What Matters More at Long Range: Rifle Accuracy or Muzzle Velocity?

[FURMAN]

Check out the article and ask questions here.

What Matters More at Long Range: Rifle Accuracy or Muzzle Velocity? - Long Range Only

Long-range shooters spend a lot of time chasing smaller groups and higher muzzle velocity. Both can improve performance, but they do not improve it …

www.longrangeonly.com

 

[FURMAN]

Part two:

Accuracy vs. Velocity: Hit Probability at 600 and 800 Yards - Long Range Only

Part One compared the reduction in group radius from better rifle precision with the reduction in wind displacement from another 150 fps. Part Two …

www.longrangeonly.com

 

[FURMAN]

Take what you want from these articles. My intent was not to suggest you increase your velocity but more to demonstrate that velocity matters more than many on the internet claim and the fact that chopping your barrel off to put a suppressor on has consequences.

 

[Straightshooter1]

If I have a high velocity load that shoots like crap compared to a slower velocity that's dead on, I'll take the lower velocity every time even the ballistics aren't as good. Preferably, I want to find a highest possible velocity that's also accurate in order to flatten and shorten flight and deliver more energy to the target. This is why I think these new high pressure cases like Federal's +Peak cartridges are a great way for hunters who want to have shorter barrels but still have the power of the longer barrels.

 

[FURMAN]

If I have a high velocity load that shoots like crap compared to a slower velocity that's dead on, I'll take the lower velocity every time even the ballistics aren't as good. Preferably, I want to find a highest possible velocity that's also accurate in order to flatten and shorten flight and deliver more energy to the target. This is why I think these new high pressure cases like Federal's +Peak cartridges are a great way for hunters who want to have shorter barrels but still have the power of the longer barrels.

That needs qualifications when you say it shoots like crap. I think the statistics say that that’s not necessarily true. If it shoots two minutes that’s completely different. I’ll give you a prime example. I built some 300 WSMs that would out shoot my 300 Prc’s in calm conditions, but they could not keep up when the wind started blowing.

 

[Ladd]

The very reason I am taking my 338 Terminator to So. Africa. 1/2 MOA capable rifle shooting 300 gr Berger Hybrid OTMs over 3000 fps because at 1600 yards, I’m not 100% positive what the wind is doing between me and the target.

 

[elkguide]

If you can't hit your target..... does it matter how fast your bullet is travelling?

 

[FURMAN]

Did you guys even read the articles? I’m not trying to be rude, but that’s really the point if you can’t read the wind or you’re off a little bit, there are several situations, I would argue even more situations were velocity trumps accuracy.

 

[FURMAN]

I’m also going to reiterate that I’m not suggesting that you don’t try to tune your rifle. The point really is or the reason why I posted the articles is because purposely chopping off your barrel and giving away free velocity is having a significant impact on hit probability despite what people on the internet say.

 

[Ladd]

I read the article. There is validity in your points. My comment was, I want both, usually. But, I am liking shooting with a suppressor.

I’ve decided no suppressor on my 338T in So. Africa. 29” barrel with a TBAC 338 Ultra RR, that’s a fishing pool. Ethan is just going to have to put on his hearing protection rather than sacrificing his hearing for his dog’s.

 

[FURMAN]

I read the article. There is validity in your points. My comment was, I want both, usually. But, I am liking shooting with a suppressor.

I’ve decided no suppressor on my 338T in So. Africa. 29” barrel with a TBAC 338 Ultra RR, that’s a fishing pool. Ethan is just going to have to put on his hearing protection rather than sacrificing his hearing for his dog’s.

Doesn't really matter in Africa. Just make Ethan carry the rifle.

 

[Ladd]

Doesn't really matter in Africa. Just make Ethan carry the rifle.

He would too.

 

[FURMAN]

Anyone who pays any attention to any of my content knows I chase precision but you will not catch me giving away velocity.

 

[Arrieta578]

I’m also going to reiterate that I’m not suggesting that you don’t try to tune your rifle. The point really is or the reason why I posted the articles is because purposely chopping off your barrel and giving away free velocity is having a significant impact on hit probability despite what people on the internet say.

I am by no means an expert and most guys on this form know more about long range shooting than I do, but quite frankly I don't really understand the current suppressor craze especially when you have to sacrifice velocity and energy.

 

[windypants]

I think you are explaining why I’ve been gravitating towards faster bullets in my 25 creed for varmint hunting. The 135/133 Bergers are the gold standard for long range accuracy and performance, but I’ve found that going to a little lighter bullet with more velocity increases my kill ratio on coyotes, simply by improving the margin of error for wind calls. And the fact that they almost always move after I get a range, so I’m guessing a little extra hold over. But I won’t give up any accuracy to switch. My goal is always 1/4-1/3 MOA accuracy.

When I first tried the 110 ELDX @3130 fps, I saw right off that it was much easier to score a double on coyotes when there is no time to get a range on the second one of a pair. Now I’ve gone to the 95 ELD-VT @3385 fps and it’s been pretty deadly. But these bullets are definitely more limited on long range than the 135. That’s why a 230 Berger going 3000+ is still my favorite coyote cartridge because it’s capable of hitting a very small vital zone at really long range in most any conditions.

I was surprised how easy my 204 Ruger is to shoot gophers in the wind, out to 300 yards or so. The wind drift is terrible with the 39 SBK, but it’s not hard to make 300 yard hits simply because of the 4000 fps velocity. And it’s insanely accurate.

Good stuff, Ryan!

 

[MECA]

Been saying the same thing for years but nobody would listen.
There's a difference between seeing results on a computer and actually seeing what happens time and again in the field!

 

[BAKPAKR]

I am by no means an expert and most guys on this form know more about long range shooting than I do, but quite frankly I don't really understand the current suppressor craze especially when you have to sacrifice velocity and energy.

I think a short barreled-suppressed rifle would be awesome for still hunting through the woods where you might miss a shot opportunity if you had to put hearing protection on before the shot. However, for a rifle intended primarily for long range, I don’t see the need for a suppressor or a short barrel, and I am not willing to give up the wind advantage I would get with a longer barrel. Plus, for a long range shot on game, if I don’t have enough time to put on hearing protection, I don’t personally have enough time to get ready for the shot either. It takes me a while to pull the trigger at long range - at least with a round chambered.

 

[Arrieta578]

Just an additional point to consider when it comes to suppressors. While Ryan's article focuses on the importance of velocity at long range in order to reduce the environmental effects on a bullet in flight and therefore reduce wind call errors and improve accuracy, we all know that more velocity equates to more energy and penetration on an animal at any distance. And that means more ethical kills.

So, what I don't understand is why would anyone sacrifice velocity and energy when hunting in favor reducing the sound of a well placed shot at a big game animal? Now, I can see the advantage of a suppressor on a varmint rifle, or when shooting prairie dogs, or something else to that effect --but on a mule deer rifle, a sheep rifle, or an elk rifle? I don't get it. I want all the energy delivered down range my rifle is capable of accurately producing.

 

[sparrowhawk]

Cool thing is I never have to worry about myself getting the suppressor craze cause of where I live! Lol. Good articles Ryan I’ve always been in this thought camp