The Secrecy and Versatility of Hollow Points in Long-Range Shooting
When discussing the use of hollow points in long-range shooting, there is a misunderstanding that such ammunition is exclusively used for close-range hunting or competitive shooting. However, it's quite the contrary. Hollow point bullets, including boat-tailed varieties, are surprisingly effective and beneficial for long-range shooting. Specifically, the 30–06 180 grain Sierra boattail, among other similar hollow point variants, has shown to excel in long-distance competitions.
Understanding Hollow Points for Long-Range Use
While hollow points are often referred to as a means for achieving high damage on targets, their primary advantage lies in the balance between their projectile weight and its axial length. This balance contributes significantly to the bullet's stability and performance over long distances.
A hollow point design does indeed enhance gyroscopic stability. Contrary to popular belief, the hollow cavity does not increase drag as it is already filled with air. Instead, the cavity acts like a solid object when met with resistance, similar to preventing spillage when swinging a full glass of water. By redistributing the weight of the projectile, hollow points can maintain a longer ogive, thereby improving the projectile's ballistic coefficient.
Some manufacturers have addressed the geometric weakness associated with hollow points by adding a plastic polymer tip to their bullets. However, the benefits of this approach are often minimal. Therefore, long-range shooting enthusiasts might prefer bullets that are marketed as 'OTM,' which stands for 'Open-Tipped Match.' Bullets from renowned manufacturers like Sierra are classified as OTM, distinguishing them from other hollow points that are less optimized for long-range performance.
Personal Experiences and Optimizing Accuracy for Long-Range Shooting
Over the past three decades, I have extensively tested various reloading combinations on varmint and big game hunting rifles. My empirical observations suggest that boat-tailed hollow point bullets, available from major manufacturers, are generally the most accurate for both close and long ranges. Although I have no empirical data to prove this, it aligns with my extensive experience in the field.
Ultimately, the choice of hollow points in long-range shooting is not absolute. The type and purpose of the shooting will vary based on factors such as military operations, law enforcement competitions, personal hunting, or recreational target shooting. While rifles are the primary platform for long-range shooting, other forms exist, such as target shooting.
Key Elements for Precision Long-Range Shooting
For precision long-range shooting, several critical elements need to be optimized:
Brass: Consistency in brand and weight, proper case trimming, primer selection (including brand, size, and type), and whether the brass is new or previously fired. Primers: Ensuring the correct primers (e.g., large rifle, small rifle, precision, bench rest) and considering variations like Boxer and Berdan primers. Powder: The choice of powder is often the result of extensive research, experimentation, and even collaboration with fellow shooters. Bullets: Selection of bullets is heavily influenced by intended use. Military operations may use fully metal jacket (FMJ) or open tip match (OTM), while hunting often involves hollow point or polymer-tipped bullets. Dangerous game hunting requires specific considerations based on the type of game and the distance involved.The optimal bullet is one with a high ballistic coefficient and superior ballistic performance. Target shooting can utilize any type of bullet, provided it achieves the desired results. Small details that can affect performance include bullet seating depth, ideal freebore size, frequency of cleaning, type of lubricant, and ensuring consistent repetition in the shooting process.
Although handloading is common among die-hard shooters, it's always wise to experiment with different factory loads before settling on a particular combination. The search for the perfect match between the shooting platform and ammunition is a meticulous and rewarding endeavor.
To conclude, while hollow points are not always the chosen ammunition for long-range precision shooting, they are undeniably effective and often provide better balance and accuracy than non-hollow points. Never skimp on the equipment, particularly the scope and mounts, as they play a crucial role in the shooting process.