Great to have you back. The real time wind deflection is the variable that a shooter cannot consistently correct. To meet accuracy requirements two questions must be answered. The first question to address is what accuracy the target requires. The second question to address is whether this is a for a 100-350 yard gun or a 400-650 yard gun. Beyond 650 yards high (useful) levels of precision and accuracy are difficult to achieve. At close ranges the required accuracy may be met with 55gr projectile wind numbers so it regulary may be used. At longer distances the choice is determined by the target accuracy requirements. Thanks
77 grain match bullets can show good distance accuracy and terminal performance in gel. However, match bullets are not designed to hold together after impact or deal with any barriers at all. Though I have stocked lots of 75 and 77 grain OTMs, I will generally stick with bonded soft points for reduced chance of bullet failure for hunting and HD.
A LOT of people have 1:9 barrels so 77 gr is NOT an option irrespective of ballistics. But they can shoot 69 and the shoot the 53 gr Vmaxes. Everything sucks on the M855 62grs, but that is because it is a long, low density, crooked core POS.
Great video, great info! You got my subscription! Don’t know why it took me 9 months to finally see it..😑 Would be interesting to see how twist rate affects this data.. 🤔
I was very impressed with your video and I did subscribe to your channel. Im brand new to guns, I am building a PSA 10.5 pistol kit and a PSA 16 rifle kit. I am trying to learn about all this and what bullets to purchase. Some people say 55 grain and others say 62 grain. Can you please guide me on what ones to get? If I can get the same for both or choose different grains. We are wanting them for home defense.
I think the distance at which you’re zeroing your rifle is far more significant than the mass of the bullet you’re using. By zeroing at 100 yards, your bullets are just dropping like rocks. Try zeroing at 50 or 25 meters.
55 for plinking. 62 for a little longer, 300 for suppressor. And 308 for anything out to 1000. 5.56 was never meant to be a 700+ yard cartridge. It can do it, but it just doesn’t have enough velocity and if it did, bye bye barrel 308 is pretty forgiving, 6.5 or 7mm if you like to tinker with reloading and will be able to reach out to 1000 plus.
this is interesting because I was watching gbrs channel (former seal guys) and one had said he swears by a BCM and 77grain all day especially vs .300 blackout. thought that was interesting may have to try some out.
I'm Jon reloader no Joe reloader. I load 40-75 gr bullets for 5.56 and 223 Wylde AR's. Have shot better 100 yard groups with 40-55gr varmint bullets than with the heavies. 1/7 16" and 1/8 24"
Interesting. I hadn't considered a lot of the things discussed in this video as I haven't yet had the pleasure of attempting longer-range shooting yet. But even if capable of equal accuracy with the right shooter, it would seem the heavier bullets are more favorable because taking on a bit of extra drop isn't too hard for an adequately experienced shooter - drop is predictable based on range and is always constant - the bullet that drops 50 inches at 500 yard today will drop 50 inches tomorrow and weather won't change that either. But wind isn't as easy to correct for - it changes day by day, even minute by minute. And at 500 yards, you could have to contend with crosswinds blowing in different directions and at different speeds. So the bullet that has the capability to tank that wind better and end up inches closer to your point of aim seems to be the one you'd want for long ranges.
What you also has to remember is the yee and yaw of the bullet. It is a 22 caliber. I would question if the heavier bullets react the same way. And based on other tests I would say no
this was an OUTSTANDING video, so much information and a lot to consider. Thank you for your hard work in putting this together. 2 questions, is the 62 grain lead core or penetrater and does it matter? Thanks again
Thank you for your compliments. Much appreciated. There is a 62 grain fmj lead core available through Federal. There is also a 62 grain green tip fmj available through PMC. Here is a link to a vid that shows these same rounds including the 62 grain in action at 100 and 200 yards.ruclips.net/video/ahr_H9WGbxI/видео.html
Good info but I think those numbers only apply to longer barrels that are the same length as test barrels around 24". Wouldn't the numbers and how they favor one bullet weight over another drastically change if you were using an 18" or shorter barrel?
Barrel length have almost zero influence on what bullet mass and length will be more effective. It is all about the propellant filling the volume of the barrel to impact acceleration on the bullet. There are free online calculators you can use to find out what the velocity and energy number are for a given barrel length.
Great video…even though I’m 2 years late to its release! I’ve done some non-scientific shooting (see my video “shooting Tannerite, meat, and more…”) and found that at short distance (25-50 yd) a 77-grain match did the most damage on a pork shoulder. I was shooting a S&W MP-15 with 16 inch barrel. The “meat test” began at the 6-minute mark, and tested a 55fmj, a Varmint round, and a 77 match.
Great video with very useful info. Thanks for putting all that together for the rest of us!!! Quick question, if I were building an AR with a 20 inch barrel (rifle length gass system and buffer assembly) but also mainly planned to use it 500 yards and closer, would I be better served to lean towards the 55 grain projectiles in order to retain velocity? Which would also lead me to believe i should be going with a slower twist rate than the popular 1:7, say more like a 1:9 to better stabilize the lighter projectiles? Thanks again for your diligence.
Great review brother, I’m running a DD MK 18 w/ 10.3” barrel as my home defense/ SD firearm. 0-50 yards max..Im searching for a bullet that will cause a huge temporary wound cavity, small neck on entry, while dumping all its energy in the target. Which grain bullet would you recommend?
The arguments made in this video are solid, but I'd argue it is better to take a step back and re-evaluate the cartridge you are using. Yes, the heavier ammo is better at longer ranges... but there are much much better cartridges to use if you're aiming out at that distance. The 6.5 rounds, for instance, are going to be much more efficient in most regards if you're worried about energy retention and drop at a distance.
The most important factor is availability of ammunition and no one has discussed that yet. I’d rather have the 5.56/223 over nothing, even if I had to shoot 800 yards.
@@Dr.Jekyll A better weapon might win a firefight, better training might win a firefight, better tactics might win a firefight, but the last person with ammo ALWAYS wins a firefight.
Thanks for taking the time to watch the video and comment. That particular barrel length and twist would go great with the 77 grain or even 85 grain. Barnes is now making an 85 grain 5.56 and and Sig Sauer produces a 77 grain 5.56 The 69 grain will still work but will NOT have the down range punching power of the other two. Here is a link to see an 85 grain hitting a 5 gallon water jug at 300 yards. ruclips.net/video/jyKcyXacBh4/видео.html
bullet weight should be chosen by twist not barrel length , the powder charge by weight don't tell you anything , the burn rate difference will result in different weights of powder , 20 grains of unknown powder next to 24 grains of another unknown powder don't tell you anything
Twist rate doesn’t really mean anything either some of my 1/7 shoot better with 55gn and shoot heavier bullets wit bigger groups. And my 1/8 likes medium weight bullets and opens up with 55gn and also after 77gn
I own a 14.5 inch barrel with 1/9 twist rate. Which bullet would you recommend as a home defense. I currently have 55 grain and 62 grain green tips, and using 55 grain as my primary defensive round. Should i go for 77 grain?
I would think if you wanted hard data on how weight changes things you’d want to keep the same design of bullet at least. Wolf loads are notorious for loading as light as possible and still function. I like how you run the numbers but you’re comparing small apples to big oranges and so forth. I’d like to see some 69 grain match kings compared to some 77 grain match kings shot with the same powder at recommended Sierra levels, cases, primers, etc. Factory numbers for their ammo are often way off to begin with.
I don’t think it necessarily affects ballistics as it affects accuracy depending on weight of your bullets. Which most decent barrels will shoot the majority of ammo very accurate unless its a super light weight bullet (40gr) in a 1/6 twist, or very heavy bullets in a faster twist rate such as 1/10. Otherwise the middle ground (55-77) generally shoots pretty accurate for all more standard twists such as 1/7, 8, and 9. All my rifles are 1/7 twist and shoot 55 grain very accurate. Haven’t tried anything else but some people like different weights for each rifle. I prefer to shoot what is most consistent amongst all of my rifles.
@@trailertrashtactics Heavier bullets require a faster twist rate ands lighter bullets a slower twist rate, a 1/7 is faster than a 1/9. For really light bullets such as a 40 gr. bullet a 1/12 (very slow) works best. The shorter the distance per revolution the faster it spins.
@@phillhuddleston9445 The only problem that occurs from spinning a light bullet too fast is loss of structural integrity (e.g. it flies apart) after leaving the barrel by exceeding the bullet's max RPM. The bullet manufacturer will state the max safe rpm and the recommended minimum twist rate to stabilise. 1/12 is no better for a 40gr projectile from a .223 than 1/9 twist unless you are casting your own soft lead projectiles at home.
Great stuff ! I've always leaned to 62gr for store bought...and now I feel even better...as always, your information rocks....Thank You !
Thanks bubbaonpc for you kind words. It’s good to be back 👍
Great to have you back.
The real time wind deflection is the variable that a shooter cannot consistently correct. To meet accuracy requirements two questions must be answered. The first question to address is what accuracy the target requires. The second question to address is whether this is a for a 100-350 yard gun or a 400-650 yard gun. Beyond 650 yards high (useful) levels of precision and accuracy are difficult to achieve.
At close ranges the required accuracy may be met with 55gr projectile wind numbers so it regulary may be used. At longer distances the choice is determined by the target accuracy requirements.
Thanks
Thank you Leonard Vorhis for your kind words. Much appreciated. 🙂👍
77 grain match bullets can show good distance accuracy and terminal performance in gel. However, match bullets are not designed to hold together after impact or deal with any barriers at all. Though I have stocked lots of 75 and 77 grain OTMs, I will generally stick with bonded soft points for reduced chance of bullet failure for hunting and HD.
Great info. That spreadsheet is chalk full really good data. Thanks!
Great analysis. Just what I was looking for.
Try them all and see what your barrel likes BEFORE you buy in bulk. Then again any of these bullets out of any barrel/twist rate will still kill.
Well done.. I don't own any 77 grain ammo, But I think I need a case of it . A lot of effort on your part here. Thanks.
Thank you Cary Starke for your compliments. Much appreciated.
62grain in 16in 1-8 twist..works for me
A LOT of people have 1:9 barrels so 77 gr is NOT an option irrespective of ballistics. But they can shoot 69 and the shoot the 53 gr Vmaxes. Everything sucks on the M855 62grs, but that is because it is a long, low density, crooked core POS.
I'm late to the party but thank you for the information. Best I've seen explaining all this...
Thank you for your kind words. Much appreciated. The party is ongoing and am glad you enjoyed the vid.
Depends on twist rate and use case
Great video, great info! You got my subscription! Don’t know why it took me 9 months to finally see it..😑 Would be interesting to see how twist rate affects this data.. 🤔
and barrel length
Thank you for the upload. Earned a new subscription! Appreciate the content!
Thanks for the sub!
Man you deserve way more subs. I shoot 55 grain almost always. But I wonder how heavier weights would affect POI. Very informative information thanks!
I was very impressed with your video and I did subscribe to your channel. Im brand new to guns, I am building a PSA 10.5 pistol kit and a PSA 16 rifle kit. I am trying to learn about all this and what bullets to purchase. Some people say 55 grain and others say 62 grain. Can you please guide me on what ones to get? If I can get the same for both or choose different grains. We are wanting them for home defense.
That 77gr works fantastic on antelope.
20inch barrel 1:9 twist paired up with 55gr is good to go
I think the distance at which you’re zeroing your rifle is far more significant than the mass of the bullet you’re using. By zeroing at 100 yards, your bullets are just dropping like rocks. Try zeroing at 50 or 25 meters.
55 for plinking. 62 for a little longer, 300 for suppressor. And 308 for anything out to 1000. 5.56 was never meant to be a 700+ yard cartridge. It can do it, but it just doesn’t have enough velocity and if it did, bye bye barrel
308 is pretty forgiving, 6.5 or 7mm if you like to tinker with reloading and will be able to reach out to 1000 plus.
this is interesting because I was watching gbrs channel (former seal guys) and one had said he swears by a BCM and 77grain all day especially vs .300 blackout. thought that was interesting may have to try some out.
M193, 55fmj. It's use is throughout theAR/M16 Family, @3240~20inch bbl. 2830~ 16 bbl
I'm Jon reloader no Joe reloader. I load 40-75 gr bullets for 5.56 and 223 Wylde AR's. Have shot better 100 yard groups with 40-55gr varmint bullets than with the heavies. 1/7 16" and 1/8 24"
Interesting
So 77 it is.
Bigger Bullet, more powder, more energy on target.
Less worry about windage
Glad I stocked up on what I did.
What length and twist rate is your barrel?
I shoot 77gr otm out of my 12 & 16 inch barrel
Wow... Great information. Thank you
Thank you for this!
BC of the 63 grainer (0.307) higher than BC of the 69 grainer? Hmm..🤔
77 grain otm = best for everything out of 14,5 inch...
You can't say everything, and then be specific
Unless you have any form of barrier.
Interesting. I hadn't considered a lot of the things discussed in this video as I haven't yet had the pleasure of attempting longer-range shooting yet. But even if capable of equal accuracy with the right shooter, it would seem the heavier bullets are more favorable because taking on a bit of extra drop isn't too hard for an adequately experienced shooter - drop is predictable based on range and is always constant - the bullet that drops 50 inches at 500 yard today will drop 50 inches tomorrow and weather won't change that either. But wind isn't as easy to correct for - it changes day by day, even minute by minute. And at 500 yards, you could have to contend with crosswinds blowing in different directions and at different speeds. So the bullet that has the capability to tank that wind better and end up inches closer to your point of aim seems to be the one you'd want for long ranges.
What you also has to remember is the yee and yaw of the bullet. It is a 22 caliber. I would question if the heavier bullets react the same way. And based on other tests I would say no
Great video
Great video of love to see this in some .300 BLK out supers and subs. Thanks for the content
gas system wasnt designed for 30 caliber projectiles, doesnt cycle reliably for 300 Blackout
this was an OUTSTANDING video, so much information and a lot to consider. Thank you for your hard work in putting this together. 2 questions, is the 62 grain lead core or penetrater and does it matter? Thanks again
Thank you for your compliments. Much appreciated. There is a 62 grain fmj lead core available through Federal. There is also a 62 grain green tip fmj available through PMC.
Here is a link to a vid that shows these same rounds including the 62 grain in action at 100 and 200 yards.ruclips.net/video/ahr_H9WGbxI/видео.html
@@outdooradventures1696 I had tried to watch that vid several times but I have crappy internet. I've moved it to the top of my list to watch, thanks
Your bullet weight selection criteria is barrel length....did you ever hear of twist rate? Twist is a very big factor to consider.
That's some great info!!!
Good info but I think those numbers only apply to longer barrels that are the same length as test barrels around 24". Wouldn't the numbers and how they favor one bullet weight over another drastically change if you were using an 18" or shorter barrel?
Barrel length have almost zero influence on what bullet mass and length will be more effective. It is all about the propellant filling the volume of the barrel to impact acceleration on the bullet. There are free online calculators you can use to find out what the velocity and energy number are for a given barrel length.
Pretty interesting. And a great presentation. 7xgr is the way.
Great video…even though I’m 2 years late to its release! I’ve done some non-scientific shooting (see my video “shooting Tannerite, meat, and more…”) and found that at short distance (25-50 yd) a 77-grain match did the most damage on a pork shoulder. I was shooting a S&W MP-15 with 16 inch barrel. The “meat test” began at the 6-minute mark, and tested a 55fmj, a Varmint round, and a 77 match.
Thanks for the tip, Were you using IMI or Black Hills?
I like your attitude sir i shall subscribe lol
Thank you for your compliment and for subscribing...
Was filming all day...New stuff out in a day or so...
Great video with very useful info. Thanks for putting all that together for the rest of us!!! Quick question, if I were building an AR with a 20 inch barrel (rifle length gass system and buffer assembly) but also mainly planned to use it 500 yards and closer, would I be better served to lean towards the 55 grain projectiles in order to retain velocity? Which would also lead me to believe i should be going with a slower twist rate than the popular 1:7, say more like a 1:9 to better stabilize the lighter projectiles? Thanks again for your diligence.
Seems I can just ignore the weight factor within 100 yards.
77 is all I like to shoot.
As much as I find the channel's name to be ironic I love the video
Great video!
The lighter, the faster. The bigger, the more power
Great review brother, I’m running a DD MK 18 w/ 10.3” barrel as my home defense/ SD firearm. 0-50 yards max..Im searching for a bullet that will cause a huge temporary wound cavity, small neck on entry, while dumping all its energy in the target. Which grain bullet would you recommend?
IMO I would look at either a 77 gr OTM or SMK. If not then a frangible round is the next best.
For saiga 12.5 inches which one is best ?? Plzz reply
Heavier and faster is always the way to go.
And wider!
Depends on what one is trying to do, your firearm will let you know when you find that node/s it responds best to.
Haha, My name is Joe and I reload
What rifling twist rate are you talking about that makes a difference to.
The arguments made in this video are solid, but I'd argue it is better to take a step back and re-evaluate the cartridge you are using. Yes, the heavier ammo is better at longer ranges... but there are much much better cartridges to use if you're aiming out at that distance. The 6.5 rounds, for instance, are going to be much more efficient in most regards if you're worried about energy retention and drop at a distance.
The most important factor is availability of ammunition and no one has discussed that yet. I’d rather have the 5.56/223 over nothing, even if I had to shoot 800 yards.
@@Dr.Jekyll A better weapon might win a firefight, better training might win a firefight, better tactics might win a firefight, but the last person with ammo ALWAYS wins a firefight.
My name is William and I reload.
Awesome video! What’s your recommendation for a 10.5 DDMK18 ?
Heavier.
My AR15 is a Windham Weaponry Goverment A4 with a 20" barrel with a 1:7 twist. Would you take the 69gr in my case?
Thanks for taking the time to watch the video and comment. That particular barrel length and twist would go great with the 77 grain or even 85 grain.
Barnes is now making an 85 grain 5.56 and and Sig Sauer produces a 77 grain 5.56
The 69 grain will still work but will NOT have the down range punching power of the other two.
Here is a link to see an 85 grain hitting a 5 gallon water jug at 300 yards. ruclips.net/video/jyKcyXacBh4/видео.html
bullet weight should be chosen by twist not barrel length , the powder charge by weight don't tell you anything , the burn rate difference will result in different weights of powder , 20 grains of unknown powder next to 24 grains of another unknown powder don't tell you anything
Twist rate doesn’t really mean anything either some of my 1/7 shoot better with 55gn and shoot heavier bullets wit bigger groups. And my 1/8 likes medium weight bullets and opens up with 55gn and also after 77gn
I own a 14.5 inch barrel with 1/9 twist rate. Which bullet would you recommend as a home defense. I currently have 55 grain and 62 grain green tips, and using 55 grain as my primary defensive round. Should i go for 77 grain?
For home defense go for a more frangible round so it won't punch through multiple walls if you miss. The mass by itself is irrelevant at those ranges.
Late reply but a 1/9 twist is not recommended to shoot heavy bullets like 77 grain. It will not stabilize. You should stick to 55 grain imo
I would think if you wanted hard data on how weight changes things you’d want to keep the same design of bullet at least. Wolf loads are notorious for loading as light as possible and still function. I like how you run the numbers but you’re comparing small apples to big oranges and so forth. I’d like to see some 69 grain match kings compared to some 77 grain match kings shot with the same powder at recommended Sierra levels, cases, primers, etc. Factory numbers for their ammo are often way off to begin with.
how does barrel twist affect those ballistic numbers. 1/7; 1/8; 1/9 twist on a 16- 20" barrel.
I don’t think it necessarily affects ballistics as it affects accuracy depending on weight of your bullets. Which most decent barrels will shoot the majority of ammo very accurate unless its a super light weight bullet (40gr) in a 1/6 twist, or very heavy bullets in a faster twist rate such as 1/10. Otherwise the middle ground (55-77) generally shoots pretty accurate for all more standard twists such as 1/7, 8, and 9. All my rifles are 1/7 twist and shoot 55 grain very accurate. Haven’t tried anything else but some people like different weights for each rifle. I prefer to shoot what is most consistent amongst all of my rifles.
Pierce Foss 1:10 is a slower rate than 1:6.
@@trailertrashtactics Heavier bullets require a faster twist rate ands lighter bullets a slower twist rate, a 1/7 is faster than a 1/9. For really light bullets such as a 40 gr. bullet a 1/12 (very slow) works best. The shorter the distance per revolution the faster it spins.
@@phillhuddleston9445 The only problem that occurs from spinning a light bullet too fast is loss of structural integrity (e.g. it flies apart) after leaving the barrel by exceeding the bullet's max RPM. The bullet manufacturer will state the max safe rpm and the recommended minimum twist rate to stabilise. 1/12 is no better for a 40gr projectile from a .223 than 1/9 twist unless you are casting your own soft lead projectiles at home.
Would you say a 77 grain 556 be comparable to a 545x39?
It's different I don't know anything that heavy in 545.
55gr is most comparable
Ok anyone reading remember all these calibers have a max affective range of about 300 yards
No haha where did you get that info? That ain’t true.
How dare you! Really?
Do you have a video of what all these numbers mean to a newbie?
Great question. Am working on it as we speak
Just finished filming all day so that the answer to your very good question will be answered with some in the field demonstrations... stay tuned...
@@outdooradventures1696 That's fantastic!
69gr..Sierra Match.......
Only thing my CMP rifle ...likes to eat....
What size cal bullet tip do I use for 223 plz help anyone
.224
When does the bullet drop below 2400 fps in a 16 inch barrel
Do you have similar stats for 7.62 x 51?
55 grain in a good rifle drops ?
Dang this is educational but kinda boring
1:35 Oh boy, it’s a sign!
Great video !