Muzzle velocity estimate without Chronograph

13219 Views 22 Replies 9 Participants Last post by BKeith, Oct 4, 2010

SLCscottie

Discussion Starter · Aug 12, 2010

I don't have access to a chronograph at this time and I don't want to spend the money. And I just need a rough rule of thumb or experience with this matter.

So what should I expect the muzzle velocity difference to be when using a
Rock River AR15 with a 16 inch barrel 1 in 9” rate twist instead of a
Remington 700 26”, 1 in 12” twist (Hornady Data used from their reloading book)?
My guess is a loss of 150 fps.

I reloaded the 223 Rem using Hornady Data:
55 gr #2266 SP w/c
B.C. 0.235 C.O.L.: 2.200”
Varget 25.5 gr
Velocity per book 3100 FPS

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temmi

· #21 · Sep 30, 2010

broom_jm said:
This has already been discussed, ad nauseum, but why would you think reloaders need a chronograph? If your loads function properly in your gun and they're very accurate, isn't that sufficient? Knowing your velocity is nice, but hardly necessary, simply because you loaded the components yourself. Consider that people have been loading and reloading for decades (centuries, if you count muzzle-loaders) without having any idea what velocity they were getting, and yet, their guns were safe and effective. Many hunters go afield each year with factory and handloaded ammo, completely oblivious to their exact velocity, and harvest game with surprising efficiency.

It's just a thought...

Well since you ask…

Once we know the real velocity our loads we produce, we can build real drop charts… Which is very useful in my book, and you can also see how stable your velocity is.

I just believe there is no downside to know how your loads are performing velocity wise.

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I do understand… Opinions vary

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MikeG

· #22 · Sep 30, 2010

I'm of the opinion that a chronograph will save a fair amount of money in components, in pretty short order. It also allows the use of surplus powders with a great deal more safety.

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BKeith

· #23 · Oct 4, 2010

In GA, most deer hunters think a 100yd shot is considered an extremely long shot. For those, no, a chrony is not needed. Other than getting dope at shorter distance for a load, I rarely shoot less than 400yds, 400 - 600yds is my normal distance with 243/6mm loads. I would hate to know I had to try to work up loads without a chrony, makes life a whole lot simpler. I think developing loads that group well at long ranges is would be a whole lot harder and take longer without a chrony.

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