275 gn Comparison - Traditions and Parker

[Harley]

In order to save $.15/bullet, I ordered the Traditions APB100 as a substitute for the excellent Parker BE, and compared a random 15 of them on the variables of diameter and weight. Just as I wouldn't want to mix "lots" of powder, I wondered if these two bullets could be freely substituted in a given load without changing external ballistics.

Diameter: On measures of central tendency (mean, median and mode), both bullets = .4507", with a total diameter range of .4502"-.4509" over all 30 bullets, or .0006" within bullet brand.

Weight: The APB100 was consistent within 1.0 gns; the Parker BE within 1.5 gns. On measures of central tendency, the APB100 = 275.85 gns, the Parker BE = 275.6 gns, with a total weight range of 275.0 gns - 276.5 gns over all 30 bullets.

Conclusions:

1. With a diameter range of .0007" overall, is there a caution in using these bullets sabotless, unsized and unknurled in barrels nominally sized for them? I don't know. This is not a consideration if the bullets are sized and knurled.

2. With a weight range of 1.5 gns overall, there should be no meaningful POI changes by freely mixing the bullets. (Smaller diameter, lighter bullets should be held to closer weights for competitive shooting.)

So, the results are pretty much what they should be, given that Parker manufactures both bullets. Other than the tip color (black for the Parker and yellow for the Traditions) the bullets should be interchangeable with no observed effects.

Of course, this little nominal measuring exercise is not a substitute for shooting actual comparison groups.

Harley

[rangeball]

Good to know, especially since the traditions are usually stocked around here.

Thanks for posting this Harley

[younghunter86]

Harley-

Thanks for taking the time to do this. I called and it will be another 2 weeks for my barrel. However because the sizing die is 8 months out, it is a mute point. Looks like I'll start stocking up on whichever one I can get for the best deal. Where did you get the Traditions version?

[sr71]

Harley,

This is some great info. Thanks for taking the time to do these comparisons. I'm going to get some of these and give'm a whirl.

v/r

SR

[Harley]

The Traditions were recently available at both www.midsouthshooterssupply.com and www.midwayusa.com.

Harley