Components
of the system
There are 3 major components
of the system: The die body, the tipping insert, and the caliber sleeve.
- The die body is the same regardless of what you're pointing.
- The tipping insert determines the tip angle, and is optimized
for specific bullet geometries. The designs for the tipping inserts
were engineered by Applied Ballistics (Bryan Litz) to maximize drag reduction
for each class of bullet shape. See which insert you will need to point a specific bullet.
- The
caliber sleeve is simply a sleeve that guides and supports the bullet during
the pointing process. Caliber sleeves work for any bullet in a given
caliber.
Many shooters
ask: "Is the benefit of pointing bullets worth it in terms of time and money?" To
address that question, consider the situation depicted in the following image. Consider
a bullet that's deflected 10.5" by a 1.5 mph gust. For a shooter centered up in
the X-ring (conventional prone target), missing that 1.5 mph wind gust results in
the bullet landing just outside the 20" 10-ring for a 9. Now consider a bullet that's
pointed and has a 5% higher BC. In the same 1.5 mph gust, the bullet is now only
deflected 9.5" and still catches a 10. F-class and Benchrest group shooters can
decide how much that 1" difference in wind deflection means to their results. The
above example only addresses the advantage of increasing BC.
What is a bullet pointing die?
A
bullet pointing die is a die used to more sharply point the meplat
(tip) of a bullet. Although it is typically used on Hollow Point match
bullets to significantly close the size of the hole in the meplat, it
can be used on lead tipped hunting bullets for the same purpose. This
process dramatically helps the aerodynamics. Remember that if this hole
can be closed to half of its original diameter, the area of that hole is
only one fourth of its original size.
How much BC will I gain by pointing bullets?
This
depends on several variables, but typically about .035-.040 points for a
6mm 105gr. VLD. Bullets with larger meplats will benefit more than
those with smaller meplats. Smaller diameter bullets will benefit more
than larger bullets. For example, a .224 80 grain bullet shot at 1000
yards from a .223 Remington benefits greatly.
How much higher will my bullets impact at 1000 yards?
About .75 to 1.5 Minutes of Angle is typical for a VLD bullet.
Will pointing bullets replace the need to trim meplats?
Pointing
bullets will often reduce the severity of ragged meplats. This is
simply because we have made the irregularities smaller. Our testing
shows that we do get less elevation on the target by pointing bullets,
so some shooters have replaced trimming the meplat with the pointing
process. For maximum possible consistency of BC, we suggest pointing the
bullet and then trimming it slightly.
Can I damage a bullet by pointing it?
If
the die is improperly adjusted, it will cause a bulge in the bullet
just below the point. We provide sample bullets with the die to show the
right and wrong ways to point. Surprisingly, the testing of bullets
that were not properly pointed has not shown a reduction in accuracy.
What do I need to point bullets?
Besides
our pointing die, you will need any standard reloading press and a
shellholder appropriate for the .308 Winchester. A sizing lubricant such
as Imperial Die Wax is helpful.
Can I point more than one caliber of bullets?
Yes, all you will need is an additional caliber sleeve to do another caliber. The caliber sleeve is easily changed.
Is the die hard to set up?
No, the setup is much like that of a micrometer bullet seating die.
How slow is the pointing process?
You can point bullets at about the same rate as you can size brass cases.
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