Any of you using PointBlank program?

84jeepj10

Just wondering if any of you are using the program this site offers for your reloading and/or checking out factory loads, comparing loads?

Also, if you are would you like to share your load databases with others. I just started with it and only have one factory load in there. If you would mind sharing, goto the PointBlank software forum and check out my post on the subject that has instructions on how to export/impost your load database and even your firearm database. Thanks

Pitt55

I have used it for a few years now. I don't use for comparison, just to keep a record of my loads and see the trajectories. I did read an article in a hunting mag comparing several programs available. Some were popular names and some from Europe. The winner was Pointblank! I have found the charts very accurate.
Don

PaulS

I have started using it because my old software won't run in the new windows format and printers don't print from DOS programs. I really liked my old program because it gave me some indicators that I had worked out for penetration, expansion and lethality. Only one other program that I ever ran used any of these and it only used the lethality index. Now I have to calculate it with a spreadsheet. Using two programs for ballistics is a bad thing. That being said, Point Blank is the best replacement I can find. I wish I could convince Dallan to add those three things to his program.

84jeepj10

I've had my hands on one or two other programs as wel, but on old PCs long since dead and data lost. Point Blank is the first one I'm actually using for a specific rifle, though I do wis hthey would add more data fields like barrel length and such to more accurately calculate bullet path to a specific rifle.

PIT55 - Would you mind exporting your loads to LOADDATA.bld file, then compress using either WinZip or WinRAR, and posting it in the Point Blank Software forum under my corresponding post? I only have a couple loads on mine and am rather enexperienced, and would like to have the data for study and comparison.
My topic in Point Blank software frum had more detailed instructions on how to share load data and even firearm data. I think it would be great if everyone using the program would share their loads so we could build a massive database for everyone.

Pitt55

84jeep,
I would send what little I have if I new more about how these blasted computers. I have enough trouble just typing. I read your directions and sorry it went right over my head and I didn't have to duck either!

Vince

I have used Point Blank for some time now and find it to be an awesome tool to assist me with my reloading and shooting. Of course the software can't take into account variables like wind, rain, light and up/down hill that you encounter on the day, but it sure can get you close enough for a good clean humane kill, or a nice group on your target.

I also use Basic Ballistics and I think that Pont Blank has the edge on this good piece of software as well. I'm really looking forward to the next Version of Point Blank.

Cheers, Vince

DallanC · Site Admin Joined: Jan 18, 2005 Posts: 3572 Location: Utah

Vince wrote:

I also use Basic Ballistics and I think that Pont Blank has the edge on this good piece of software as well. I'm really looking forward to the next Version of Point Blank.

Cheers, Vince

I've had a ton of things happening in my life for the past 6 months that has unfortunately halted my work on the next version. Reciently however, I began work on it again... I'm currently writing the conversion code to convert the old databases into the new databases that are easier to maintain.

I have the handload data loading correctly (finally) and am writing the firearm database interpreter. The next step once both sets of data are loading correctly is inserting the data correctly into the new formats and writing it back out. Its fairly tricky because I want it to be 100% bug free from the getgo.

Some fields are no longer used, some fields are now combined into a single field so I have to work that out as well.

-DallanC

Vince

Gidday Dallan. Good to hear that you have been busy mate.

I know that Version 2 of Point Blank is your "baby" and you want to get it up and running mate, but for us it will happen when it happens. All of us, myself included, are extremely appreciative of your work on Point Blank and your efforts to get it up and running.

Thanks mate.

Cheers, Vince

tracker

I wrote one database ...once....because I had to for my job, never want to again. Dallan, you have my admiration and respect, sir, and my sympathies. You do whatever you gotta do, brother.

DallanC · Site Admin Joined: Jan 18, 2005 Posts: 3572 Location: Utah

One of the main problems I'm running into with this database conversion is data is organized much differently than v1.8. In that version you could create a load... just a load as is, by itself. There was also a rifle database but the two were only mildly aware of each other and mainly worked indepentant of each other.

In 2.0, loads are organized by rifle. You create a rifle entry first, then you add in all the loads you want under that rifle. You can have as many rifles as you want, with as many loads as you want. Its really easy to browse in a tree view and pick what you are looking for.

Because there is no concept of loads belonging to a rifle in v1.8 I'm having to create an interactive merge tool to let the user create a rifle for a load hes already entered... its a major pain but I'm about 60% done with it. Its going to be a pain to the users as well I think, but I'm trying to make it somewhat smart about how it goes about this so the user doesnt have to spend alot of time with the conversion. Also, the user should only have to do this once.

-DallanC

PaulS

Databases were always easy for me but writing conversions from one to another is never easy. I empathize with you DallanC!

Southpaw · Member Joined: Sep 12, 2005 Posts: 51 Location: Saskatoon

I love this program !!!!!! I like to play what if and do love comparing loads. And I like being able to and and update new bullets and all those specs that wre left as .000.

Gary

I use the program alot. I call it my what ifs. I use it to look at bullet speed over the yardage that i want to shoot and see that i have enough bullet speed left for proper bullet expansion.

84jeepj10

I was origionally hoping that somebody would have some 30-06sprg loads already in their database and wouldn't mind sharing the file. Thanks anyways.

Pitt55

84jeep:
180gr. nosler accubond
H4350 powder-57.5gr.
cci 200 primer
winchester brass
.020" from rifling
2796ft/sec.
This is a max. load I use in my Tikka. It shoots less than 3/4" groups. Start low and work your way up to this, watching for signs of excess pressure. I have killed a moose and two deer with this load.