The idea behind the Creedmoor(s), and the PRC cartridges is that it streamlines precision in the purchasing/logistics chain. There's match ammo readily available, the SAAMI spec reamer is capable of match-level precision (no crazy Wby or Remington freebore). You don't NEED to call up PTG and order a custom body/neck/shoulder diameter, or change throat/freebore geometry to get good accuracy and brass life. It can easily be incorporated in SAAMI spec fashion into new production rifles that will achieve better accuracy results than a lot of what's previously out there. That makes popularity/availability better.
To a seasoned reloader that's used to forming brass and has a reamer and die set made to match his brass or whatever arrangement, not much difference.
It is an efficient cartridge-- I think it gets the same speed with less powder, and it does get rid of the belt issue. Also, I think you'll see it become more prevalent than the 300 Wby especially, and factory ammo will certainly be cheaper AND match quality. Vs. stuff like the 300 RUM, there is actually powder available to achieve reasonable fill % (lower ES/SD on avg.) and fit it in a magazine with a heavy pointy bullet without a ton of the bearing surface stuffed into the case.
Fact of the matter is we've been working about the same technology over since the late 1800's so it's hard to have a groundbreaking single improvement. Just sharpening the stick little by little.
Within the context you state, your 100% correct. I would offer this though so that no one reads this as a blanket statement.
The 308 Winchester. Been around since the early 1960's so one would think we'd have it figured out. Its been my experience that this is not the case. (pardon the pun)
Winchester brass typically measures .463" across the web. In fact, a lot of the "old cats" in domestic brass manufacturing run to the small side. It's easy to see why,
1. They want their stuff to run in every gun possible. This makes that easy.
2. They are in the business of selling ammunition and brass, not ensuring you get "X" number of reloads before the cases fall apart.
A typical 308 Win reamer made to SAAMI guidelines runs right around .4712" (ish) for the web diameter. With that much room, the brass will swell at the web. "Muffin top" is the term I use.
The premium stuff from Norway and Germany typically runs about .467-.4675 for diameter. It gets pushed around far less.
This is where a tailored chamber can be beneficial. I don't profess to know the brass dimensions of every cartridge out there, but the trend is small for domestic and big for Europe.
Just something to keep in mind for the passionate reloader.
Hope you had a good Christmas Miles. SF.
C.
