be missing something also because heavies in a 223 Rem do not make sense to me. But of course, a lot in today's world doesn't make sense to me.

If one's discipline is shooting at paper targets long range, then certainly there must be a more proficient cartridge than the 223 Rem. for this purpose.

If one is like me, uses a 223 Rem for hunting varmints and predators, then this requires a bullet that will expand, minimize ricochet, and optimize trajectory in conjunction with optimizing the aforementioned elements. In other words, choose a suitable bullet for varmint / predator hunting.

If I need a long-range varmint cartridge, i.e. > 300 yards, then I would choose a 22 250 or 243 or such cartridge.

 

[Idaho-Lefty]

I Like, Light & FAST, .22 Cal Bullets for PD's and Sage Rats, 50 to, 60 grains ( at 300-350 yds or so ) and,..
69 to 88 grain, Long Heavy, High BC bullets ,at some, serious "Speed" for, Coyotes, "works" well, in the Open, Windy, rolling Desert,..
Both Hunts, "can" be done with, a .22-250 or, .22 Creed If, your Barrel's, One of, the Faster Twists.

 

[Keith Hansley in NC]

heavier bullet for caliber= slower velocity=subsonic for suppressor use