"Inherently More Accurate" Cartridges

Originally Posted By: 2muchgunIf you look at a 222 Rem case, it looks a whole lot like a scaled down 30-06 case.

Wow. I am so beat down tired, I could write a lot on this subject, but want to go to bed more. Forgive me if this sounds like I'm rambling, because I am.

In a nutshell, yes case design plays a part. So does the platform in which the bullet is launched. So does bullet/load combination. So does recoil. So does the shooter. Get them all right, or darn near, and you have what people will deem an inherently accurate cartridge. At least in the minds of the public.

It is quite possible to get extreme accuracy from "lesser" case designs, given the other factors are up to snuff.

IMO, most of the cartridges deemed "inherently accurate" are ones in which the factory actually got it right in terms of these factors. In other words, they loaded the right rounds in the right gun, with the right twist, and enough people were able to shoot it well. The 222 being toward the bottom end, and the 35 Colonel being toward the upper, in terms of size. Both are very accurate cartridges in the minds of the general shooting public, and with good reason. They do not require handloading or custom rifles to obtain their status' as such.

The 375 H&H is a [beeep] fine shooting cartridge, but you won't hear too much about it from the masses, and is therefore not in the the discussion of "inherently accurate cartridges" too often.

There are other cartridges out there that may be just as accurate, but if the factory never got it right, you won't hear it from the masses, even though the experienced handloader may know otherwise.

In other words, "inherent accurcy" is a subjective term, IMO. Lots of people will tell you a 222 is inherently accurate. Even though they've never spent any time behind one. The factory got it right, it was chambered in capable rifle designs, lots of people can shoot it well, therefore, it MUST be a great case design.

I suppose you could call anything on the 308 case "inherently accurate". They all shoot. I'm sure that the fact that they do so with a wide range of powder/bullet combinations only contributes more to their "inherently accurate" status. BUT you must remember, the research has been done, the platforms have been good, they have little recoil, and they are available/used by the masses.

Some cartridges seem to produce a bit better accuracy by changing shoulder angles also. 30° being a popular spec/dimension. Other cartidges have been developed on how consistent they are in terms of extreme spread and standard deviation. Funny part is, unless you are a part of the precision shooting community, you will hear less about these cartridges than the ones the general shooting public have experience with, or have at least heard about.

Is case design a factor of accuracy? Absolutely. But I think it is given too much credit. Many other factors play significant roles. How many of them are "inherent" is debatable.........

JMO........
I'm no genius, and far from a firearms expert, but the information shared by 2mg is understandable and makes sense. I've got books that date back 30 or 40 years that state the 222 is an "inherently accurate" cartridge. Perhps its just a term used, but I like 2mg's view of the matter.

Carry on.
 
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I always thought it was a little funny that the 6PPC and 7.62x39 were so closely related ( on the same case ) but so far apart in accuracy potential. Just sayin.
 
The so called inherently accurate cartridge is way over rated in the hunting field. Benchrest competition is a different matter where a .001 of an inch can be the difference between the winner and the loser. The 6PPC and it's variants
has it's limitations in the world of sport hunting. I would not trade a sub moa 220 swift or 270 for one.
 
Originally Posted By: justin10mmI always thought it was a little funny that the 6PPC and 7.62x39 were so closely related ( on the same case ) but so far apart in accuracy potential. Just sayin.

Not calling you a liar but I'm here to tell you it's not the truth. In well built firearms the 7.62x39 with the 308 bore not the .311 (Ak's and variants) will out shoot most 6PPC's, but again there is more time consumed fitting the load than the 6PPC or smaller variants of the PPC. Jackie Schmidt for those who know him shot against some of the best with one and blew them out of the water. Adam
 
Originally Posted By: jbelowThe so called inherently accurate cartridge is way over rated in the hunting field. Benchrest competition is a different matter where a .001 of an inch can be the difference between the winner and the loser. The 6PPC and it's variants
has it's limitations in the world of sport hunting. I would not trade a sub moa 220 swift or 270 for one.

You obviously havn't ever had a 222, 6ppc/6br or 308 in the field much. Even the dinky (most proceived "benchrest" case) ppc is a VERY viable varmint cartridge & even capable of taking deer. I'm not saying one needs to be able to shoot in the .1's to kill a coyote, but if I were shooting prarie dogs... I'd kill MANY more with a great shooting ppc than I would with a OK shooting swift. After 250 yards, 3" wide pd's become awefull hard to hit ( consistantly ) with a gun shooting 1" groups @ 100 yards
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A few years ago I would have said; no-way case design causes accuracy.... Well, not saying it causes it, but absolutly has something to do with it. I believe it has more to do with having optimal powder/bore ratio than anything. Ask some of the smiths; I've heard "you can't screw up a 6BR" more times than I've spit.

Other rifles can be made to shoot. Things just "click" around some case designs
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Yes, but, it clicks because it was designed to click, and has been given every chance to click, on every level. The research and development has been done. The quality platforms have been constructed. It has never been used in anything but precision type rifles. Something many other cases designs have not had the "pleasure of". Like I said earlier, it's NOT just case design. The 6BR being a perfect example. It has EVERYTHING under the sun, that I mentioned earlier, going for it. Everything.

Don't get me wrong, it is a superior case design. But, chamber it ONLY in the same rifles that which the 7.62X39 is chambered, or limit it's development, and it would hardly garner the same reputation. And like I said earlier, experienced handloaders would still "know better"......
 
The componets of a cartridge also have a factor in its accuracy potential. Look at most custom bullet makers and you will see plenty of .22 and 6mm bullets as well as others but try to find the same selection in 8mm or .257 sure there will be a few, but no where near the same selection. Also is Lapua or Norma Brass available for the cartridge, most experienced reloaders who have experience with lapua or norma brass will tell you that it is a definate advantage. Although I havent messed with a triple deuce in years the last one I had was a tight neck heavy barrel benchrest that was extremely accurate that long neck of the .222 is something that I always liked especially when turning necks. My current 100 yard bench gun consist of a 6 B.R Improved with a .265 neck, is it more accurate than anything else, Maybe not but it sure was easy to develop a load for.

Sorry for the ramblings sometimes I think and Type outloud.

Bottom line is in my humble opinion there are cartridges that are easier to get to shoot well consistently than others. But I have yet to see a coyote that could tell the difference..........
 
I got what you are saying & I agree. Some cases carry a stigma just because the rifle it gets put in most. The 7.63x39 is definitely one of them. In a well built bolt (with good ammo), a 7.63x39 will HAMMER.

Being shooter friendly is important also. However, there are many cases that have fell to the waste that don't beat you up. The .219 Wasp & Zipper, .218 Bee, .22 Hi-Power, .225 Win, 6mm Lee Navy, 25Rem are some off the top of my head. Yes most of those are designed for leaver guns, yet somehow the 22 hornet, 220Swift & 30/30 & 300 savage survives.

Yes some cartridges get a more fair shake & carry a better genre in the mind of the majority. However, some really just shoot better than others. I know rimfires are another animal but why is it there or more "accurate" 17HMR's than there are "accurate" 22Mags. Most are made on identical platforms today. If you got ten 17's & ten 22Mags identical, how many 22 mags will be in the top 5 best shooters (this may be a surprise to some but they won't all shoot the same).

I've been around many custom built rifles. Most with top notch equipment. I have seen some bigger chamberings that shot really good. I've seen some medium sized cartridges that just done OK. I've NEVER seen a 6BR (or 223 for that matter) that wouldn't just purely hammer. In particular I can think of a 300 Win mag that would shoot circles around a very similar built 25/06 so it's not just shooter comfort. The 30BR is ruling some short-range stuff right now & it knocks the chit out of you compared to a 22ppc (not that the ppc isn't great).

Don't kid yourself. If one of them old lever gun rounds (or other) had an accuracy advantage (shooting faster, flatter with just as much accuracy is an advantage) someone on the line would be shooting it. In BR if it's been thought it's been tried. There is a reason (other than barrel life) no 220 swifts, 250's, 30/30's or other are on the BR line... Some case designs are more accurate than others (at least that's my take).
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Originally Posted By: coleridgeOriginally Posted By: jbelowThe so called inherently accurate cartridge is way over rated in the hunting field. Benchrest competition is a different matter where a .001 of an inch can be the difference between the winner and the loser. The 6PPC and it's variants
has it's limitations in the world of sport hunting. I would not trade a sub moa 220 swift or 270 for one.

You obviously havn't ever had a 222, 6ppc/6br or 308 in the field much. Even the dinky (most proceived "benchrest" case) ppc is a VERY viable varmint cartridge & even capable of taking deer. I'm not saying one needs to be able to shoot in the .1's to kill a coyote, but if I were shooting prarie dogs... I'd kill MANY more with a great shooting ppc than I would with a OK shooting swift. After 250 yards, 3" wide pd's become awefull hard to hit ( consistantly ) with a gun shooting 1" groups @ 100 yards
wink.gif


A few years ago I would have said; no-way case design causes accuracy.... Well, not saying it causes it, but absolutly has something to do with it. I believe it has more to do with having optimal powder/bore ratio than anything. Ask some of the smiths; I've heard "you can't screw up a 6BR" more times than I've spit.

Other rifles can be made to shoot. Things just "click" around some case designs
tongue_smilie.gif

I have not owned a 222, 6PPC, and 6BR . I do own a 308 , a M1A but that platform will not get the most accuracy out of a 308. I have competed in Benchrest and High Power matches a few times and I must say I'm no world beater. I have served as a big bore officer of my area gun club a few years. Ran monthly benchrest matches or scored targets. Our club was open to the public on weekends. Helped many shooters sight in their hunting rifles of all types. I have seen poorly accurate 222s , 6PPCs, 6BRs , and 308s. It had to do with the rifles not the cartridge.
I have seen rifles that should not be straight shooters shoot straight and rifles that should be tack drivers shoot poorly. I have seen out of the box hunting rifles out shoot custom varmit rifles. It is amazing what you will see if you hang out at gun range long enough. Do not believe every thing you read in the gun rags or internet. Spent time behind a rifle butt at you local rang and go participate and observe some rifle matches in your area.
There is a reason you will not find many 6PPC and 6BR ammo at Wal-Mart or deer and varmit hunters in the field hunting with rifles chambered in those cartridges, just as you will not see a 270 Win. at a benchrest match.
 
Originally Posted By: ab_bentleyOriginally Posted By: justin10mmI always thought it was a little funny that the 6PPC and 7.62x39 were so closely related ( on the same case ) but so far apart in accuracy potential. Just sayin.

Not calling you a liar but I'm here to tell you it's not the truth. In well built firearms the 7.62x39 with the 308 bore not the .311 (Ak's and variants) will out shoot most 6PPC's, but again there is more time consumed fitting the load than the 6PPC or smaller variants of the PPC. Jackie Schmidt for those who know him shot against some of the best with one and blew them out of the water. Adam

Adam, I am curious as to whether you know Jackie?

For anyone who doesn't know anything about what he has done, Jackie has shot a 5X5X100 0.1118" Aggregate with a 30 BR. He did it in a typical West Texas breeze out in Midland at a NBRSA event. Not only did he do it in a normal 15-20 MPH West Texas wind, he did it with 30 BR brass that had been fired 30 times. He also shot the entire 5 target Aggregate without cleaning his barrel.

His actual measured group sizes for his five-target Aggregate were: .153, .093, .120, .100, and .093. This means that he averaged 0.1118 for 25 shots on FIVE targets. Pretty fair shooting to put it mildly.
 
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His actual measured group sizes for his five-target Aggregate were: .153, .093, .120, .100, and .093. This means that he averaged 0.1118 for 25 shots on FIVE targets. Pretty fair shooting to put it mildly.

Big deal. Plenty of guys can do that. No need to measure any stinkin groups. Call em bug holes and be done with it. All day long (just because).
 
LOL! Your'e right. What am I thinking? The search feature alone will immediately show a new guy that this is "Sharpshooter Central".
 
My guess is he was probably in neutral and coasting knowing that he was shooting an inherently accurate cartridge in an obviously inherently accurate rifle.

What could go wrong?
 
Originally Posted By: ninehorsesHow about the 22PPC and 6mmPPC. These rounds were designed to be ultra accurate. Their not fast, they just win benchrest matches. The reason they do it is in their design, not magic. the 6mmbr too. however from the stardard cartrides the .222; 308 and 300win mag are very easy to find a good load for. barrel quality is important.
 
Originally Posted By: Winny Fan[Adam, I am curious as to whether you know Jackie?

I met him at a Super Shoot a few years back. I live in the vicinity of Kelbly's and was there "googling" the candy and met a few more people too. Adam
 
remington used to keep records when they test fired their rifles in a machine at the plant and over quite a long period of time they compared the 22-250 to the 220swift and the swift out shot the 250.the the answer is yes some calibers are more accurate.i read this in an article written by some gun guy like rick jameson or someone
 
Case design is over rated, as far as accuracy is concerned. It is merely part of the equation.

The 7.62x39 was a good example. One of many.

Take the 22 Hornet case. Somebody tell me what the heck it does, or how the heck it is any better than other popular case designs that are considered "inherently accurate". It is well known to be finicky and less than "match grade" even in the finest of rifles that are fed the finest of components.

Let's face it, it is a pretty homely, old fashioned case design. Unimpressive in just about every way. Not hardly designed for BR competiion.

However, I have seen a number of Anshutz rifles that will literally shoot Hornet rounds into tiny little groups. Yes, all day long
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And a CZ also. Surely case design is NOT the reason why. Somebody got the rest of the equation right.........

 
Yes, its all part of an equation. Kinda like putting a chitty trigger in a really nice custom build. Sure the rifle will can be shot to the same potential but it may be much harder especially in certain circumstance.

Of course you could build a nice rifle with a great trigger and put a factory tube on it. Im sure some would still shoot very good but one may have to do a bit of woork to get all its potential.

Or you could " write" an equation with the best of everything & pick case designs with "greatest value" & things will be easy from the start.

Yes I believe you can build a custom in nearly any chambering & get it to shoot very well (with some work & tweeking). However, if built on certain cases you may get that rifle to shoot really GREAT.
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"Inherent accurate" may very well be misused in many situations. However, if wasn't proof that some rounds weren't more accurate than others. There would be more diverse list in shortrange benchrest. Instead there is only about 2 different cases on the line (for the most part)
 
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