Companies claiming higher velocities etc

[Brian B.]

I'm getting more discouraged the more i read, on the occasional google search i was reading of companies exaggerating FPS&FT.LB ratings, now i peruse this forum and i see multiple claims that even the reputable companies are doing it.

How does a guy choose his ammo if companies are exaggerating figures?

I mean some of the companies specifically list Glock 20 velocities, and some of you state those numbers are bogus to boot!

[Intercooler]

  That's why we test and do the pull-downs. It's all right here to peruse:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1gex6ItGeWQunVZR9B14mseacyEGoreRRrBEXZavfciM/edit#gid=13

[DM1906]

There are very few "frauds" out there, but most are only old data using newer loads or components that don't meet the old standard (Double Tap is one example). For the most part, manufacturers claims are very accurate. Ultimately, the problem is, you are not shooting with their test equipment. If a manufacturer states a specific round will perform in a specific weapon, it usually will. Barrel lengths, chamber dimensions and action timing vary from mfg to mfg, and so will the performance results. None of this takes into account weather and atmospheric conditions.

[sqlbullet]

1.  Velocity matters far less than accuracy and terminal performance.

2.  Raggedyman does lots of testing of terminal performance to save you time.  Check that out.

3.  You control accuracy.  Run drills, not just plinking.  Get involved with local clubs and shoot matches.  They do an OK job of simulating stress.  As a baseline pick a drill and test yourself on it regularly.  I suggest El Presidente, but as long as it includes multiple shots on multiple targets and a reload, it will do.

4.  Ultimately if you wanna know for certain what you are shooting, get a chronograph and test. Hat's off to Intercooler and Shadow for the work they do.  But that still doesn't tell you what the lot of ammo you bought does in your gun.

5.  Reload.

[radiotom]

There are very few "frauds" out there, but most are only old data using newer loads or components that don't meet the old standard (Double Tap is one example). For the most part, manufacturers claims are very accurate. Ultimately, the problem is, you are not shooting with their test equipment. If a manufacturer states a specific round will perform in a specific weapon, it usually will. Barrel lengths, chamber dimensions and action timing vary from mfg to mfg, and so will the performance results. None of this takes into account weather and atmospheric conditions.

It seems like manufacturers always use the longest barrel possible and barely anybody runs a setup like that.

[DM1906]

There are very few "frauds" out there, but most are only old data using newer loads or components that don't meet the old standard (Double Tap is one example). For the most part, manufacturers claims are very accurate. Ultimately, the problem is, you are not shooting with their test equipment. If a manufacturer states a specific round will perform in a specific weapon, it usually will. Barrel lengths, chamber dimensions and action timing vary from mfg to mfg, and so will the performance results. None of this takes into account weather and atmospheric conditions.

It seems like manufacturers always use the longest barrel possible and barely anybody runs a setup like that.

I don't think they do, at least intentionally, always. Big name manufacturer's testing is in a lab, and the cartridges are most often certified at the same time during the same session. So, if the platform proof barrel is X length, so is the certification. Boutique manufacturers, on the other hand, generally test in actual firearms (and rarely ever proof the pressure for every cartridge - it's very expensive). If that firearm happens to be one you shoot (or similar to it), then you have an actual comparison. If you don't, then it's wrong, and they are a (perceived) fraud. I take no issue with a manufacturer putting their best foot forward, but some may do so with extravagance. I don't know anyone shooting .38SPL through a 14" barrel, and publishing 2" barrel 10mm Auto is, well, ridiculous and not useful under any real situation. If you want/need to know velocities for oddballs, test your own. Many major manufactures market defense cartridges optimized for short-barrel defense weapons. If you want more than that, make them yourself, or settle for what's available.

[Dave84]

Underwood usually meets or exceeds what they put on paper. Also, look at some of the recent Double Tap tests, they seem to be loading a lot better lately.

[Brian B.]

Im leaning heavily towards Double-Tap 125 Gr Barnes Tac-XP, seems like it does about everything really well. (If i can find any)

[cwall64]

Also, I have noticed a difference in velocities between my stock Glock barrel and my KKM standard length barrel.  So, lots of variables...

[Dave84]

Im leaning heavily towards Double-Tap 125 Gr Barnes Tac-XP, seems like it does about everything really well. (If i can find any)

That is a great load.

[wadcutter]

1.  Velocity matters far less than accuracy and terminal performance.

Driving bullets faster than they were meant to be driven is a bad idea. Accuracy terminal performance and recovery time all take a hit.