How important is metplat trimming / bullet tipping

[paulnyc]

I was looking at purchasing the Hoover metplat trimmer and bullet tipping die. I am not a competitive shooter but always looking to do better. I am shooting 22-250, 6.5 x 47 lapua and .338 lapua magnum. Should I "buy and cry" or is it not worth the trouble?

thanks!

Paul

 

[ChadTRG42]

Re: How important is metplat trimming / bullet tipping

It depends on your thoughts on what amount of cost you want to pay to get slightly better performace. I don't trim any meplats, but I do point my 6.5mm bullets for my 260 Rem. I have gained about 6" less drop and 4" less wind drift at 1000 yards (about a 3.1% increase in BC) compared to standard VLD's that have not been pointed. My groups have also gotten smaller with the pointed bullets. When you point the bullets, it takes the hollow point and closes it up. It takes any differences from bullet to bullet at the hollow point and uniforms the tip. But, the bullet pointing die is not cheap. You'll need to decide how much you shoot, how much you're wanting this added improvement, and how much you want to pay to get there. Also, once you point them, they would not be good for anything but target shooting. They would not make a good hunting bullet.
If you trim the meplat, you will reduce the BC. IMO, if you plan to point the bullets, don't worry about trimming them, just point them.

 

[paulnyc]

Re: How important is metplat trimming / bullet tipping

any preference for the Hoover pointing tool over the Whidden?

 

[ChadTRG42]

Re: How important is metplat trimming / bullet tipping

I've never used the Hoover, and do not know anything about it. But the Whidden die works fine.

 

[ChadTRG42]

Re: How important is metplat trimming / bullet tipping

Looking at the Hoover system, it works the same way as the Whidden dies. So, either would be ok.

 

[James in Wyoming]

Re: How important is metplat trimming / bullet tipping

I'm in complete agreement. Use the whidden die for various 6, 6.5, and 7mm bullets, no trimming just pointing, and find John Whiddens comments that pointing will add .015-.025 to your bc to be pretty much right on. Definitely more rounded groups, less vertical, wind and elevation. For F-class and some competitions, absolutely worth it for me as I can see the difference in scores. Unless you are shooting Expert or Master level scores consistently in F-class already and are producing truly match grade ammunition, there are probably better things for you to spend your time on, however.
Best,
James

 

[vman]

Re: How important is metplat trimming / bullet tipping

I guess its another variable to look into, or thats how I see it anyway.

If you shoot consistently enough that you will notice a difference between standard projectiles and modified projectiles, then it might just be of some use to you.

The day that I start punching 1000 yards for some serious scores, I will invest into the equipment.

And when that day comes I intend on both trimming and then pointing.

Check out this article written by Bryan Litz. He compares 3 top palma projectiles and explains the differences whilst also delving into trimming/pointing.

http://www.scribd.com/doc/28259179/Palma...08-155gr-Scenar

 

[ChadTRG42]

Re: How important is metplat trimming / bullet tipping

The only thing that stinks about pointing the bullets is the increase in COAL. I am running mine at max mag length in my AI mags, and pointing thebulolets are causing the tips to drag and bind on the front plate. I am going to have to drill out the front plate to get the extra mag length. Then I'll be GTG.

 

[clmayfield]

Re: How important is metplat trimming / bullet tipping

Maybe you can follow up with a quick trim?

 

[k2peaker]

Re: How important is metplat trimming / bullet tipping

Great tip, guys. Much appreciated (with no pun intended).

 

[vman]

Re: How important is metplat trimming / bullet tipping

Chad, Im on the verge of performing home surgery on my feed ramp as well... I dont know what Remington were thinking when they set up these chambers!

 

[ChadTRG42]

Re: How important is metplat trimming / bullet tipping

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: vman</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Chad, Im on the verge of performing home surgery on my feed ramp as well... I dont know what Remington were thinking when they set up these chambers! </div></div>
I hear you. When I started chasing my throat and seating the bullets out further, I ran into feeding problems with the feed lip on my Surgeon. The bullet tip would feed under the lip and cause it to lock up. With recommendations from fellow shooters and my gunsmith, they said to take a Dremel tool and open it up and angle the feed lip. I could not believe I took a Dremel tool to a Surgeon! But it works great and functions without a hitch so far. If you do it right, it will function and feed much better.

 

[vman]

Re: How important is metplat trimming / bullet tipping

Well i dont have a surgeon, just a remington 700P action

Im willing to give it a go myself... will wait until im ready to cerakote it all before I do.

I would not hit a surgeon with a dremel myself!

 

[ShooterX81]

Re: How important is metplat trimming / bullet tipping

Chad, Im on the verge of performing home surgery on my feed ramp as well... I dont know what Remington were thinking when they set up these chambers!

Unfortunately Remington doesn’t seem to really think at all these days. Quality, just like most everything these days, is rather poor. I won’t ever buy ROC products. I got stuck with a sticky DPMS barrel. After numerous attempts to have the insanely deep tooling marks removed in my chamber I gave up and dabbled with honing it myself. Bought a series of hone brushes and was able to salvage this barrel. In the future I will stick with good ol Savage products. They seem to be, in my opinion, overall excellent QC with their products and customer service is pretty good. #changemymind

 

[Steel head]