A reader recently requested a ballistic comparison between same weight bullets in a 300 Win. Mag. and 7mm Rem. Mag. launched at maximum velocities for each. (See previous 300 WM vs. 7mm RM comparisons on this site here and here. These demonstrate there's more than one way to run … [Read more...] about 300 Win Mag Races 7mm Rem Again!
Ballistics
Ballistics is the science or study of projectiles in flight. This might seem arcane and boring, but it's at the heart of how we hit or miss game. Internal ballistics refers to what goes on within the gun. External ballistics covers the projectile's flight, and terminal ballistics is all about what happens when that projectile lands. If you truly wish to become a better shot, study ballistics. Yeah, it's physics and a bit of rocket science, but we'll make it as plain, simple and useful as we can. Hey, if an old country bumpkin like Spomer can grasp this stuff, you can. Shooters who routinely put bullets on target at 300 yards and beyond know their ballistics.
Long Range Rifle on a Budget
Too many riflemen suffer under the misperception they need to spend $1,000 to $10,000 dollars on a special long range rifle in order to shoot far. You need at least a 26-inch barrel and a 20X scope and a 338 Lapua Magnum or 28 Nosler, right? Naw. Your deer rifle will … [Read more...] about Long Range Rifle on a Budget
Shoot Better! Ballistic Coefficient and MV
Before you come to blows with your buddies over who has the “Best” rifle, you need to understand two acronyms: bee-cee and em-vee, more commonly seen as BC and MV. These stand for Ballistic Coefficient and Muzzle Velocity. They and they alone determine which … [Read more...] about Shoot Better! Ballistic Coefficient and MV
Bigger Bullet Better?
When it comes to hunting rifle performance, a bigger bullet aren't always better. “Bigger is better” is a common misconception and an understandable one. You look at a big bullet such as a 500-grain flat-nose atop a 470 Nitro Express and you can’t help but be impressed. How can … [Read more...] about Bigger Bullet Better?
7mm-08 Defeats 308 Again
Yes, the 7mm-08 defeats 308. Still. Again. Always. Nothing personal against the 308 Winchester. It's just that the 7mm-08 Remington a more ballistically efficient cartridge. Perhaps I should apologize for pointing this out so often (like in this blog.) It ticks people off, as … [Read more...] about 7mm-08 Defeats 308 Again
Why I’m Not Buying 6mm Creedmoor
The popular new kid in the rifle world is the 6mm Creedmoor. It’s winning all kinds of target competitions. It’s also dropping pronghorns, whitetails, mule deer, coyotes, and even elk — and I’m not buying one. Before I tell you why, let’s examine this magical new cartridge in … [Read more...] about Why I’m Not Buying 6mm Creedmoor
Short Rifle Barrel Performance Advantages
Most hunters are a mite confused about the advantages and disadvantages of a short rifle barrel. You might say they are long on fear and short on information. Maybe we can fix that. We detailed short rifle barrel ballistic performance loss in an earlier article on RSO. You can … [Read more...] about Short Rifle Barrel Performance Advantages
How To Choose the Right Rifling Twist
Way back in the late 1400s an inventive gun maker added a new twist to firearms — rifling. And shooters have been confused about rifling twist rates ever since. Primitive blackpowder firearms spit balls from smooth bores and the words “accuracy” and “gun” weren’t used in the … [Read more...] about How To Choose the Right Rifling Twist
