#: 22698 S15/Oswald/Ruby/et al. [JFK] 01-May-94 15:28:22 Sb: #22594-The Weapon? Fm: Paul J. Burke 74656,2333 To: FRED RICE 70723,101 Data from "The Gunner's Bible" is frequently misquoted here as "proving" the 6.5 Carcano has a greater "variance" than similar rounds. What the data actually presents is: vel, fps zeroed at 150 yds cartridge wt style MV 100 200 300 50 100 200 gr yd yd yd yd yd yd 6.5 Jap 156 sp 2067 1871 1692 1529 +1.3 +1.9 -4.7 6.5x54 156 sp 2461 2240 2033 1840 +0.6 +1.2 -3.1 6.5 Car. 156 sp 2000 1819 1640 1485 +1.5 +2.1 -5.0 6.5x55 156 sp 2493 2271 2062 1867 +0.6 +1.1 -3.0 270 Win. 154 sp 2800 2622 2450 2284 +0.2 +0.7 -2.1 (sp=spitzer) (+ above LOS - below LOS) As is seen, there is no "variance" in the performances of the 6.5 rounds, unless the .3 inch greater drop of the 6.5 Carcano at 300 meters is the ^^^^^^^^^^^^^ criterion for claims of inaccuracy and bad ballistics properties at shorter ranges. The maximum distance involved in Dealey Plaza is 265 feet. From the table above, all the rounds chosen are within one inch of the aiming point for a rifle zeroed at 150 yards, at the maximum distance we are working with. Such a variation (real definition) is meaningless in terms of the wounds. 2 inches higher on the back still hits the back. 2 inches higher on the skull still hits the skull. Aiming at the head/neck area, a hit is -guaranteed- with ANY of the above rounds. The data shows that the .270 Winchester (.006 inches greater in diameter) fired at 1.4 times the average mv of the Carcano flies better, and would be the optimum choice as a sniper weapon, were such a rifle and suitable scope within the economic reach of LHO. It wasn't. His choice is equally suited for the task OTOH.