Theory

[normanlclark]

Not real sure where to post this, but here goes.

To start with, I'm no expert. I shoot for fun, just try to get more accuracy with different loads. In my model 14 .38 spcl. I find for me 4.3 gr. of Unique in front of 158 Gr. FNWC is about the best I can do. I get consistent small groups with this recipe. So after using this load for a few years, last week I got to thinking (somewhat dangerous for me) that in theory, perhaps the same cartridge might shoot even tighter groups from my model 27 of same vantage and barrel length, because it is heavier and might have less recoil. Then again, the bullet goes further before hitting the forcing cone, so maybe not. Anyway I'm not good with complicated theories, so I headed for the range. -----Well my excuse for a range, it's an abandoned gravel pit where the Border Patrol guys practice. I shot 4 targets each at 30' with the 14 and 27, using a rest (half unrolled sleeping bag across the hood of my Jeep) ----and so much for theory. Taking an average of the 8 groups, I could not see any measurable difference between the two guns. In theory, should one do better than the other?

 

[wbraswell]

I wouldn't think so. A certain load can shoot the same out of completely different guns, or may shoot completely different out of 2 identical guns. That's just the way it goes. Man made objects can be only so identical. There will always be some difference. There will be diffent number of individual grains of powder, casting differences in each bullet, and so on. Sometimes, you might take a load and find that your snub nose pocket pistol shoots it better than a tuned action, custom barrel, target gun.