novice question

[tvc15]

All elements very close. 130 grain bullets, same powder charge, same distance off lands .460, .406 bc. Why would 1 type of bullet hit a target at 100 yards 3 inches higher? calculator says they should be closer. What gives?  thanks,    TVC15

[beemanbeme]

Perhaps because each bullet manufacturer has his own idea of exactly what dims a say 308 cal bullet should be with regards to diameter, length, ogive, etc.  And too, some rifles just plain don't like certain brands of bullets.

[fishdog52]

There is now huge variation in bullet construction and/or materials, among other things, affecting the "balance point" , moving it forward, back, etc.  Barnes new bullet with the tungsten insert may hit a different point of impact than their solid copper bullts.

[PaulS]

I think it would be completely unexpected if any two bullets from different manufacturers hit even close to the same point of impact. They are all different in the internal construction and external dimensions (except the diameter of course). If you could measure it you would find that the pressure changes too - and that is another reason for the bullet to be hitting off from another. The change in pressure changes the vibration of the barrel and your second make of bullet is exiting when the barrel is in an up-swing.

A good example of different loads for different components.