The Cartridge Comparison Guide is a remarkably comprehensive 340-page, spiral-bound book. Covering over 250 cartridges, the Second Edition of the Cartridge Comparison Guide is the product of many years of labor by Andrew Chamberlain, a Utah-based hunter. Andrew says his Guide “compares every factory available cartridge from the 17 calibers up to the 50 caliber cartridges”. (Sorry, most wildcat cartridges are not covered.) Chamberlain’s Guide also compiles cartridge data from major ammunition manufacturers such as Barnes, Federal, Hornady, Norma, Nosler, Remington, Sierra, Swift, Weatherby, and Winchester. It shows the optimal velocity achieved for each bullet weight and calculates bullet energy, recoil, and powder efficiency. Large color photos illustrate handgun and rifle cartridges.
The Cartridge Comparison Guide provides data for thousands of cartridge/bullet/velocity combos. Quick reference sheets and ballistics charts cover Trajectory, Velocity, and Energy out to 500 yards. The Cartridge Comparison Guide also offers a firearms lexicon, plus Appendices covering Cartridge Selection for Game Animals, Bullet Selection/Design, Bullet Expansion, and Wound Channel Characteristics.
New Content in Second Edition of Cartridge Comparison Guide
The Cartridge Comparison Guide (Second Edition) costs $39.99 plus shipping and tax. CLICK HERE to visit the Online Store where you can order the 340-page book. Here’s what’s new in the Second Edition:
Addition of Shotgun Ammunition (Both Slug and Shot loads).
Momentum Calculation for all Rifle, Shotgun and Handgun loads.
Integration of Shotgun Slug Ammunition with Center Fire Rifle Data Tables.
Factory Load Summary Added (Shows manufacturers and loads produced).
One factory load and one hand load for every bullet weight available in each cartridge.
Over 90 pages of additional ballistics content (roughly 35% more than in First Edition).
Great Resource for Hunters
One of Chamberlain’s main goals in creating the Cartridge Comparison Guide was to help hunters select the right cartridge for the job: “This started as a personal project to gather information on the more popular cartridges commonly used for hunting. I wanted to find the best all-around performing cartridge and rifle that a guy on a budget could shoot. I began comparing cartridge performance, versatility, bullet selection, powder efficiency, recoil generation vs. energy produced, standing ballistic data for different environments….”
Giant Cartridge Poster for Computer Wallpaper (1665×1080 pixels)
Here’s a great illustration of hundreds of cartridges and shotshell types. For dedicated reloaders, this would work great as desktop “wallpaper” for your computer. CLICK HERE for full-size image.
If you’ve been thinking about some last-minute Christmas shopping at Brownells, here are some money-saving codes. Brownells is currently offering $120 Off a $1000 purchase, $55 Off a $500 purchase, $25 Off a $250 purchase, $20 Off a $200 purchase, plus 10% off purchases over $150. In addition, you can get 10% off all purchases of $150 or more. It’s simple to get these discounts — there are no buyers’ clubs to join, no forms to fill out. Just use the appropriate Discount Code during online check-out.
Last Minute Shipping Options
You can still get many items delivered before Christmas! For Pre-Christmas Delivery, order with Second Day shipping on 12/20/23 before 11:00 AM CST. Or choose Next Day shipping for purchases made before 11:00 AM CST on 12/21/23 (Thursday).
Listed below are the Codes to use. Simply use the appropriate Code for your purchase at Brownells.com. These codes have no listed expiration date, so Brownells could terminate them at any time. Accordingly, we recommend you do your shopping soon. Also if the highest value code no longer works, try a lesser value CODE.
The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) offers a CMP Affiliate Program that provides special benefits to marksmanship organizations and clubs. For just $35 a year per club, CMP-Affiliated Clubs and their members get many benefits, including access to training, facilities, equipment, and competitions. Clubs are also eligible to receive marksmanship grants and access to sales promotions. Learn more about the CMP Affiliate Program on the CMP website: https://thecmp.org/clubs/affiliate/.
CMP-Affiliated Clubs are eligible to host their own local CMP sanctioned matches — from smallbore rifle to CMP Games rifle and pistol events, highpower and more. The CMP’s Affiliated Club network now boasts over 2700 affiliated clubs nationwide. To find an Affiliated Club in your area, visit TheCMP.org/clubs.
Marksmanship clubs or organizations may affiliate as one of the following club/team categories: Junior Club, Senior Club, Senior Club with Junior Division, Youth Camp, School Team (High School, Middle School, JROTC Unit, etc.), or College Shooting Team.
Eligibility Requirements for CMP-Affiliated Clubs
Senior Club
Minimum of 10 adult members who are U. S. citizens
Junior Club
Minimum of 10 junior members, age 20 and below
Senior Club with Junior Division
Minimum of 10 adult and 10 junior members, age 20 and below
Youth Camps
Minimum of 10 participants in camp riflery program
School Shooting Team
Minimum of 10 participants in team program
College Shooting Teams
Minimum of 10 team members, age 27 and below
CMP-Affiliated Clubs Get Discounts on Rifles and Targets
Affiliated Clubs receive a discounted price on certain firearms, such Savage .22 LR rifles. The CMP is also contracted with Crosman, Daisy, and Walther, offering each company’s line of quality air rifles, including Crosman Challenger (CH2021S) air rifles. Additionally, the CMP offers a sales program for air rifle and smallbore targets.
M1 Garand Raffle Options
State associations within the Affiliated Club program are able to hold a raffle once a year for an M1 Garand rifle (purchasing an M1 Field Grade from the CMP for a much discounted $200). Clubs not part of a State Association are still able to get a 10 percent discount on M1s for use within their own ranges.
Insurance Options for CMP-Affiliated Clubs
Through a new partnership with Lockton Affinity Outdoor, clubs and members of the CMP community may now access a wide range of affordable insurance solutions to protect themselves and their firearm property. Starting as low as $50 per year, coverage with Lockton Affinity Outdoor helps protect against loss to personal items, property damage, third-party injuries and more.
How to Apply to Affiliate with the CMP
Download and fill out the CMP Affiliation Application PDF form or use the Online CMP Affiliation Form. Get copies of key documents for your organization (such as its constitution, by-laws, articles of incorporation or other governing rules) and attach to your application.
Provide a check, money order, or credit card information to pay the first annual dues of $35.00 (Note: JROTC units, 4-H Shooting Sports Clubs and BSA organizations may affiliate at no cost). Send all the application materials (with payment) to:
CMP Affiliate Relations
P.O. Box 576
Port Clinton, Ohio 43452
Some Clubs May Already Be Affiliated
Some established clubs earn automatic affiliation through the CMP Memoranda of Understanding (MOU). Entities such as the JROTC commands from each military branch, 4-H and Boy Scouts are automatically affiliated at no cost. Though automatic, clubs must enroll with the CMP in order to become officially associated.
In June 2020, Hornady introduced the 6mm ARC, a new SAAMI cartridge optimized for AR-platform rifles*. The new 6mm ARC is basically a 6.5 Grendel necked down to 6mm, with the shoulder moved back around .030″. That pushed-back shoulder does reduce case capacity (and velocity), but we assume Hornady did that to create a shorter, proprietary chamber so people could not simply neck-down Lapua 6.5 Grendel brass, as has been done for years with Robert Whitley’s outstanding 6mm AR wildcat.
What Is the 6mm ARC Cartridge? The 6mm ARC cartridge is a new SAAMI-spec cartridge based on the 6.5 Grendel case necked down for 6mm bullets, with the shoulder moved back 0.030. Yes it is designed to run in AR15-platform rifles. You’ll need a new barrel, bolt, and mags. If you already have an AR chambered in 6.5 Grendel, the ONLY thing you need to change is the barrel. Everything else — bolt, magazines, gas system – is compatible with 6mm ARC.
▶ Official SAAMI Cartridge (not wildcat)
▶ Fits standard AR15-platform rifles
▶ Fits Short/Mini action bolt rifles
▶ Efficient short, fat case design
▶ 30-degree case shoulder
What Do I Need To Shoot the 6mm ARC?
Faxon and Ballistic Advantage are already producing barrels, with more manufacturers sure to follow. All the other required components are already on the market for 6.5 Grendel rifles. Aero Precision already offers complete 6mm ARC uppers.
If you’re converting a standard 5.56×45 mm (.223 Rem) AR15 upper to shoot 6mm ARC, you’ll need a 6mm barrel, a Type II 6.5 Grendel bolt carrier group, and new magazines. Some folks have suggested standard AR mags will work, but trust us, you want the magazines that have been designed for 6.5 Grendel. Most of the hardware you need is available at Brownells.
* While 6-6.5 Grendel shooters are known to run stout pressures, the new 6mm ARC cartridge has a relatively moderate Maximum Average Pressure (MAP) rating of 52,000 psi according to the official SAAMI specifications. For a variety of reasons, is wise to keep pressures in a semi-auto rifle moderate. Don’t chase the velocities you might get in a bolt-action gun.
Last week, on 12/8/23, the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) hosted the Alabama Army National Guard (ALARNG) Best Warrior Mystery Event at the Talladega Marksmanship Park in Alabama. This was the final event in a week-long competition.
A total of 14 competitors had the opportunity to fire the M1 Garand Rifle in this mystery/surprise event. Each competitor received basic instruction and a safety briefing before shooting the CMP Garand Match course of fire: 35 rounds at 200 yards on Talladega’s electronic targets. Only one of the 14 competitors had previously fired an M1 Garand. The CMP provided all rifles and ammunition for the competition.
At the conclusion of the Garand Match course of fire, the Best Warrior awards ceremony was held on the CMP Talladega Marksmanship Park clubhouse patio stage, where each competitor was given CMP challenge coins, ALARNG challenge coins, and overall ranking awards for the week. The CMP was honored to host this event and looks forward to increased partnership with the ALARNG. ALARNG leadership present included the Adjutant General of Alabama, Maj. Gen. Sheryl Gordon, and Command Sgt. Maj. Elmore.
About the Talladega Marksmanship Park Talladega Marksmanship Park is one of the USA’s top shooting centers. The 500-acre facility boasts advanced electronic targets with scoring monitors at the firing lines. Talladega hosts rifle, pistol, and shotgun events through out the year. Talladega’s Unknown Distance Range at also allows guests to practice their skills with over 100 steel targets, placed out to 625 yards. Talladega also has a 20-lane, life-size 3D target Archery Range.
The public is welcome all year long, to test out their firearms or to simply explore the grounds. Off the firing line, the Club House holds a fully stocked Pro Shop with rifles, ammunition, marksmanship accessories and CMP memorabilia. CLICK HERE to learn more about Talladega Marksmanship Park.
At the request of our readers, we provide select “Deals of the Week”. Every Sunday afternoon or Monday morning we offer our Best Bargain selections. Here are some of the best deals on firearms, hardware, reloading components, optics, and shooting accessories. Be aware that sale prices are subject to change, and once clearance inventory is sold, it’s gone for good. You snooze you lose.
NOTE: All listed products are for sale to persons 18 years of age or older. No products are intended for use by minors.
1. EuroOptic — ZEISS End of Year Sale LRP S3 and S5, 25% Off
⏺ Big 25% savings on awesome optics with superb glass
Right now you can save up to $1000 with the ZEISS Scope Sale at EuroOptic. All LRP S3 and LRP S5 scopes are discounted 25%. These ZEISS scopes offer best-in-class elevation travel, and extremely good glass. This great sale runs through 11:59 pm ET on Sunday, December 31, 2023. So grab your savings before the end of the month!
2. KYGUNCO — 12 Deals of Christmas, Rifles and Pistols
⏺ December Daily Deals on handguns, shotguns, and rifles
Starting 12/1/2023, KYGUNCO has released special deals through its 12 Deals of Christmas promotion. There are pistols, rifles, and shotguns deeply discounted, with the listed sale prices good through December 31, 2023. From the landing page, click each Day to see the available deals. Below are links for all Sale December Sale Days 1 through 12.
⏺ Under $175 for a decent bolt-action .22 LR rimfire rifle
Here’s a fun, super-affordable .22 LR rifle. This rimfire Citadel TRAKR could be a good training rig for NRL22 matches. It comes with iron sights plus scope bases. Three basic colors are available for the low $173.99 price: Flat Dark Earth, OD Green, and Matte Black. For $236.99 ($63 more) you can get the handsome Stars and Stripes American Flag version TRAKR.
4. Creedmoor Sports — $50 Off Shooting Cart, $50 Off Order
⏺ Save $50 on Excellent Range Cart and $50 on Shooting Jacket
Here are two nice bargains for High Power and XTC shooters. Right now you can get $50 off the price of a new Creedmoor Range Cart — absolutely the best product of its kind. And if you need a Competition Shooting Coat, you can save $50 on the price now through 1/11/2024. The discount should be applied when you place your order.
⏺ Nice, compact 9mm complete with integrated laser — great carry gun
Here is a great value in a 9mm carry/defense pistol. The Smith & Wesson SD9VE 9mm features a comfortable grip, high visibility sights, and a built-in laser. The Crimson Trace LG-457 Laserguard is a powerful red laser designed specifically for Smith & Wesson SD/SD VE pistols. Featuring Crimson Trace’s Instinctive Activation system, the laser system can be set to activate instantly when the pistol is gripped, via a button on the grip front. This two-tone pistol has a black polymer frame and stainless slide. Priced at just $329.99 on sale, this S&W handgun is $210 less than a similar-sized Glock 19 without a laser.
6. Amazon — Wheeler Digital Trigger Pull Gauge, $51.99
⏺ Digital Gauge is repeatable and has strong user reviews
Every serious shooter needs a good trigger gauge. The Wheeler digital trigger gauge (#ad) is precise and repeatable, measuring pull weights up to 12 pounds. The load cell directly contacts the trigger making it extremely accurate with +/- 0.2 ounce precision. There are two modes: “Peak” and “Live.” Peak mode shows max force for each pull and calculates the minimum, maximum and average pull weights. Live mode continuously shows the force on the sensor. It even has a special adapter for Savage-style triggers with bladed inserts. This trigger gauge is now $51.99, 26% off MSRP.
7. Midsouth — Frankford Tumbler Lite + Depriming Tool, $119.99
⏺ Depriming Tool and Tumbler Work Great, save $45 with COMBO
The Frankford Arsenal Depriming Tool and Tumbler Lite are both excellent products. With the hand depriming tool you can knock out primers while watching TV. Spent primers are collected in the removable clear catch tube — so no mess on your press or loading bench. The Tumbler Lite is great for tumbling with liquid media to get your cases bright and shiny. Right now you can save $45 by getting the $119.99 Combo Pack from Midsouth.
⏺ Great price on high quality, reliable 9mm FMJ ammo
The 9mm Luger (9x19mm) is the most popular centerfire pistol cartridge. And now there are some great new 9mm carbines like the cool, folding S&W M&P PRC. So it’s wise to keep good supply of 9mm ammo on hand. Here’s a great deal on quality, major-manufacturer 9mm FMJ pistol ammunition. Get 1000 rounds of Fiocchi 9mm ammo for $219.99. That works out to just $13.50 per 50-count box, or $0.22 per round.
⏺ Great price on versatile, well-designed gun vise
Here’s an excellent gun vise on sale for just $35.99. The versatile MTM GV-30 CaseGard Gun Vise supports rifles and shotguns for cleaning/maintenance. High and low forks allow level or angled gun placement. The rubber-padded rotating stock clamp provides a firm hold. The base has 14 different compartments for tools/solvents, plus 11 slots for jags, brushes, and screwdrivers. On the side are tabs for two cleaning rods. This GV-30 vise is made from rugged, solvent-resistant polypropylene plastic. If this sells out on GunZoneDeals, Midsouth has the GV-30 Vise for $41.58.
⏺ Great price on insulated, polyester fabric blanket
For winter nights, save money by turning the heat down and using this on your bed instead. Spread horizontally, this will cover most of even a king size bed. The Editor bought this for his own home. This versatile sleeping blanket comes in very handy — use it outdoors in summer and indoors in winter. The blanket (we’ll call it a nylon quilt) measures 70″ L x 50″ W. It is machine-washable with a water- and dirt-resistant 190T polyester fabric cover. Inside is excellent TechLoft Silver insulation. This blanket stows neatly into a 13.5″ x 7.5″ roll in the provided carry sack.
Kestrel wind and weather meters are often regarded as the best on the market — for good reason. Here are a series of three videos by F-Class John that show how the Kestrel 5700 with Elite Ballistics works. This article reviews the advanced Kestrel 5700 Elite Wind Meter with sophisticated ballistics capabilities. Our review features three videos by F-Class John that show how the Kestrel 5700 Elite functions with Applied Ballistics APP software and LiNK connection.
This Part I Video starts with a basic Kestrel Anemometer (blue case, 00:00-00:40) wind meter. Then reviewer F-Class John looks at the “smart” Kestrel 5700 with Elite Ballistics. John explains the many features of the Kestrel 5700 and how it holds a powerful ballistics calculator in the convenient, easy-to-tote Kestrel package. With Elite Ballistics, once you enter data about your bullets, velocity, zero, and rifle, the Kestrel can calculate come-ups and wind corrections. If you don’t yet own a Kestrel, we highly recommend you watch this series of videos that explains advanced Kestrel features in detail.
This Part II Video shows the key features of the advanced software APP used by the Kestrel 5700 unit with Elite Ballistics. The Kestrel 5700 can “talk” to a mobile device that runs the Applied Ballistics software APP that contains bullet databases and allows you to enter key information such as muzzle velocity, bullet BC, zero distance, velocity, wind, and environmental factors (altitude, temperature etc.). There are also gun-specific factors such as scope height over bore and barrel twist rate. The video also explains how “range cards” are created and how to view them with your Elite Ballistics-enabled Kestrel. John notes: “The APP is great because you don’t have to fiddle with the Kestrel’s buttons. It’s much easier to enter data and change settings with the APP.”
This Part III video shows how to determine true wind direction by aligning the SIDE of the unit into the wind. You essentially want to set the unit 90 degrees to the wind direction so the impeller runs as slowly as possible. Then, after you set your target distance (See 3:03), the unit can give you precise come-ups for your intended target (10.28 MOA for 559 yards here). The Kestrel then calculates the cross-wind correction as well (See 3:12).
DISCLAIMER: This video and description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, the video author may receive a small commission. This helps support F-Class John’s YouTube channel and allows him to continue to make videos like this.
Bryan Litz and The Science of Accuracy Academy has done a Podcast with vital information for all handloaders. This Podcast examines the effects of humidity variances on powder. Bryan notes: “If you want to know how much this can matter, we’re talking up to 200 fps difference for the same load of H4350 in 6.5 Creedmoor” at opposite extremes of humidity.
Bryan adds that “Most shooters don’t realize what a big deal this can be — it overshadows many of our efforts to make consistent velocity and hit targets. This can happen in loaded rounds not just for hand loading where you expose powder to ambient humidity. This is especially important for hunters considering the range of environments hunting ammo goes through.”
$20 OFF The Science of Accuracy Academy Products
As a Holiday Season promotion, The Science of Accuracy Academy Store is offering $20 Off orders $100 or more, now through the end of 2023. Save on Bryan Litz’s six impressive books about Ballistics, Bullet Performance, and Long Range Shooting. The Berger Bullets Reloading Manual is also discounted. And there are Berger Bullets and reloading items on sale. Use Discount Code JOLLY23 for the $20 savings.
In addition you can get your own subscription to the Academy, allowing you to access all podcasts, exclusive videos, learning resources, and bullet data sheets.
For most larger centerfire cartridges, increased barrel length augments muzzle velocity. That’s why you see F-Open rifles with 30″ and even 32″ barrels. But there is a limit — at some point, increased barrel length may not yield any additional velocity. And in the case of rimfire, too much barrel length can reduce MV. Today’s showcase explores how barrel length affects muzzle velocity, both in centerfire and rimfire rifles.
In the photo above you can see a test rifle fitted with what may currently be the longest barrel fitted to a conventional rifle. This was created by the team at MDT (Modular Driven Technologies) to test how velocity varies with barrel length.
You can see the results of testing with this one-of-a-kind rifle in the MDT video below, the first in our Saturday video showcase. This is followed with an MDT rimfire barrel length/velocity test, and additional tests for the .308 Winchester, 6.5 Creedmoor, and .223 Rem cartridge types.
World’s Longest Rifle Barrel Cut to Determine Velocity Change
This may be the most interesting velocity by barrel length test ever put on video. The MDT (Modular Driven Technologies) team started with a 69″-long barrel, chambered for .308 Winchester. The ammo was Federal Gold Medal match with 175gr Sierra HPBT Bullets (Video 3:30). This barrel had actually been fabricated from multiple sections, a challenge in itself.
Velocity was measured in one-inch increments starting at 69″ and going down to 19″. The speed at 69″ was 2778 FPS while the final speed, at 19″ barrel length, was 2567 FPS. “That is a difference of 211 FPS from the longest point to the shortest point”, observed MDT’s tester. Note that, the velocity did show fairly constant change per inch from 19″ to 45″. So going beyond 36″ inches can actually increase velocity. However, from 45″ to 61″ inches the velocity actually declined a bit. SEE VIDEO at 6:55 time-mark, and check out the chart below.
Ultra-Long .22 LR Rimfire Barrel Cut-Down Velocity Test
This video features Part 2 of MDT’s “Cutting the World’s Longest Rifle” test. This time the team shoots the diminutive .22 LR cartridge from an ultra-long barrel. The results may surprise you: “Get ready to have your assumptions shattered as the MDT team chopped a .22 LR rimfire barrel away inch by inch, recording velocities at each barrel length. In this test, the MDT team looked to determine the optimal length for a .22 LR barrel, from the standpoint of velocity. How long is too long? How short is too short? Does shorter always mean faster? Does longer always mean slower?”
In fact, MDT’s testers determined that, with standard rimfire ammunition, the velocity started to decline after 16″ length. That surprised some of the testers. So with the small .22 LR cartridge, more barrel length can actually reduce muzzle velocity from increased in-barrel friction.
6.5 Creedmoor Barrel Length Test (24″ to 16″)
For this video, testers for Western Powders took a standard test barrel chambered for 6.5 Creedmoor and cut it down one inch at a time. The velocity for five rounds at each length was then measured with a chronograph to determine velocity loss per inch of barrel reduction. Overall the recorded velocity loss from 24″ to 16″ was 197 FPS, almost exactly 25 FPS per inch of length. The velocity loss rate was fairly constant inch by inch, as you can see from the graph displayed at the 4:00-minute mark in the video.
.223 Rem (5.56×45) Velocity Tests (9 Guns, 7.5″ to 20″ Barrels)
In this video, the team from Classic Firearms tests a variety of firearms chambered for .223 Rem (5.56×45). This starts with an Springfield Saint Victor AR-type pistol with a very short 7.5″ barrel. This yielded a 2183 FPS average. Then the team tested eight more guns with increasingly long barrel lengths, adding barrel length with each gun in sequence. The test concluded with a Colt XM16E1 rig with 20″ barrel. That Colt AR averaged 3052 FPS. The guns used (and barrel lengths) are listed below.
The overall results are discussed at the 13:45 Time-Mark.
Test Lengths at Video Time — 7.5″ to 20″
2:11 — 7.5″ Springfield St.V. AR Pistol, 2183 FPS
3:23 — 10.3″ DD MK18 SBR, 2513 FPS
4:34 — 11.8″ PWS MK111 AR Pistol, 2644 FPS
5:35 — 12.5″ IWI Zion AR Pistol, 2789 FPS
.308 Winchester — 16″ Barrel vs. 24″ Barrel Velocity
With the .308 Win cartridge, many hunters prefer a shorter barrel for lighter carry weight. In this video, Gavin Gear of UltimateReloader.com compares .308 Win velocities with a 16″ barrel and a 24″ barrel, shooting the same ammo. Gavin notes: “We asked for input on our .308 build. Overwhelmingly, you all wanted a 16″ barrel, so ‘Shorty’ was born! Looking to compare velocities, I brought out my match .308 Win with a 24″ barrel to compare the results with some Hodgdon data.” CLICK HERE to read full report on UltimateReloader.com.
RifleShooter.com Barrel Cut-Down Testing
Along with these videos, our friends at RifleShooter.com have conducted a number of barrel cut-down tests, starting with fairly long barrels. Velocities were measured with each inch reduction
Most of us own a .223 Rem rifle. Now, thanks to our friends at Rifleshooter.com we can assess exactly how velocity changes with barrel length for this popular cartridge.
Rifleshooter.com performed an interesting test, cutting the barrel of a .223 Rem rifle from 26″ all the way down to 16.5″. The cuts were made in one-inch intervals with a rotary saw. At each cut length, velocity was measured with a Magnetospeed chronograph. To make the test even more interesting, four different types of .223 Rem/5.56 ammo were chron’d at each barrel length. The Rifleshooter.com team that conducts these tests has a full-service gun shop, 782 Custom Gunworks — visit 782guns.com.
Test Barrel Lost 25.34 FPS Per Inch (.223 Rem Chambering)
How much velocity do you think was lost, on average, for each 1″ reduction in barrel length? The answer may surprise you. The average speed loss of the four types of .223/5.56 ammo, with a 9.5″ shortening of barrel length, was 240.75 fps total (from start to finish). That works out to an average loss of 25.34 fps per inch.
5.56/.223 Barrel Cut-Down Speed Test 26″ to 16.5″
Start FPS at 26″
End FPS at 16.5″
Total Loss
Average Loss Per Inch
UMC .223 55gr
3182*
2968
214
22.5 FPS
Federal M193 55gr
3431
3187
244
25.7 FPS
Win m855 62gr
3280
2992
288
30.3 FPS
Blk Hills .223 68gr
2849
2632
217
22.8 FPS
*There may have been an error. The 25″ velocity was higher at 3221 fps.
Rifleshooter.com observed: “Cutting the barrel from 26″ to 16.5″ resulted in a velocity reduction of 214 ft/sec with the UMC 223 55-grain cartridge, 244 ft/sec with the Federal M-193 cartridge, 288 ft/sec with the Winchester M855 cartridge and 217 ft/sec with the Back Hills 223 68-grain match cartridge.”
How the Test Was Done
The testers described their procedure as follows: “Ballistic data was gathered using a Magnetospeed barrel-mounted ballistic chronograph. At each barrel length, the rifle was fired from a front rest with rear bags, with five rounds of each type of ammunition. Average velocity and standard deviation were logged for each round. Once data was gathered for each cartridge at a given barrel length, the rifle was cleared and the bolt was removed. The barrel was cut off using a cold saw. The test protocol was repeated for the next length. Temperature was 45.7° F.”
See More Barrel Cut-Down Tests on Rifleshooter.com
Rifleshooter.com has performed barrel cut-down tests for many other calibers/chamberings including 6mm Creedmoor, .308 Winchester, and .338 Lapua Magnum. See these test results at Rifleshooter.com.
Applied Ballistics Founder Bryan Litz and Former USAMU and Team USA coach Emil Praslick III share their wisdom in an informative Guns Magazine Podcast. Along with being a true ballistics guru, Bryan Litz is an outstanding competitive shooter, having won F-TR National Championships, and both Sling and F-TR divisions at the Berger SW Nationals, along with many other matches. Emil is considered one of the world’s great wind-readers and team coaches, having coached 20+ championship teams.
Guns Magazine podcast host Brent Wheat asks Bryan and Emil about multiple topics including: exterior ballistics, bullet design, wind reading, ballistic solvers, BC myths, and more.
Brent reports: “Together, Bryan and Emil understand what happens from the time a bullet leaves the muzzle until it impacts the target, including the atmospheric affects along the way. Grab a pencil, listen in, and get ready to take notes.”
This Long Range Grad School podcast features Berger’s Chief Ballistician, Bryan Litz, and Berger’s Emil Praslick. Both have extensive long range competitive shooting experience, with championship titles (as shooter and/or coach) in a multitude of long range disciplines. CLICK arrow below to start podcast audio:
Emil Praslick (left) confers with Bryan Litz (right) at King of 2 Miles ELR Event.
In this Video Emil Praslick explains his methods for determining wind direction.
Bryan Litz coaching Team USA in Canada using a WIND PLOT.
The Cartridge Comparison Guide is a remarkably comprehensive 340-page, spiral-bound book. Covering over 250 cartridges, the Second Edition of the Cartridge Comparison Guide is the product of many years of labor by Andrew Chamberlain, a Utah-based hunter. Andrew says his Guide “compares every factory available cartridge from the 17 calibers up to the 50 caliber cartridges”. (Sorry, most wildcat cartridges are not covered.) Chamberlain’s Guide also compiles cartridge data from major ammunition manufacturers such as Barnes, Federal, Hornady, Norma, Nosler, Remington, Sierra, Swift, Weatherby, and Winchester. It shows the optimal velocity achieved for each bullet weight and calculates bullet energy, recoil, and powder efficiency. Large color photos illustrate handgun and rifle cartridges.
