Bullet Stability Question

[GrampaMike]

I have a question about bullet stability.  

Say a bullet’s IDEA velocity is 3000 fps based on its diameter, ballistic coefficient and twist rate of the barrel and whatever else.  And my targets are at 200 yards.  

Since the IDEA velocity is 3000 fps, is my goal, 3000 fps at the muzzle, at 200 yards or the mid-point trajectory of 200 yards?  Is there a plus/minus fps of the IDEA velocity that is commonly used as a range to keep the velocity within?

Hope this is the right forum for these questions.  Thanks for any info.  Mike

[Patriot_1776]

I don't really think it matters too much about where the bullet hits or maintains that velocity.  If the ideal velocity, taking the bullet's characteristics into consideration, is 3000fps, then I would say as long as it reaches that velocity and maybe a little more, then that's good enough.  

I wouldn't try to cramp my brain at the range thinking when, where, and how fast my bullets are traveling out the muzzle, and every yard in between to the target.  I have a preferred speed just out the muzzle, a good scope that hopefully maintains it's settings, I'm able to compensate and know my limitations, and I can read ballistic tables made by others who are either paid to do that or have nothing better to do.  Could there be anything else required to shoot well at the range?  Maybe I'm naive, but I just don't need to know everything to have fun. :grin:  

But if your looking for a definite answer, then I'd say just go 3100fps out the muzzle and be on the safer side.  But this question is extremely hypothetical, as is the answer.  In all reality, I don't see any difference or benefit in straining the gnats that much. :wink:  


-Patriot

[Graybeard]

I'mma thinking that in the real world you'll never see this situation. You'd need to have a super slow twist barrel to need a full 3000 to stabilize the bullet. Way slower than any manufacturer would intentionally use.

Muzzle velocity is what is generally used in these determinations as that's when and where it initially stabilizes. However if you were right on the ragged edge of stability then yes at longer ranges (likely well over your 200 yard example) then stability would be lost. It fact it often is if the bullet travels far enough. Straight wall pistol cases are a prime example.