Well I suppose either one of them has the potetnial to shoot small groups. I can certainly tell you which one would be most affected by the wind and which would be least affected. Which one would be better for long range targets, which would make a bigger hole in somthing, which would be better for varmints, etc. etc. etc.
I suppose a lot has to do with the quality of your barrel, trigger, stock, brass components etc. etc. etc.
lets see, I suppose I am like most shooters, I don't shoot much paper targets beyond 300 yrds, yet. Most of my range tests are simply to prove the accuracy potential for my bullets at 100yrds. But I do enjoy shooting at longer range. Shooting pop cans and varmints is certainly fun a long range. I have been able to beet 1MOA at 300 with my 22 cal bullets and previous 180 grain Nosler bullets before I made my own. At the time 2.75" at 300 was about the best I had done with the noslers. I would have to find the target of the 22 cals at 300yrds and I did have some good luck at 500 with reswaged 22 cal commercial bullets.
Well I got a very good group at 300 yrds this weekend sighting in for deer season that measured 1.65" center to center for a three shot group at 300 yrds. That is darn close to .5 MOA for that distance.
I am begining to believe (even more so now) that the barrel as well as the brass prep will have a lot to do with potetnial accuracy. I know it is a combination of everything to find the "magic" that equals small groups and accuracy is not always the result of any one component. A good barrel may make a lesser bullet shoot better and visa versa. Here is what I was using....
18" Lothar Walther barrel
Savage Short action in cheap plastic Savage stock
after market trigger set for low pull weight
$100 Nitrex 3-9x40 scope with balistic plex
LC 1960s era brass that was properly annealed, trimed, neck reamed and primer pocket uniformed. Basicly match preped.
CCI 200 primers
RL-7 powder
I have shot great groups from many different barrels now including Lothar Walther, Pac-Nor, Savage, old HS Presision. I have a Shilen and Criterion on order and a McGrowen in the safe I haven't shot yet. But when it comes to great groups on paper there are many beliefs out there and potential for a lot of cost involved.
Here is what I was able to group into 1.65" at 300yrds.......
As you can see the elevation was perfect. Must have been a slight wind. These big bullets do drift a LOT in the wind.
Subtract the bullet diameter (.400) from the 2.05" "outside to outside" group and you get 1.65"
Here is the best 100 yrd group of the day. I should be able to get that third bullet to hit the same hole soon
Accuracy doesn't have to cost alot as you all can see. You can bet I will be shooting this bullet combination a LOT from my 40-308
Good shooting and Swage On!
BT