PPU 69gr BTHP bullet weight variance

I found a dealer with a good price on 69gr PPU manufactured BTHP bullets a few weeks ago and just got around to trying them out this morning. I typically shoot 69gr SMK's through my Model 12FV and was looking for a cheaper alternative, these held some promise for the price I paid.

The shape was slightly different which led me to weigh a few. The differences were so drastic I ended up weighing 200 of them.

Resluts:

68.6gr -1
68.7gr -2
68.8gr -4
68.9gr-12
69.0 to69.1gr -87
69.2gr- 51
69.3gr-25
69.4gr-12
69.5gr-3
69.6gr-3

I loaded 50 of the 69/69.1gr bullets in front of 24.5gr of Varget and fired ten 5 shot groups. Most of the groups measured .75" to .875", the last and worst group was 1.125". After firing the 50 shots with the PPU bullets I fired 3 more 5 shot groups with 69gr SMK's (and a smoking hot barrel) which measured .479", .577" and .500".

I guess the end result is the PPU's are good for trigger time but are not in the same league as SMK's.

I was looking at them to guess I'm sticking with smk

I am hoping that as long as I keep them grouped by weight that the shot patterns will be similar. I loaded 50 of the 69.2's to try out later this week. I should probably get a pic of them side by side to complete the thread. The shape of the ogive is different enough that the PPU needs to be seated .015" shallower than the SMK's and the shape of the base is inconsistent between bullets.

Now you know what you will use for fouling shots or getting on paper at 200 yds. with a new scope or mounts.

Pretty amazing difference. I wonder how concentric the rounds themselves are.

You found out why you pay a premium for match bullets. If you think Sierra's are costly try the Berger or Bart's.
Like an optic cheaper usually doesn't mean equal or better.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by rjtfroggy

You found out why you pay a premium for match bullets. If you think Sierra's are costly try the Berger or Bart's.
Like an optic cheaper usually doesn't mean equal or better.

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I got lucky and my .223 loves the CHEAP Hornady 68gr BTHP. Had to do a little extra load work to find the right charge but I found one that shoots good hot or cold. I've never worked with a case that was so sensitive to 0.2gr changes.



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Their factory ammo has a sizeable powder charge variation as well. At least in 7.5 swiss.

Bill

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by FiveInADime

I got lucky and my .223 loves the CHEAP Hornady 68gr BTHP. Had to do a little extra load work to find the right charge but I found one that shoots good hot or cold. I've never worked with a case that was so sensitive to 0.2gr changes.



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Many shooters have found the 68 to shoot better than the 69. Many no longer shoot these cruiser weight bullets because the 75s and 77s can accomplish the same at 300 les fps.

Bill

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