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The New Rules
The GS Custom concept of drive bands, from which grooved bullets got their origin, is enough of a departure from the norm, that it requires an open mind to fully evaluate all of the aspects. There are several traditional theories that are seriously challenged by the new set of rules that has evolved as a result of the GSC drive band concept. This evolution, since 1993, has proven conclusively that higher speeds and or lower pressures are obtained with HV. Tests done at the Somchem Ballistic Proof Laboratory in March 2000, yielded the following facts.
1. A 40 grain HV bullet was tested in a 223 Remington. At a pressure level of 382 Mpa, which is 48 Mpa below the CIP maximum, a velocity of 3834 fps was achieved. This is 200 fps faster than previously possible with Somchem powder.
2. A 110 grain HV bullet from a 270 Winchester barrel, exceeded previously accepted maximums by more than 100 fps.
3. A comparative test done with identical components, under strict laboratory conditions, with two popular competitive 150 grain 30 caliber bullets versus the GS Custom HV, confirmed that higher speeds can be achieved with HV bullets than any other type.
4. Loading GS Custom bullets, seated against the lands of the barrel, did not raise pressure levels as is the case with conventional bullets.
5. Velocity consistency as a result of uniform quality, was significantly above the industry average and comparable to the best target and bench rest bullets.
6. The HV concept works best with propellant charges that fill the case completely, and with bullets that are traditionally light for a given calibre.
GS Custom HV, SP and HP bullets are designed to give the lowest possible total air drag in flight, that is possible for a given caliber. Coupled to the fact that they are turned from pure copper, these bullets are on average 20% longer than jacketed lead bullets of similar weight. The result is a range of bullets with ballistic coefficients comparable to the heavier bullets, but with the speed advantage of lighter bullets. The HV, HP and FN designs are refined to give reliable terminal performance over a wider velocity range with the best balance between expansion and weight retention. Every bullet make and type has a window of application - a speed range within which the bullet performs best, terminally. With GSC expanding bullets you are given the widest possible window.
GS Custom drive band bullets have the following advantages:
Load development is simplified - GSC drive band bullets are not speed sensitive for grouping
Copper fouling is reduced to levels not previously possible. Barrel and throat life is more than doubled and barrels run cooler.
Due to the mono metal construction, terminal performance is enhanced and bullet failure due to complete fracture is eliminated.
Less wind drift - The two factors that control wind drift, BC and velocity, are maximised.
Trajectories are flatter, making range estimation less critical.
Time of flight is reduced. Even if an animal moves unexpectedly as the shot breaks, the point of impact will be closer to the mark.
Momentum and energy levels are elevated, enhancing terminal performance over a wider range of distances and speeds.
Meat damage is confined to the bullet path and bone fragment damage is also reduced, putting more meat in the freezer.
Having said all this, as well as all the information on the other HV pages, bear in mind that there is no such thing as the magic bullet. All we can promise is that, if you place the bullet properly, GS Custom HV bullets will give you the best possible shot.
GS Custom HV Bullets are turned from pure copper to an accuracy on diameter of + or - 0.005 millimetres and a weight variation of less than 0.25%. HV designates a new technology bullet that lowers pressure in the bore and, thus increases velocity at standard pressure levels. HV bullets are manufactured to precisely fit a particular cartridge by bore diameter, groove diameter and rate of twist as laid down by CIP and SAAMI. |
GS Custom Bullets, situated in Port Elizabeth on the East Coast of South Africa, manufactures solid copper, turned, monolithic bullets for hunting and sport shooting. These bullets are used by hunters on several continents, hunting from the smallest of antelope to the largest of dangerous game, using the smooth HP bullet, as well as the more popular HV, FN and SP bullets with the patented drive band concept. GSC bullets are configured for the highest possible ballistic coefficients. SP bullets are mainly used for sport shooting. All GS Custom Bullets are coated.