AH...back from the range and having a beer!.Started to get hot and is now 96*. I had some very interesting results with the following loads that can be verified by my shooting partner and various bystanders.
I started the day with a
62grn load of IMR 4831 and coal of 3.25 as Barnes Bullets seem to like a little "jump". This load produced a
1st shot of 2995 2nd @2955 3rd@2975 ......Impressive velocity considering Sierra lists a max of
62.2@ 2900fps for the 168grn Matchking. The group was not acceptable but the muzzle velocity was.....And we're not done!
The loads were then bumped to
62.5 grns (IMR 4831) coal of 3.25.
Velocities went to 3031,3029 and 3015. the groups were better but right @ 1".......Still chasing!
Next was the same powder charge (62.5) but seating depth was moved to 3.26. Velocities were very much the same but the groups did come in a bit.
I then moved to what I'd consider a HOT load based on various load manuals. I went to 63 grns. of IMR 4831 with the OAL set to 3.28. This produced verified velocities @ 3298.....3318......3336 and the groups were acceptable???@ just under an inch with a 168 grn bullet.
Yeh I know!!!!!!!....But I think that with the length and design of this bullet (3 bands etc.) combined with seating it out a bit farther produced these velocities. An anomaly??? I can't say for sure. But there were absolutely
NO pressure signs that we could see. I will have our very reputable gunsmith give a non-informed visual just to be certain! Ialso could not visibly see any indication of "tumbling" clean holes straight away! I could only test @ 100mtrs. as the 200mtr. was under repair so I'm not sure if the bullet had enough distance vs velocity to truly characterize stabalization.
To verify that the crono was working properly I fired some factory Barnes Vortex
150grn. ammo that came out to be right @ 2800 fps..and is listed to be@3060 also Winchester Supreme 150 grn. btips just above 2900 ..apples to apples.I also had rounds of 168 grn Gamekings loaded to 62.5 4831 and set to Sierras book oal that produced 2950ish but was a little sticky on the bolt throw.My partner also commented on the extra blowback.
This test was performed using a Weatherby Vangard semi custom with a B&C Medalist stock (bedded),Timny trigger set@ 2.5lbs and a Crony.....Crony!
AND of course I don't condone the use of this load data for any other use than in MY rifle!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Friggan Liberals!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! gun)
IF you have ANY positive or negative comments PLEASE reply! this is a work in progress....The more input the better!
More beer! and Happy Father's Day!
Bill
