Velocity is a hot topic. Everybody is chasing it. OK, most everybody. It’s also one that I’ve been confronted with by a number of clients. Spoiler…. If velocity is of a concern to you, pick the correct cartridge that will provide it. Or will provide as close to it as possible. I’m going to forewarn you, this is a long post.
Don’t try to make a cartridge do something that it is not designed to do. I’m frequently asked, why don’t I push the velocities on all cartridges that I handload? Simple answer. When using the correct cartridge for what I want to accomplish, the gains are negligible. Why would I sacrifice something else that is more important. Usually precision. So, here is my take on it as it relates to the AR platform.
What are some pitfalls of chasing velocity when pushing a cartridge?
- Pressure
- Increased wear on critical components
- Possible extraction and feeding concerns due to increased gun timing- AR
- Possible case failure
- Narrower accuracy/ precision “nodes”
- Bullet may not shoot as “flat” as a lower velocity
- Negligible gains in external ballistics as compared to component wear
- Less consistency in the load
- Exceeding limits of the bullet construction
Why is chasing velocity a thing? Because individuals want to believe that the most velocity will provide them with the “flattest” shooting bullet. This is especially true with predator hunters that hunt at night. How often do you hear, 22-250 like velocities. This in of itself has people pushing .223’s, 22 Nosler’s, a host of .22 caliber wildcats, some of the 6mm cartridges, etc. At times exceeding their limits in that chase for velocity.
The velocity fallacy used to be rampant in the long range shooting sports, such as PRS. Still kind of is amongst shooters that may not know better. But, if you ask a lot of the top shooters in these long range shooting sports about the velocity of their cartridges, most will tell you that they’re running a velocity that is less than their competitors. One that may be conservative for the cartridge that they’re shooting. Their reasoning is that the extra 50 to 150fps in velocity does not provide them with a large enough gain in external ballistics to be valid when everything is taken into account. While the slower velocity that they’re running provides them with ammunition that is more consistent. It is this consistency, combined with knowing their equipment that provides their repeatable results.
Pressure is a requirement in an AR, but it can also be detrimental to it. When chasing velocity, pressures are being increased. Especially with certain types of powders, as well as the burn rate of the powder being used. Some cartridges within the AR-15 are limited to the amount of pressure that the AR is capable of handling. In some cases, this can be significantly less than the same cartridge when chambered in a bolt action rifle. While there are other cartridges that this applies to, the 6.5 Grendel and cartridge variants based off of this bolt face, are a great example. In the AR we are looking at approximately 53,000 psi due to the bolt design, while in the bolt action rifle it is closer to 60,000 psi. This is where handloaders can get into trouble. Either by using incorrect load data, or by seeking extra velocity and thereby pushing the limits of the bolt. Which is the limiting factor of this cartridge in an AR.
Another consideration as it relates to pressure is overbore cartridges. A overbore cartridge is one with a relatively large case volume or case capacity, coupled with a relatively small diameter bullet. In the simplest terms, a very big case pushing a relatively small diameter bullet is acknowledged as the classic overbore design. But, this can be mathematically related to obtain a case volume to bore area ratio in metric or imperial units. Which then also provides us with comparison data. To express the Overbore Index as a mathematical formula one can take the case capacity in grains of water divided by the area (in square inches) of the bore cross-section. This gives us an index which lets us compare various cartridge designs.
A few examples of overbore cartridges are:
- 22 Creedmoor
- 22 Grendel
- 22-250
- 6 Creedmoor
- 22-243
- 243 Win
- Numerous .22 caliber and 6mm wildcats
You’ll notice that some of the cartridges listed above, are also cartridges that are commonly pushed to, and beyond, their limits in search of velocity. One concern with a overbore cartridge is the formation of a carbon ring in the throat of the barrel. This is a ring that forms in the chamber neck area. More specifically, in the area of the chamber between the end of the case and the freebore transition area. The tremendous amount of heat and pressure transforms carbon fouling into a very hard coating that is difficult to remove once it has formed. An established carbon ring manifests itself with sudden and progressive spikes in pressure. Pressures bordering on the dangerous, and in most cases a loss of accuracy/ precision are the result. So when these types of cartridges are hot rodded in search of the ultimate “flat” shooting bullet, things can go south quickly when the dreaded carbon ring forms. For what it’s worth, I personally clean the 22 and 6 Creedmoor’s every 60 to 70 rounds.
As it relates to handloading, here is a large concern with pressure. One that I’ve seen arise too many times throughout my 20 plus years in the shooting sports and industry. Temperature sensitive powders. These are powders that will have swings in pressure and velocity due to environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, pressure, etc. I’ve witnessed some serious injuries from the result of guns destructing in the hands of shooters due to loads that were developed on the hot side in cooler environmental conditions, and were then being shot in conditions over 100 degrees. Add to this, some of the temperature sensitive powders that produce a sustained, but increasing pressure curve over a longer duration during the burn sequence. This can be a recipe for disaster. As someone who hunts all year long in varying environmental conditions, I prefer to use a powder that has proven to me to be pretty temp stable throughout different conditions. I do not like to run a “summer” load and a “winter” load. The compromise to this, is usually a lower average velocity.
For every action there is an equal or opposite reaction. With increased pressure, increased wear on critical components is the result. In the AR platform this wear can be found in the following components:
- Bolt- Due to bolt thrust, early unlocking, case failure, and wear of other components
- Cam pin
- Firing pin retainer
- Fire Control Group components
- Buffer system
- Barrel- throat wear can be of concern- Especially in overbore cartridges
The above are just a few components that can have accelerated wear due to excessive pressures. I’ve also seen damaged lower receivers and gas keys that resulted from improperly built guns that were subjected to increased cyclic rate because of increased pressures.
As far as pressure goes, I’ve yet to touch on suppressor use and the effects of one on the AR operation. With most suppressors, when one is added it increases the bore pressure which in turn increases the timing of the firearm. This can result in brass wear as the case is still obturating when the bolt is unlocking and attempting to remove the case from the chamber. This can result in torn case rims and other case concerns. This increased timing can also result in double feeds, as well as a failure to extract or a failure to feed. If the timing of the AR is not addressed and then we add in ammunition that is higher in or excessive on pressure, the magnitude of operational concerns can greatly increase.
Case failure can occur in a few different ways. Most of the failure that I see due to pressure result in:
- Case web separation
- Case head separation
- Blown primer/ primer pocket
- Neck separation
Blown primers or primer pocket failures are what I see the most of. I’ve seen this with both large and small primer cases. When this occurs, bolt face damage and/or bolt component damage can occur due to gas cutting from the hot, high pressure gasses escaping the primer area.
Not all cases are created equal. Manufacturers use different brass alloys, as well as different construction techniques and specifications. Some brands of brass fair better to higher operating pressures than others do. A prime example as it relates to pressure related failures are a couple of niche brass manufacturers that used a case web thickness of approximately .175”. Much thinner than what is commonly seen. This was done due to an interior redesign of the case to increase case volume. What would occur is case web separation in certain cartridges that were pushed to higher, or excessive pressures for increased velocity. The case web area in most barrels is not supported by the chamber. This is evident by the chamfer around the circumference of the chamber as you look at it from the action end. When it was known that this brass would be used, gunsmiths would reduce the chamfer angle into the chamber to provide for more support of the case web. Another example of brass manufacturing variations that stands out is Norma brass for the 6XC cartridge. There was a time when this Norma brass was approximately .012” shorter than the chamber reamers that were being used. This resulted in excessive headspace dimensions. Only to compound concerns when the cases were run at higher pressures by the 1,000yd competition shooters.
When handloading, it is not uncommon to find powders that as they approach their upper charge limits will have much narrower accuracy/ precision “nodes,” or just will not produce desired results. When chasing velocity this may result in a load that doesn’t produce a “good” group, or may require a handloader to use a powder that achieves the velocity but that has other less desirable features such as temperature sensitivity. When working loads for various cartridges, it is not uncommon that I will find the best precision with a lot of powders to be about one grain under the listed max charge weight. Another undesirable powder characteristic is one that has a drastic and abrupt pressure spike. When these types of powders are pushed for velocity, they can quickly create dangerously high pressures, while not providing any accuracy gains. The above characteristics contribute to a load that just isn’t consistent. At moderate ranges this may not be an issue. This could be the difference between making and missing a shot at further distances, with certain types of shot presentations, or under certain shooting conditions.
The main reason that I do not chase all of the velocity is for exterior ballistics. So, let’s briefly touch upon this.
As far as predator hunting goes, it is popular to sight a rifle in for max point blank range. So say that you commonly shoot 300yds and in. You’d zero your rifle for 300yds and then learn your holds from the muzzle to 300yds. I do not zero my rifles this way. I do define the max range that I consistently kill at, or most likely would kill at. I use 300yds as this number. Whatever yardage that you choose, you do need to make sure that your ammunition provides the terminal ballistics for the animal that you’re hunting.
Now, every rifle will have two zero points in the trajectory. Your first point of zero will be when the bullet rises up in trajectory to the reticle of the optic. The second zero is as the bullet falls back down in trajectory. I use these two points as a slider. Moving one moves the other. Next, I will define a “kill box” size. The size can be dependent upon the cartridge used. A faster cartridge will typically have a smaller “kill box” than a slower cartridge. But, a higher BC bullet at a slower velocity may provide similar results.
In the following information of real data from some of my personal guns, as well as “shop” guns, you will find charts. These charts are calculated from Berger’s Ballistic Calculator that is available on their website. Information out is only as good as the information that you put in. With that said, when I calculate these charts, I find that they are usually really close and may only require slight tweaking when I verify them in the real world. Verification. Yes, verification. After I get a gun zeroed based on the information in the charts, I will then proceed to shoot at different distances all the out to 300yds. I will then “tweak” as needed, or make notes of impact discrepancies at what yardage. The Berger calculator is not the only ballistics application that I use. I also use Strelok Pro. Sometimes in conjunction with the Berger calculator. This may not currently be available due to U.S. sanctions of the Russia/ Ukraine war. There are a number of quality programs or apps out there. Hornady’s 4DOF is another good app, but in my experiences it is geared more towards long range shooting. The bullets that Hornady has loaded into it are not commonly used for predator hunting. Hornady frequently updates this, so maybe that will change. Some apps are free, while others like Strelok Pro will cost you a nominal fee. If it is available. Some, like Hornady’s 4DOF are free, but then have additional features that you have to purchase to unlock.
For the data inputs you’ll note that I selected 30 degrees F for the temperature. This is to somewhat represent our Iowa winters. Although, with wind chill, it frequently gets below zero. -20 degrees F or more isn’t uncommon. To keep things simple, I also did not calculate any wind speed. For elevation, I used the elevation that is prevalent for my area. We may get to 1,000’ or even a little more, but in my experiences it doesn’t make a large enough impact on trajectory to account for it. The same applies to inclination. Though, I do hunt in some areas that have a decent ridge or valley, this isn’t common enough for me to factor it in for all of the places that I hunt. The sight height is close with the thermal that is used on most of the guns. This measurement is probably one of the factors that influences my need to typically adjust when verifying the data.
With most of my personal 6mm calibers I use approximately a 7” box for a coyote at 300yds. Now, using known data gathered from my gun and particular load, I will determine my trajectory points from 20 yards out to 300yds. Next I look at my verified known points and use my “zero” slider to change my zero points and see how it affects my rise and my drop. What I’m looking for in these numbers is for them to be 7” or less when combined. As an example. My 6 Creedmoor is currently “zeroed” with a 70g load that has approximately a 1.7” rise to my first zero point which is approximately 38yds, while the drop from the second zero point of 220yds to 300yds is approximately 4.9”. These combined provide me with approximately a 6.6” box from the muzzle to 300yds. Now, if I move the zero points I can either increase the rise to the first zero point, which in turn will decrease the drop past the second zero point. Or, I can decrease the rise to the first zero point, which will then increase the drop from the second zero point to 300yds. Personally, with most cartridges that I shoot, I will take a little more drop past my second zero point. For me, I can account better for a little more drop than I can for the rise that I will have on closer coyotes. But the key take away of this is that I can hold on a coyote out to 300yds and be confident that as long as I do my part, that I will get a hit. Notice, I didn’t mention wind drift. Velocity does play a role in wind drift, but in my experiences it doesn’t have as significant of an effect as it does with elevation. Though, wind is the king when shooting long and is typically the contributing factor for most misses. But, we are talking predator hunting here, and most of which is done with a thermal.
| Bullet Diameter | 0.243 inches | Zero Range | 220 yards | |
| Bullet Weight | 70 grains | Sight Height | 1.50 in | |
| Ballistic Coefficient | 0.310 | Muzzle Velocity | 3374 fps | |
| Temperature | 30 F | Wind Speed | 0.00 mph | |
| Altitude | 968 feet | Wind Direction | 9 o’clock | |
| Inclination | 0 degrees | Berger Bullets | Copyright 2013 |
| Range Card | ||||||
| Range (y) | Velocity (fps) | Energy (ft-lbs) | Elevation (inches) | Windage (inches) | TOF (s) | |
| 20 | 3304 | 1697 | -0.61 | 0.00 | 0.02 | |
| 30 | 3269 | 1661 | -0.21 | 0.00 | 0.03 | |
| 40 | 3235 | 1626 | 0.16 | 0.00 | 0.04 | |
| 50 | 3200 | 1592 | 0.49 | 0.00 | 0.05 | |
| 60 | 3167 | 1559 | 0.79 | 0.00 | 0.06 | |
| 70 | 3133 | 1526 | 1.06 | 0.00 | 0.06 | |
| 80 | 3100 | 1494 | 1.29 | 0.00 | 0.07 | |
| 90 | 3067 | 1462 | 1.48 | 0.00 | 0.08 | |
| 100 | 3033 | 1430 | 1.50 | 0.00 | 0.09 | |
| 110 | 3000 | 1399 | 1.61 | 0.00 | 0.10 | |
| 120 | 2967 | 1369 | 1.67 | 0.00 | 0.11 | |
| 130 | 2935 | 1339 | 1.70 | 0.00 | 0.12 | |
| 140 | 2903 | 1310 | 1.69 | 0.00 | 0.13 | |
| 150 | 2872 | 1282 | 1.63 | 0.00 | 0.14 | |
| 160 | 2840 | 1254 | 1.53 | 0.00 | 0.16 | |
| 170 | 2809 | 1227 | 1.39 | 0.00 | 0.17 | |
| 180 | 2778 | 1200 | 1.20 | 0.00 | 0.18 | |
| 190 | 2748 | 1174 | 0.97 | 0.00 | 0.19 | |
| 200 | 2717 | 1148 | 0.70 | 0.00 | 0.20 | |
| 210 | 2687 | 1122 | 0.37 | 0.00 | 0.21 | |
| 220 | 2657 | 1097 | -0.00 | 0.00 | 0.22 | |
| 230 | 2627 | 1073 | -0.42 | 0.00 | 0.23 | |
| 240 | 2598 | 1049 | -0.90 | 0.00 | 0.24 | |
| 250 | 2568 | 1025 | -1.42 | 0.00 | 0.26 | |
| 260 | 2539 | 1002 | -2.00 | 0.00 | 0.27 | |
| 270 | 2510 | 980 | -2.63 | 0.00 | 0.28 | |
| 280 | 2481 | 957 | -3.32 | 0.00 | 0.29 | |
| 290 | 2453 | 935 | -4.06 | 0.00 | 0.30 | |
| 300 | 2424 | 914 | -4.87 | 0.00 | 0.32 | |
Now, let’s look at my personal 6 ARC with a 20” barrel using a 58g V-Max load that I developed for it. With a 220yd zero, I have a max rise of approximately 2” and a drop from 220yds to 300yds of approximately 5.7”. Now remember these numbers for the next example that I will give. So, combined, from the muzzle to 300yds I have a box of approximately 7.7” Under perfect conditions, a little bigger than I would like, but it still keeps me on the fur of a coyote from the muzzle to 300yds.
| Input Parameters | ||||
| Bullet Diameter | 0.243 inches | Zero Range | 220 yards | |
| Bullet Weight | 58 grains | Sight Height | 1.50 in | |
| Ballistic Coefficient | 0.250 | Muzzle Velocity | 3322 fps | |
| Temperature | 30 F | Wind Speed | 0.00 mph | |
| Altitude | 968 feet | Wind Direction | 9 o’clock | |
| Inclination | 0 degrees | Berger Bullets | Copyright 2013 | |
| Range Card | ||||||
| Range (y) | Velocity (fps) | Energy (ft-lbs) | Elevation (inches) | Windage (inches) | TOF (s) | |
| 20 | 3236 | 1349 | -0.54 | 0.00 | 0.02 | |
| 30 | 3194 | 1314 | -0.12 | 0.00 | 0.03 | |
| 40 | 3152 | 1280 | 0.28 | 0.00 | 0.04 | |
| 50 | 3110 | 1246 | 0.64 | 0.00 | 0.05 | |
| 60 | 3069 | 1213 | 0.96 | 0.00 | 0.06 | |
| 70 | 3028 | 1181 | 1.25 | 0.00 | 0.07 | |
| 80 | 2988 | 1150 | 1.49 | 0.00 | 0.08 | |
| 90 | 2948 | 1120 | 1.70 | 0.00 | 0.09 | |
| 100 | 2907 | 1088 | 1.73 | 0.00 | 0.10 | |
| 110 | 2867 | 1059 | 1.85 | 0.00 | 0.11 | |
| 120 | 2828 | 1030 | 1.92 | 0.00 | 0.12 | |
| 130 | 2790 | 1002 | 1.95 | 0.00 | 0.13 | |
| 140 | 2752 | 975 | 1.93 | 0.00 | 0.14 | |
| 150 | 2714 | 949 | 1.86 | 0.00 | 0.15 | |
| 160 | 2676 | 923 | 1.75 | 0.00 | 0.16 | |
| 170 | 2639 | 897 | 1.59 | 0.00 | 0.17 | |
| 180 | 2602 | 872 | 1.38 | 0.00 | 0.18 | |
| 190 | 2566 | 848 | 1.11 | 0.00 | 0.20 | |
| 200 | 2530 | 824 | 0.80 | 0.00 | 0.21 | |
| 210 | 2494 | 801 | 0.43 | 0.00 | 0.22 | |
| 220 | 2458 | 778 | -0.00 | 0.00 | 0.23 | |
| 230 | 2423 | 756 | -0.49 | 0.00 | 0.24 | |
| 240 | 2388 | 735 | -1.03 | 0.00 | 0.26 | |
| 250 | 2353 | 713 | -1.63 | 0.00 | 0.27 | |
| 260 | 2319 | 693 | -2.30 | 0.00 | 0.28 | |
| 270 | 2285 | 673 | -3.04 | 0.00 | 0.30 | |
| 280 | 2251 | 653 | -3.84 | 0.00 | 0.31 | |
| 290 | 2218 | 634 | -4.71 | 0.00 | 0.32 | |
| 300 | 2185 | 615 | -5.65 | 0.00 | 0.34 | |
Using my same 6 ARC with a 20” barrel, but now a 75g V-Max load that I have developed for it, let’s take a look at the numbers. They may surprise you. First off, I will address the velocity. The 58g load from the 20” barrel averages approximately 3322fps, while the 75g V-Max load averages 3080fps from the same barrel. That’s a difference of 242fps. A lot of people would gawk at that and say that’s a big difference. I don’t want to lose that much velocity. It won’t shoot as flat. Now, remember the 58g load numbers that I told you to keep in mind, and let’s look at the verified numbers for the 75g load. With the same 220yd zero, which is what is running, I have a max rise of approximately 2.2” and a drop from 200yds to 300yds of approximately 5.9”. Combined, that’s approximately 8.1”. Individually, that’s about .2” more rise and about .2” more drop than the 58g load. So, less than a ¼”, or, just call it a ¼”. Most people can’t shoot this difference. I know that I can’t. So, with a difference of approximately 242 fps, the heavier and slower 75g V-max load shoots almost as “flat” as the 58g load. BUT, let’s look at a couple more numbers. Numbers that we will have to assume are good by Berger’s calculator. I do not have the means to measure downrange velocity. At 300yds, the 58g load is approximately 2185fps while the 75g load is approximately 2239fps. Velocity and bullet mass are inputs for energy. At 300yds the 58g load has approximately 615 ft-lbs of energy, while the 75g load has approximately 835 ft-lbs of energy. That’s huge. So while the 75g load shoots almost as “flat” as the 58g load, it also carries a lot more energy on target. But, why? A lot of this has to do with the higher BC of the heavier 75g V-Max bullet.
| Input Parameters | ||||
| Bullet Diameter | 0.243 inches | Zero Range | 220 yards | |
| Bullet Weight | 75 grains | Sight Height | 1.50 in | |
| Ballistic Coefficient | 0.330 | Muzzle Velocity | 3080 fps | |
| Temperature | 30 F | Wind Speed | 0.00 mph | |
| Altitude | 968 feet | Wind Direction | 9 o’clock | |
| Inclination | 0 degrees | Berger Bullets | Copyright 2013 | |
| Range Card | ||||||
| Range (y) | Velocity (fps) | Energy (ft-lbs) | Elevation (inches) | Windage (inches) | TOF (s) | |
| 20 | 3018 | 1517 | -0.47 | 0.00 | 0.02 | |
| 30 | 2988 | 1487 | -0.00 | 0.00 | 0.03 | |
| 40 | 2957 | 1457 | 0.42 | 0.00 | 0.04 | |
| 50 | 2927 | 1427 | 0.80 | 0.00 | 0.05 | |
| 60 | 2898 | 1398 | 1.14 | 0.00 | 0.06 | |
| 70 | 2868 | 1370 | 1.44 | 0.00 | 0.07 | |
| 80 | 2839 | 1342 | 1.70 | 0.00 | 0.08 | |
| 90 | 2809 | 1315 | 1.91 | 0.00 | 0.09 | |
| 100 | 2780 | 1287 | 1.94 | 0.00 | 0.10 | |
| 110 | 2751 | 1260 | 2.05 | 0.00 | 0.11 | |
| 120 | 2722 | 1234 | 2.11 | 0.00 | 0.12 | |
| 130 | 2694 | 1209 | 2.13 | 0.00 | 0.14 | |
| 140 | 2666 | 1184 | 2.10 | 0.00 | 0.15 | |
| 150 | 2638 | 1159 | 2.02 | 0.00 | 0.16 | |
| 160 | 2610 | 1135 | 1.90 | 0.00 | 0.17 | |
| 170 | 2582 | 1111 | 1.71 | 0.00 | 0.18 | |
| 180 | 2555 | 1087 | 1.48 | 0.00 | 0.19 | |
| 190 | 2528 | 1064 | 1.19 | 0.00 | 0.20 | |
| 200 | 2500 | 1041 | 0.85 | 0.00 | 0.22 | |
| 210 | 2473 | 1019 | 0.45 | 0.00 | 0.23 | |
| 220 | 2447 | 997 | -0.00 | 0.00 | 0.24 | |
| 230 | 2420 | 975 | -0.52 | 0.00 | 0.25 | |
| 240 | 2394 | 954 | -1.09 | 0.00 | 0.27 | |
| 250 | 2367 | 933 | -1.72 | 0.00 | 0.28 | |
| 260 | 2341 | 913 | -2.41 | 0.00 | 0.29 | |
| 270 | 2315 | 893 | -3.18 | 0.00 | 0.30 | |
| 280 | 2290 | 873 | -4.00 | 0.00 | 0.32 | |
| 290 | 2264 | 854 | -4.89 | 0.00 | 0.33 | |
| 300 | 2239 | 835 | -5.85 | 0.00 | 0.34 | |
But you say that you don’t shoot to 300yds? Let’s look at 200yds in the above tables for the 6 ARC. This is not an uncommon distance for most coyote hunters. The 58g V-Max load has an approximate rise of .8” while the 75g V-Max load has an approximate rise of .85”. The 58g load has the muzzle velocity advantage by about 30fps. The 58g is approximately 2530fps while the 75g load is approximately 2500fps. But, the 75g trumps the 58g on energy at 200yds with approximately 1041 ft-lbs of energy compared to the 58g with 824 ft-lbs of energy.
Here is more data. The 22 Creedmoor. The shop 22 Creedmoor is a 22” barrel that is currently shooting an 80.5g Berger Full Bore bullet at an average velocity of 3241fps. Typically, I run a 230yd zero on this gun. With this load the max bullet rise to 230yds is approximately 1.9” with a bullet drop of approximately 3.5” from 230yds to 300yds. This is different than what the chart states, but it is a real world result that has been duplicated many times. This the importance of verification of the data. Combined, this gives the 22 Creedmoor approximately a 5.4” box from the muzzle out to 300yds.
| Bullet Diameter | 0.224 inches | Zero Range | 230 yards | |
| Bullet Weight | 80 grains | Sight Height | 1.50 in | |
| Ballistic Coefficient | 0.226 | Muzzle Velocity | 3241 fps | |
| Temperature | 30 F | Wind Speed | 0.00 mph | |
| Altitude | 968 feet | Wind Direction | 9 o’clock | |
| Inclination | 0 degrees | Berger Bullets | Copyright 2013 |
| Range Card | ||||||
| Range (y) | Velocity (fps) | Energy (ft-lbs) | Elevation (inches) | Windage (inches) | TOF (s) | |
| 20 | 3197 | 1827 | -0.56 | 0.00 | 0.02 | |
| 30 | 3175 | 1802 | -0.14 | 0.00 | 0.03 | |
| 40 | 3153 | 1777 | 0.24 | 0.00 | 0.04 | |
| 50 | 3131 | 1752 | 0.59 | 0.00 | 0.05 | |
| 60 | 3109 | 1728 | 0.91 | 0.00 | 0.06 | |
| 70 | 3087 | 1704 | 1.19 | 0.00 | 0.07 | |
| 80 | 3065 | 1680 | 1.43 | 0.00 | 0.08 | |
| 90 | 3043 | 1656 | 1.64 | 0.00 | 0.09 | |
| 100 | 3022 | 1632 | 1.67 | 0.00 | 0.10 | |
| 110 | 3000 | 1609 | 1.79 | 0.00 | 0.11 | |
| 120 | 2979 | 1586 | 1.86 | 0.00 | 0.12 | |
| 130 | 2957 | 1563 | 1.90 | 0.00 | 0.13 | |
| 140 | 2936 | 1541 | 1.90 | 0.00 | 0.14 | |
| 150 | 2914 | 1518 | 1.86 | 0.00 | 0.15 | |
| 160 | 2893 | 1496 | 1.78 | 0.00 | 0.16 | |
| 170 | 2872 | 1474 | 1.65 | 0.00 | 0.17 | |
| 180 | 2851 | 1453 | 1.49 | 0.00 | 0.18 | |
| 190 | 2830 | 1431 | 1.28 | 0.00 | 0.19 | |
| 200 | 2808 | 1410 | 1.03 | 0.00 | 0.20 | |
| 210 | 2788 | 1389 | 0.73 | 0.00 | 0.21 | |
| 220 | 2767 | 1368 | 0.39 | 0.00 | 0.22 | |
| 230 | 2746 | 1348 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.23 | |
| 240 | 2725 | 1328 | -0.43 | 0.00 | 0.24 | |
| 250 | 2704 | 1308 | -0.92 | 0.00 | 0.25 | |
| 260 | 2684 | 1288 | -1.45 | 0.00 | 0.26 | |
| 270 | 2663 | 1268 | -2.02 | 0.00 | 0.28 | |
| 280 | 2643 | 1249 | -2.65 | 0.00 | 0.29 | |
| 290 | 2623 | 1230 | -3.32 | 0.00 | 0.30 | |
| 300 | 2602 | 1211 | -4.04 | 0.00 | 0.31 | |
Are you curious about the ever popular 243 Win? Based on our gas gun data with a 20” barrel and Hornady’s Superformance 58g factory ammo, we see average velocities of approximately 3713fps. With a 220yd zero, I see a max rise of approximately 1.42” out to 220yds. From 220yds to 300yds the bullet drop is approximately 4.5”. Combined, this give an approximately box of 6” from the muzzle to 600yds.
| Input Parameters | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bullet Diameter | 0.243 inches | Zero Range | 220 yards | |
| Bullet Weight | 58 grains | Sight Height | 1.50 in | |
| Ballistic Coefficient | 0.250 | Muzzle Velocity | 3713 fps | |
| Temperature | 30 F | Wind Speed | 0.00 mph | |
| Altitude | 968 feet | Wind Direction | 9 o’clock | |
| Inclination | 0 degrees | Berger Bullets | Copyright 2013 | |
| Range Card | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Range (y) | Velocity (fps) | Energy (ft-lbs) | Elevation (inches) | Windage (inches) | TOF (s) | |
| 20 | 3618 | 1686 | -0.71 | 0.00 | 0.02 | |
| 30 | 3571 | 1643 | -0.35 | 0.00 | 0.02 | |
| 40 | 3525 | 1601 | -0.02 | 0.00 | 0.03 | |
| 50 | 3480 | 1560 | 0.28 | 0.00 | 0.04 | |
| 60 | 3435 | 1520 | 0.55 | 0.00 | 0.05 | |
| 70 | 3390 | 1480 | 0.79 | 0.00 | 0.06 | |
| 80 | 3346 | 1442 | 1.01 | 0.00 | 0.07 | |
| 90 | 3303 | 1405 | 1.19 | 0.00 | 0.08 | |
| 100 | 3257 | 1366 | 1.21 | 0.00 | 0.09 | |
| 110 | 3214 | 1331 | 1.32 | 0.00 | 0.10 | |
| 120 | 3172 | 1296 | 1.39 | 0.00 | 0.11 | |
| 130 | 3130 | 1262 | 1.42 | 0.00 | 0.11 | |
| 140 | 3089 | 1229 | 1.42 | 0.00 | 0.12 | |
| 150 | 3047 | 1196 | 1.38 | 0.00 | 0.13 | |
| 160 | 3007 | 1164 | 1.31 | 0.00 | 0.14 | |
| 170 | 2966 | 1133 | 1.19 | 0.00 | 0.15 | |
| 180 | 2926 | 1103 | 1.04 | 0.00 | 0.16 | |
| 190 | 2887 | 1073 | 0.84 | 0.00 | 0.17 | |
| 200 | 2848 | 1045 | 0.60 | 0.00 | 0.19 | |
| 210 | 2809 | 1016 | 0.32 | 0.00 | 0.20 | |
| 220 | 2771 | 989 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.21 | |
| 230 | 2733 | 962 | -0.37 | 0.00 | 0.22 | |
| 240 | 2695 | 936 | -0.79 | 0.00 | 0.23 | |
| 250 | 2658 | 910 | -1.25 | 0.00 | 0.24 | |
| 260 | 2621 | 885 | -1.77 | 0.00 | 0.25 | |
| 270 | 2584 | 860 | -2.33 | 0.00 | 0.26 | |
| 280 | 2548 | 836 | -2.95 | 0.00 | 0.27 | |
| 290 | 2512 | 813 | -3.63 | 0.00 | 0.29 | |
| 300 | 2476 | 790 | -4.35 | 0.00 | 0.30 | |
So far, everything has been related to gas guns with factory ammo, or handloads that are reasonably within load data parameters. But, what about handloads that push the envelope? These are approximate numbers from guys that I know are running bolt guns and ARs with the lower velocity. I do not recall the barrel length of the bolt guns, but they are at least 24” barrels while the ARs are 20” barrels. They are with 70g Nosler BT bullets. I have not personally verified this data, but it is for demonstration value only. I used the same data inputs and a 220yd zero. The max bullet rise of the 70g load at an approximate average of 3450fps (AR) is 1.6”. The max bullet rise of the 70g load at an approximate average of 3800fps (bolt gun) is 1.21”. So, approximately a .4” difference. The bullet drop on the 3450fps avg load from 220yds to 300yds is approximately 4.62”. The bullet drop on the 3800fps avg load from 220yds to 300yds is approximately 3.68”. A difference of approximately 1”. The combined totals are as follows. The 3450fps load with an approximate box size of 6.2”. The 3800fps load with an approximate box size of 4.89”. A difference of approximately 1.3”.
| Bullet Diameter | 0.243 inches | Zero Range | 220 yards | |
| Bullet Weight | 70 grains | Sight Height | 1.50 in | |
| Ballistic Coefficient | 0.310 | Muzzle Velocity | 3450 fps | |
| Temperature | 30 F | Wind Speed | 0.00 mph | |
| Altitude | 968 feet | Wind Direction | 9 o’clock | |
| Inclination | 0 degrees | Berger Bullets | Copyright 2013 |
| Range Card | ||||||
| Range (y) | Velocity (fps) | Energy (ft-lbs) | Elevation (inches) | Windage (inches) | TOF (s) | |
| 20 | 3378 | 1774 | -0.64 | 0.00 | 0.02 | |
| 30 | 3343 | 1737 | -0.25 | 0.00 | 0.03 | |
| 40 | 3308 | 1701 | 0.10 | 0.00 | 0.04 | |
| 50 | 3273 | 1665 | 0.42 | 0.00 | 0.04 | |
| 60 | 3239 | 1631 | 0.71 | 0.00 | 0.05 | |
| 70 | 3204 | 1596 | 0.97 | 0.00 | 0.06 | |
| 80 | 3171 | 1563 | 1.19 | 0.00 | 0.07 | |
| 90 | 3137 | 1530 | 1.38 | 0.00 | 0.08 | |
| 100 | 3102 | 1496 | 1.40 | 0.00 | 0.09 | |
| 110 | 3069 | 1464 | 1.51 | 0.00 | 0.10 | |
| 120 | 3036 | 1433 | 1.57 | 0.00 | 0.11 | |
| 130 | 3003 | 1402 | 1.60 | 0.00 | 0.12 | |
| 140 | 2971 | 1372 | 1.59 | 0.00 | 0.13 | |
| 150 | 2939 | 1343 | 1.54 | 0.00 | 0.14 | |
| 160 | 2907 | 1314 | 1.45 | 0.00 | 0.15 | |
| 170 | 2875 | 1285 | 1.32 | 0.00 | 0.16 | |
| 180 | 2844 | 1257 | 1.14 | 0.00 | 0.17 | |
| 190 | 2812 | 1230 | 0.92 | 0.00 | 0.18 | |
| 200 | 2782 | 1203 | 0.66 | 0.00 | 0.19 | |
| 210 | 2751 | 1176 | 0.35 | 0.00 | 0.20 | |
| 220 | 2720 | 1150 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.22 | |
| 230 | 2690 | 1125 | -0.40 | 0.00 | 0.23 | |
| 240 | 2660 | 1100 | -0.85 | 0.00 | 0.24 | |
| 250 | 2630 | 1076 | -1.34 | 0.00 | 0.25 | |
| 260 | 2601 | 1052 | -1.89 | 0.00 | 0.26 | |
| 270 | 2572 | 1028 | -2.49 | 0.00 | 0.27 | |
| 280 | 2542 | 1005 | -3.15 | 0.00 | 0.28 | |
| 290 | 2513 | 982 | -3.85 | 0.00 | 0.30 | |
| 300 | 2485 | 960 | -4.62 | 0.00 | 0.31 | |
| Bullet Diameter | 0.243 inches | Zero Range | 220 yards | |
| Bullet Weight | 70 grains | Sight Height | 1.50 in | |
| Ballistic Coefficient | 0.310 | Muzzle Velocity | 3800 fps | |
| Temperature | 30 F | Wind Speed | 0.00 mph | |
| Altitude | 968 feet | Wind Direction | 9 o’clock | |
| Inclination | 0 degrees | Berger Bullets | Copyright 2013 |
| Range Card | ||||||
| Range (y) | Velocity (fps) | Energy (ft-lbs) | Elevation (inches) | Windage (inches) | TOF (s) | |
| 20 | 3722 | 2153 | -0.77 | 0.00 | 0.02 | |
| 30 | 3683 | 2109 | -0.43 | 0.00 | 0.02 | |
| 40 | 3645 | 2065 | -0.13 | 0.00 | 0.03 | |
| 50 | 3607 | 2023 | 0.15 | 0.00 | 0.04 | |
| 60 | 3570 | 1981 | 0.40 | 0.00 | 0.05 | |
| 70 | 3532 | 1940 | 0.62 | 0.00 | 0.06 | |
| 80 | 3496 | 1900 | 0.82 | 0.00 | 0.07 | |
| 90 | 3459 | 1860 | 0.99 | 0.00 | 0.07 | |
| 100 | 3421 | 1820 | 1.01 | 0.00 | 0.08 | |
| 110 | 3385 | 1782 | 1.10 | 0.00 | 0.09 | |
| 120 | 3350 | 1744 | 1.17 | 0.00 | 0.10 | |
| 130 | 3314 | 1708 | 1.21 | 0.00 | 0.11 | |
| 140 | 3279 | 1672 | 1.21 | 0.00 | 0.12 | |
| 150 | 3245 | 1637 | 1.18 | 0.00 | 0.13 | |
| 160 | 3211 | 1602 | 1.12 | 0.00 | 0.14 | |
| 170 | 3177 | 1569 | 1.02 | 0.00 | 0.15 | |
| 180 | 3143 | 1535 | 0.89 | 0.00 | 0.16 | |
| 190 | 3109 | 1503 | 0.72 | 0.00 | 0.17 | |
| 200 | 3076 | 1471 | 0.52 | 0.00 | 0.18 | |
| 210 | 3043 | 1439 | 0.28 | 0.00 | 0.19 | |
| 220 | 3010 | 1409 | -0.00 | 0.00 | 0.20 | |
| 230 | 2978 | 1378 | -0.32 | 0.00 | 0.21 | |
| 240 | 2945 | 1349 | -0.67 | 0.00 | 0.22 | |
| 250 | 2913 | 1319 | -1.07 | 0.00 | 0.23 | |
| 260 | 2882 | 1291 | -1.50 | 0.00 | 0.24 | |
| 270 | 2850 | 1263 | -1.98 | 0.00 | 0.25 | |
| 280 | 2819 | 1235 | -2.50 | 0.00 | 0.26 | |
| 290 | 2788 | 1208 | -3.07 | 0.00 | 0.27 | |
| 300 | 2757 | 1182 | -3.68 | 0.00 | 0.28 | |
Knowing that there are only a couple of powders that approach 3800fps from a 24” barrel, one can safely assume that 3800 fps is a hot load. One that is most likely flirting with or above max pressures. This brings me to the questions of. Is the approximate .4” difference in rise and approximate 1.3” less drop at 300yds worth it? Is it worth reduced brass life? Is it worth the reduction in barrel life? Is it worth the possible consequences should something go badly wrong? Is it worth the extra stress and wear on the gun? Both loads are capable of delivering shots well within the kill box at 300yds. Is it worth it? Only one person can truly answer that. For some it is.
Let’s address an elephant in the room. Cartridges in platforms that they are not optimal for, but do safely provide the high velocities that a lot of people crave. While there are cartridges that can be chambered in the AR-15 or large frame AR to easily achieve velocities upwards of 4,000 fps, they’re not optimal for the platforms that they’re used in. Some of these cartridges are, but not limited to, the 22-250, 22GT in the AR-15, the WSSM cartridges in the AR-15, the 220 Swift, some Ackley Improved cartridges, as well as some select others. I know. I know. These cartridges are being used in the AR platform, and I’ve built rifles in some of these cartridges. But, I did state that they are not optimal.
A few things as it relates to some of these cartridges. Each one may not apply to all of them.
- Feeding concerns that require downloading magazines for good firearm operation
- Required downloading of magazines due to cartridge case diameter
- Specialized or modified mags that may or may not provide for reliable feeding
- Feed concerns in general
- Short throats and limited bullet selection to be able to load to a COAL that will fit in a magazine
- Sacrificing case volume due to required bullet seating depths to maintain a magazine COAL
- Required use of light for caliber bullets that generally have a lower bullet BC
So let’s touch on a couple of the above items. I mentioned required reduced magazine capacity. The 22-250 for example, utilizes a much tapered case body. In the AR magazine, this taper causes the cartridges to tilt in the magazine when loaded. Very similar to how the 7.62×39 does in an AR mag. It’s for this reason that I recommend to people who use the 22-250 in an AR to limit themselves to 6, maybe 7 rounds in a magazine. Due to the cartridge size of the WSSM cartridges, as well as the longer bullets used in most of them, these cartridges require a modified lower capacity magazine when used in the AR-15. Then they still may have feeding concerns at times. I’ve even seen magazines where a portion of the front of the magazine has been removed so that the bullet can be seated longer and still feed out of the magazine. While this trick has been around a long time (I first found out about it back in the day of NRA High Power shooting), it does not create for a reliable mag. Then you have cartridges such as the 22GT. Due to the diameter of the case, it requires being downloaded in an AR-15 magazine. As these rounds are loaded into the magazine it causes the magazine to bulge. When too many are inserted, the bulge keeps the magazine from being inserted into the magazine well. Due to COAL concerns, this cartridge in the AR-15 platform is better served by the lightweight .22 caliber variants. Most of which will have a lower BC than the light to medium weight bullets .22 caliber bullets.
If you’ve read this far, you may think that I hate velocity. I don’t. As I stated at the beginning of this, I believe in choosing the cartridge that will provide you with the velocity and ballistic performance that you are wanting. Not taking a cartridge and trying to make it achieve velocities that will produce very high or dangerous velocities. Or, in the case of handloading, making sacrifices by using powders that may produce a higher velocity but at the expense of a more important load attribute. In my personal preferences, I will sacrifice 50fps for a 5 shot shot group that is consistently a .5 MOA group over one that is .7 MOA. OR 100fps for a .5 MOA group over one that is 1 MOA. I also don’t like the idea of making compromises on reliability or magazine capacity just to gain a few hundred feet per second in velocity. I’d rather choose a different cartridge that will provide close to, or similar results without compromising the integrity of the gun. As I stated in the beginning. I’m frequently asked, why don’t I push the velocities on all cartridges that I handload? Simple answer. When using the correct cartridge for what I want to accomplish, the gains are negligible. Why would I sacrifice something else that is more important? Usually precision. So, here is my take on it as it relates to the AR platform.
So, what do you think about chasing velocity?
