Zeroing a Couple of .223 Hunting Loads; 62 Grain Vs. 55 Grain

[Turkeytider]

In my 110 Storm in .223, a 55 grain Hornady V-Max shoots consistently higher than a 62 grain Nosler Varmageddon HP. Is it accurate to assume that in general a heavier, slower bullet will shoot lower than a lighter, faster one ? Sorry for a basic question such as this, but I`m a relative beginner when it comes to rifle ballistics. By the way, I like the way the rifle shoots both rounds. I have a hunch that there are more factors involved, such as barrel harmonics and such. Both loads require different zeros to give 1-2 inches high at 100 yards with good groups.

[charlie b]

Normally, yes. There can be cases where a heavy bullet drops less depending on velocity differences. Basically the heavier bullet has more momentum so it loses velocity slower. At some point the heavier bullet may be going faster and drop less. Usually this happens at longer ranges, beyond 500yd.

This assumes the same bullet type. Then there is ballistic coefficient, which is usually higher for heavier match type bullets.

[Dave Hoback]

Weight has no bearing on drop whatsoever. Speed & BC dictate the drop. Don’t believe me? Plug the data into your favorite Ballistics Calculator. Choose two different calibers, say 223 & 30-06. Then try a 69gr & 180. But make sure the velocity & BC (G1) are relatively close, if not same. What’s the outcome?

[yobuck]

Weight has no bearing on drop whatsoever. Speed & BC dictate the drop. Don’t believe me? Plug the data into your favorite Ballistics Calculator. Choose two different calibers, say 223 & 30-06. Then try a 69gr & 180. But make sure the velocity & BC (G1) are relatively close, if not same. What’s the outcome?

You wont really know untill you know.
And you wont know untill you shoot them at various distances.
BC has much in common with BS, at least as to how its sold by the bullet makers.

[Dave Hoback]

Uh-huh... ok, thank you for that. I’ll stick with ballistics calculators which use math. (Again, evidence provided). Are they perfect? Of course not, because not all variables remain constant & we don’t live in a VACUUM! But they give great starting points(which is, I think, I believe the purpose of them?) Anyone who wishes can believe your “because I said so” argument. But I & I’m sure many other shooters will use BC for what it is; overcoming air resistance in flight. Oh, and those little things Math & Physics provided by Ballistics Calculators.

But I guess you just “KNOW”, huh?

Oh yeah... and since my little “test” gave the results of my hypothesis....... I.G.N.O.R.E.

[Turkeytider]

Didn`t really mean for my question to turn into an argument! Anyway, whatever the reason(s), they both group well enough (particularly so the Hornady 55 grain V-Max ) for predators.