In
cooperation with ballistician Bryan Litz, Whidden Gunworks is proud
to announce more options for our popular Bullet Pointing Die
System! We have worked with Bryan to optimize the angles in our die
inserts to provide the best match possible for many different
bullets commonly used in match shooting. In addition to the
original die insert, we now have two additional die inserts that
allow you to maximize the performance increase for any given
bullet. The best part is that these new die inserts can be added to
your existing Bullet Pointing Die System.
The purpose of these new die inserts is to smooth the transition between the bullet’s ogive and the newly formed bullet tip. By smoothing this transition we are able to maximize the BC gain.
Selecting the Die Insert
To determine the ideal die insert for a given bullet, we have created a reference chart. Our die inserts are numbered #0 for the original die, #1 and #2. They can be identified by the number of grooves turned into the side of the die insert.
Here’s the general run down-the original die insert is still the best choice for a wide range of bullets. The #1 die insert will be better suited for bullets with extra long and pointy ogives (noses). The #2 inset will be better suited for bullets with shorter, blunter ogives (noses). Be sure to use the reference chart to confirm which die insert is best suited to your particular bullet.
BC Gain
How much BC is to be gained by optimizing the die insert? Frankly we can’t give an answer for each and every specific bullet because there are just too many bullets to test. Pointing bullets with any of the die inserts will still result in a BC gain over bullets right from the box, but choosing the optimal die insert will guarantee that you achieve the maximum amount of BC increase that’s possible with pointing.
Here’s what Bryan Litz has to say based on his measurements and calculations:
“I predict that bullets like the Sierra .308 155 grain Palma #2155 which have steep tip angles that can be pointed with the #2 die insert will gain a reduction in drag, but probably only about 2% (it achieves .9% with the current #0 die insert). Also, bullets with shallow tip angles like the small to mid caliber long VLD’s will be able to gain more of a drag reduction with the shallower #1 die insert. Drag reduction of 6% to 8% may be possible for bullets that are currently getting 4% to 5% with the #0 die insert.”
Testing is ongoing at this time and we will have more info to add down the road.
The purpose of these new die inserts is to smooth the transition between the bullet’s ogive and the newly formed bullet tip. By smoothing this transition we are able to maximize the BC gain.
Selecting the Die Insert
To determine the ideal die insert for a given bullet, we have created a reference chart. Our die inserts are numbered #0 for the original die, #1 and #2. They can be identified by the number of grooves turned into the side of the die insert.
Here’s the general run down-the original die insert is still the best choice for a wide range of bullets. The #1 die insert will be better suited for bullets with extra long and pointy ogives (noses). The #2 inset will be better suited for bullets with shorter, blunter ogives (noses). Be sure to use the reference chart to confirm which die insert is best suited to your particular bullet.
BC Gain
How much BC is to be gained by optimizing the die insert? Frankly we can’t give an answer for each and every specific bullet because there are just too many bullets to test. Pointing bullets with any of the die inserts will still result in a BC gain over bullets right from the box, but choosing the optimal die insert will guarantee that you achieve the maximum amount of BC increase that’s possible with pointing.
Here’s what Bryan Litz has to say based on his measurements and calculations:
“I predict that bullets like the Sierra .308 155 grain Palma #2155 which have steep tip angles that can be pointed with the #2 die insert will gain a reduction in drag, but probably only about 2% (it achieves .9% with the current #0 die insert). Also, bullets with shallow tip angles like the small to mid caliber long VLD’s will be able to gain more of a drag reduction with the shallower #1 die insert. Drag reduction of 6% to 8% may be possible for bullets that are currently getting 4% to 5% with the #0 die insert.”
Testing is ongoing at this time and we will have more info to add down the road.
