Substituting projectiles, can i just mimic BTO?

[mtenenhaus]

I have of late had to purchase a different projectile than i generally prefer because of availability issues.

When substituting a projectile, given an identical weight, bc and type, does replicating base to ogive (BTO) dimension generally result in similar performance or would i have to go through extensive load development.

For example, let's say that i normally shoot a Sierra Match King 140 gn projectile and can not find any to purchase....is it reasonable to expect a similar type of Berger 140gn projectile set at the same BTO (and all other factors the same) to shoot rather similarly.

I have a bullet comparator and so can set the bullet seating die to the same BTO.

[TomReloaded]

What's your tolerance for similar performance? Inches at hundreds of yards, or you're looking for bullseyes?

I've had some bullets shoot best pretty much touching the lands, and others that worked better with a significant jump. My .223 savage seemed picky.

On the other hand, my 6.5 grendel bolt gun doesnt seem to care about anything. 123 noslers shoot just like 120gr Sierras, and oal and even charge weight doesnt massively change impact. It's pretty tolerant of everything.

I think there's too many factors to just say yes or no to component swapping expectations.

[LynnJr]

You might need to tweak it but you will be close to start with.

[smoothy8500]

It will probably work well enough with a similar bullet design (SMK=Nosler=Hornady), but may not be optimum. At the very least you will not need "extensive development", having a starting point within a half grain up/down and may only need to tweak seating depth. Bergers may be a different animal depending on VLD's or their secant ogive.

[mtenenhaus]

thank you all....that information helps tremendously

[smoothy8500]

Sure thing, see you at the next MR match.

[ar15barrels]

I have of late had to purchase a different projectile than i generally prefer because of availability issues.

When substituting a projectile, given an identical weight, bc and type, does replicating base to ogive (BTO) dimension generally result in similar performance or would i have to go through extensive load development.

For example, let's say that i normally shoot a Sierra Match King 140 gn projectile and can not find any to purchase....is it reasonable to expect a similar type of Berger 140gn projectile set at the same BTO (and all other factors the same) to shoot rather similarly.

I have a bullet comparator and so can set the bullet seating die to the same BTO.

Different projectiles will like different amounts of jump in the same barrel.