Rifle FAQs

Because the .221 Fireball doesn’t actually use .221” diameter bullets. The “221” in the cartridge title is merely a name,…

No, not exactly. While they may not be much different, they are different enough that you should reduce your load…

Pure accuracy without regard for energy and trajectory is not viable in the game fields. Our hunting loads are a…

These are loads that have a proven history of working well in many rifles. They generally provide a high level…

Many factors influence the velocity of a given barrel. Normally you can expect a gain or loss of 30 to…

Two factors limit OAL–magazine length and throat length. The heaviest spitzer bullet OAL as shown in your manual for your…

A longer, heavier bullet in any diameter needs a faster twist to be properly stabilized. Most factory .22-250s are intended…

The problem here is not one of chamber pressure, but of port pressure. Port pressure is the amount of pressure…

No, it’s not recommended. The MatchKing bullets are designed for pinpoint accuracy; with no consideration given to what might happen…

It depends. If we’re talking about the differences between a Spitzer and a Spitzer Boat Tail, ballistic coefficient can be…

Military cases such as the .308 Winchester (7.62mm NATO) and .30-06 military brass have thicker case walls, and therefore less…

There are a number of extremely slow-burning powders that will create this same situation. In the case of these bulky…

In general, most rifles that are properly bedded shoot best when the barrel is free-floated. It is important to understand…

For reasons of safety. Think about the sharply pointed Spitzer nose of one cartridge in a tubular magazine, resting in…

On most improved cartridges, you can start with a mid-range load of the parent cartridge (in this case a 30-06)…

Yes, you usually get better accuracy when you barely touch the rifling, but not always. Loads touching the rifling will…

This is an occurrence that usually happens when a near maximum load is worked up during cool weather, but when…

A set of dies are generally one of three different types– full length, small base or neck sizing dies. Neck…

Absolutely not. Our hollow points vary in their jacket thickness, antimony content, distance the lead is away from the mouth,…

Such a situation calls for either lower velocities, less frangible bullets or both. This may be as simple as changing…

Maybe, but perhaps not. Loads that are shown to be below “maximum” in our test rifles may prove to be…

Boat tails have a higher ballistic coefficient than flat base designs. This translates to more retained velocity and less wind…

Outside neck turning is done to match case necks to the tight tolerance of chambers with tight necks. Reaming the…

Not unless you are working at maximum loads for your rifle. Even coarse grain stick powders can be thrown close…

Temperature affects the burning rate of powder. This load was apparently near maximum for this rifle at the colder temperatures.…