range report

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trevort
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range report

Post by trevort »

as my 223 load was developed with 2206 and this powder is being phased out, I thought I would use this as an excuse to redevelop the load. Targets set at 100m

Shane also mentioned the barrel harmonics might change due to the fluting and the bedding job. Well it took a couple of targets to get it back on as the scope was removed during the work (and to correct the poor mounting job done at the shop) but if you read my rabbit hunt report you would see there was not much change. Those rabbits were all shot with the old 2206 load (26gns, 50gn Sierra BK and Rem 7 1/2 BR primer and win brass)

I wanted to try various primers, all i could get my hands on at the time were CCI br 4 and Small rifle magnum primers as well as my normal rems. Brass was Lapua. It chambered without sizing and all case mouths were beautifully round and had enough tension to hold the projie as delivered. I uniformed the pockets (not much brass came out) and chamfered. Couldnt see any burrs at all on inspection so did not deburr flash holes.

To try to take as much shooter error out of it I used a sinclair benchrest foreend adaptor and the set trigger to fire free recoil.
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Little River was its normal self, constant strong wind from left to right (as you look at the range from the bench)

I tried the Rem first and was very pleased with the results
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There is no vertical in the 26.6 load (bottom picture)and the horizontal could be wind or shooter. I think the 26.5 load (third target photo)should be the one though, 4 in one hole and the flier not very far away at all. As it shot 2206 best on the max charge I only loaded 3 rounds of 26gn thinking this was only the safety check firing. Perhaps 5 shots would have told a better story.

If you dont own a bullet comparitor i would highly recommend you buy one as it allows seating to same depth from the ogive every time you change anything.

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I also thought I would try a tougher projie in my 300 wsm. 180gn speer grand slam. I certainly noticed the recoil and flip increase ove the 165gn Hornady SST charge. 64gns 2209 and CCI large rifle magnum primer in Win Brass
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I think the conclusion is that the 223 shoots better than I can make it, to think it nearly got sold (twice).

But the best part of the range trip was that RyanT came with me. He enjoyed himself and wants to go on my next field trip. EXCELLENT :D
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alpal
.17 HMR
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Post by alpal »

Good shooting trev, I have found 26.5gn 2208 works best in my .223 with 50gn proj's, must be the magic #.
Regards Alpal
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Knackers
.338 Lapua Magnum
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Post by Knackers »

Got to be happy with just about all of those groups except one maybe.
Good shooting Trev and I'm glad to hear that Ryan is keen to give the shooting sports ago
How much did the comparitor cost you please, and where from?.
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trevort
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Post by trevort »

The comparitor is from Sinclair. They bought the Stoney Point (I think)

Its not that expensive unless its your first Sinclair purchase :shock: . Once you enter the web they've got you.

If I was buying one again I would buy the Davidson one which they also sell, there is a base piece that holds the case head as well as a nose piece so there is less chance of taking a wrong measurement because you havent aligned the case in the verniers properly
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Ned Kelly
.270 Winchester
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Post by Ned Kelly »

G'Day all,
Hornady bought SP, sinclairs is a clone, both hornady 7 sinclair inserts will fit an original SP comparator (according to sinclairs) When fitted to the mike they will measure on the mike 1.000" and the headspace inserts measure 2.000" so this makes it easy to work out die settings

I prefer the SP one cause you can buy inserts to check shoulder bump when FLS'ing. I do not know if Sinclairs sell the head space inserts.

Trev,
any time you get 3 shots regularly cutting at LR means your load is spot on. All other lost shots are usually wind related. 3 shots also mean your bench technique is pretty good too. Dont be afraid to try free recoil/light hold/death grip when trying to make a rifle shoot. Even BR rifles sometimes need a good grip (I usually find the lighter weight sporter class needs a good grip) Use what ever it takes to make her shoot!

Cheerio Ned
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trevort
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Post by trevort »

Ned, I've got the headspace inserts but havent used them!

If i learnt to do this properly my rifles would be rewarded by letting out their true potential.

First the rest wouldnt stop wobblying (thanks JB747 for pointing out you have to take the sandbag off and tighten the screw, I was just about to chuck it down the range) and I never got the rear bag technique right. Shane told me never move it. Adjustments done on the rest only but I just couldnt get it right and was pushing and pulling at it all over the place.

I have a Sinclair windage top rest winging its way over at the moment, what a great excuse to get back to the range! And sell the Caldwell rock too!
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Ned Kelly
.270 Winchester
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Post by Ned Kelly »

G'Day Trev,
it appears the only time off I've really got to get the BAT working is the Sunday & Monday of the Melb Cup weekend.

So I figure I've got to pull a finger out and neck turn some cases ASAP!

Maybe be can meet and you can have a go with the Hall BR rifle? Let me know whether you can make it and I'll bring it down, show you how to load for BR and you can have the flags when i'm done.

Hell, since your using my rifle you'll probably out shoot me on the day! :lol: :lol: :lol:

Cheerio Ned
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trevort
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Post by trevort »

Would that be Sunday 4th? I am kid free that weekend but am awaiting a call to tell me whether or not I am to be tortured dragging myself up and down mountains again with only a very slim hope of burning any powder.

If not I'll see you at little River
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Ned Kelly
.270 Winchester
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Post by Ned Kelly »

G'Day Trev,
yup Sun 4th & Mon 5th Nov.......
Cheerio Ned
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