Author Topic: Disappearing bullets (Read 473 times)

aulrich · « **on:** July 20, 2004, 03:51:43 PM »

This past weekend I was out with a buddy shooting PD's the load was 223 with 50gr sierras of h4895 (I can't remember the charge off hand) but in the morning we check zero and everything is working great. In the afternoon after a couple of hits he starts missing everything (we mostly used rimfire that day), not only is he missing but I can't call the shots because none of them kick up dust. Then I notice a puff of smoke 10 feet from the barrel. Is that puff marking a bullet flying apart in flight?

grizz · « **Reply #1 on:** July 20, 2004, 04:07:04 PM »

Quote from: aulrich

Then I notice a puff of smoke 10 feet from the barrel. Is that puff marking a bullet flying apart in flight?

I would say yes!!! I'm not sure what distance you are shooting at but @ 200+yds if you where setup in a good spotting scope you should be able to see the wash of the bullet in flight.. If you were in a grassy area you may never see the impact.. If it was dirt you should be able to see it.. I have seen alot of bullets come apart in flight.. I would bet thats what is happening to that one!!

Iowegan · « **Reply #2 on:** July 20, 2004, 04:53:42 PM »

Had this happen a few years back, now I use Varget powder and no more problems. In my case, I was using IMR 4895 in some pretty warm loads. As the chamber heated up, the powder got hot and really increased the burn rate. I was driving the fragile bullets so fast they came apart. Actually, they destruct in the bore and a faster twist rate will compound the problem. Varget powder is rated as an "extreme" powder and will not increase burn rate near as much as other powders when it gets hot. I also changed to 55gr Nosler ballistic tips. They hold together better.

jhalcott · « **Reply #3 on:** July 20, 2004, 05:02:38 PM »

the heat in theafter noon can jump pressure considerably in any caliber.
If your buddy's load was above 25grains of 4895 it was running on the edge in hot weather.Add a close to rifling fit in the chamber= more pressure. I had worked up loads for my 22-250 one fall and the next summer I had the same problem as your bud. I would keep my ammo in the cooler till I needed it .The gun was kept in the shade as much as possible. I worked up new loads the year after that. jh