Sighting in a rifle with one bullet, hunting with another

EdfromBanff · #1 10-10-2010, 10:10 PM

I'm in my third season of hunting and am still getting used to ballistics. One question: I sighted in my rifle last year using one type of bullet (Fusion 165 grain 30-06) and will be hunting this year using another type (Federal Premium 165 grain 30-06). Should I go and sight in my rifle again with the Federal Premium bullets, i.e. do different bullet makes affect the trajectory of a shot in a significant way?

deanmc · #2 10-10-2010, 10:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EdfromBanff

I'm in my third season of hunting and am still getting used to ballistics. One question: I sighted in my rifle last year using one type of bullet (Fusion 165 grain 30-06) and will be hunting this year using another type (Federal Premium 165 grain 30-06). Should I go and sight in my rifle again with the Federal Premium bullets, i.e. do different bullet makes affect the trajectory of a shot in a significant way?

Absolutely.

KegRiver · #3 10-10-2010, 10:34 PM

Yes.

Resight.

solocam3 · #4 10-10-2010, 10:49 PM

You mean you would not take a couple shots anyhow before you take it out HUNTING? A lot can happen to it since last season. Okay, not a lot but it could get bumped.

roger · #5 10-10-2010, 11:01 PM

depends what your definition is of 'significant'?

IMO, if your using similar grain weights in name brand production ammo it shouldnt make a 'significant' difference on a 12"x12" kill zone on a deer at 100 yards...maybe out at 300-400 it may amplify differences accordingly.
this difference would also be more noticable if you went from 125gr to 220gr

as noted, take it out and confirm your results.it may be as simple as a couple clicks this way or that. record the changes and you should be able to switch back and forth at will.
roger

gunner72 · #6 10-11-2010, 06:40 AM

For sure you should take a few shots when changing your ammo. Even staying with the same weight of bullet and grs of powder but changing the type of bullet (TSX-Nos partition e.i.) will change where it shoots. I've been told it has to do with sectional density, ballistic coefficient and even barrel resignation. I don't really get all that either but I know to check it out any time I change anything. Depends on how fussy you want to be.

EdfromBanff · #7 10-11-2010, 09:01 AM

Thanks to all for the quick responses - much appreciated. I'll head back to the range as advised.

Ed