Opinions Wanted - Ballistic Software

[Rick in Oregon]

I'm going to upgrade my old version of RCBS's "Load", and wonder what everyone now considers the best ballistic software on CD.

Any and all opinions welcome. Whatcha' think guys?

[acloco]

RIO - might want to check on snipershide - they are several dedicated long range shooter's over there.

Also check on longrangehunting.com - for obvious reasons. Kirby Allen hangs out there....and has some great stories on long range rock chucks with some unworldly cartridges (Kirby Magnums!).

[WrzWaldo]

If your looking for just exterior ballistic stuff the PointBlank is pretty slick.

If you want internal/exterior I like Load From A Disk (you can download a demo before purchase). ---> http://www.loadammo.com/regdemo.htm


WW

Edit: QL also has a demo download. ---> http://www.neconos.com/QL_DEMO.EXE

[scootertrash]

QuickLoad is my current favorite by far. Not cheap at $150, but is truly remarkable. Since I know you are an experienced loader I recommend it. It is not for a novice loader, and is not much use unless you also own and use a chrono.
When done so, and all parameters are tweaked in, the program is fascinating. H20 (fired case)capacity, burn rate adjustment are a couple of the things you need to set.

If you are familiar with OBT, (optimal barrel tuning) a formula written by Chris Long, Quickload is uncanny at matching the barrel times with the formula. This burn time is measured in milliseconds, and the table gives you calculated times for barrel lengths from 16" thru 36" in 1/2" increments. I've done about twelve rifles with it so far, and eleven have matched his node prediction almost exactly.

If you do a lot of wildcatting, QL is a huge asset. The other features are too many to mention here, but another handy one is it's ability to predict the most suitable powders for a particular chambering. The powder and bullet library is quite extensive. When asking the program to predict a powder, the user has the ability to choose the criteria he wishes. i.e. Velocity, pressure, barrel time, load density % etc.

I could go on and on, but you can research it yourself. There is also a review write up on the 6mmBR site.

Mike

[Critter]

Rick,

As you know I am a big fan of Horus.

They have offered chip for hand held pda that you enter ballistics data into and take it with you.

If you have weather meter like Kestrel 4000, you can change information on fly. Also generates therefore a local come up chart for existing atmospheric conditions.

Works beautifull in heavy wind eg 20 knots like at Winter SD a few years back. Partner (Savage VP) couldn't keep his table up, but your bench with .260 Remington on M70 allowed me to hit them with solutions from system.

http://www.horusvision.com/

[gwglave]

Hi Rick
I also use Quick Load. I certainly don't claim to be an expert with it but am learning as I go. As noted above, using actual chronograph data and feeding it back into the program works like a charm. Highly recommended.

Rgds, Gerry

[Ray P]

RIO.....I'd 2nd the Quickload/Quick Target program. A lot of Cartridge/powder/ bullet choices..............plus you can build your own cartridge from a reamer print and get real close case volumes. Quick target olnly reachs out to I belive 2500yards. Olher programs go another 1000 yards or so to 3500/3600 yrds for a click adj chart.
Hope this helps. I'm on my 2nd version to the 204 Ruger listed.
Later
PM me if you need to know more,
Ray P

[Rick in Oregon]

Thanks for all the suggestions to the forum members; much appreciated. It appears I need to again check out Quick Load.

[skipper]

Considering your expertise, I don't think you will be happy with anything except Quick Load.