Load Development for my 284 Win XP

[Ernie]

I finally took the time to do some load development and shoot my 284 Win XP-100 today. From having a 284 Win in the past and having some other guys who shot similar set-ups, I started out with 57.0 grains of H-4831sc with a 168 grain SMK, Fed 210M primers and prepped Win 284 Win brass.
Bore sight and a workable zero, and off to the races, shooting at 100 yards.
I did not use a front rest and rear bag, but chose to do load development the way I shoot the majority of the time: Bi-pod and small pillow bag. Can I shoot better with my SEB or NEO Coaxial Rest? Yes. I will still be able to see what is the best load even if I throw one every now and again.
I had not shot much this year and am more interested in field shooting form than bench, hence, another reason.
On each of my three 5-shot groups I had a flier (It was me, of course).
Eric Wallace built this baby right!!!

57.0 grains (lower right) had 4-shot group of .498, didn't measure the flier though
57.5 4-shot group (upper right) .324 with all five it was a low .9 or a high .8
Upper left group 58.0 grains 4-shot .276 with all five .646

I was fiddling with different ways to use the rear bag and rest my shooting hand. I think that is where the vertical came from on the 2nd group.

Going to try 58.5 tomorrow and chrono 58.0 grains. If I have time, I will head out to Chuck's and verify drops out to 600-700 yards.
First group shooting I have done on paper at 100 yards for some time now with a bi-pod--Good practice!

 

[Flintlock]

Looks like you are making some progress with the H4831SC. I will keep an eye on this thread. I have only tried the 140 grn Sierra Game Kings, Nosler 140 BT's and I'm currently shooting the 140grn Berger VLD Hunters with h 4831sc.
You are above the powder charge I'm shooting now with the heavier bullets.
What twist is the new barrel? Mine is a 1-9 Kreiger, 16". I don't know that I will need any bullet that is heavier for my hunting and target shooting. The heavier bullets will probably work better at longer distances at the expense of more recoil and I didn't get a break on my XP when Apache Machine built it.
Didn't want the noise or side blast in my blind.
Good luck.
Hope to see you in Casper if you make it and all of the stars align for me to get away.

Mike

 

[Ernie]

My barrel is 18"
1-8.5T Krieger
Throated for the 162-168 VLD's
My MV is 2680 fps with the 168 SMK.

 

[dogdinger]

hey Ernie, i want to know more about that stock. i have an XP that i want to build a 6.5 X 284 on and i need a stock. shoot some pics from the side for me please. i think i could make something like that. needing a bolt with a 308 boltface. do you happen to have one lying around? AJ

 

[Ernie]

McRee Stock. Click on "Pistol Stocks"
http://www.mcreesprecision.net/index.htm

 

[dogdinger]

thanks Ernie! gave me some great ideas. I hope to be in the LR Pistol club soon!

 

[Ernie]

Shot the the 284 Win today at our church steel shoot some:
400-1150 yards.
It shot real good!
One thing I discovered is that I kept shooting high.
Came home and added MV until it matched my drops at 675 and 1150 yards. Currently working with a MV of 2759 with the 168 SMK.
Further confirming of drops will likely end up tweaking the speed/BC some more until the drops are hardened.
Also, used two different shooting rests for use when hunting in the seated position.
I was able to get out consistently out to 675 yards.
I did miss a couple of times at the further distance, but out to a little over 500 yards it was pretty much a sure thing with both designs.
I am pretty excited over that.

At 1150 yards I didn't use the tripod rests, but went prone with a bi-pod with both the 284 Win., and the 7mm SAUM XP's.
Hitting with the SAUM got boringly fun.
Since I was shooting high with the 284 Win it took me a while longer, then I was out of ammo after I smacked it several times.

 

[TXshooter]

Awesome shooting and love the XP's. I tried to go to the Mcree site those pistol stocks are awesome. I couldn't find the link once there for pistol stocks.

 

[TXshooter]

It looks like on ur xp pistols with the McRee stocks that your trigger is even further back than a normal rear grip xp. I was curious as to what is needed to convert a center grip to a rear grip. I think I'm going to have to get one of the McRee stocks. I just can't find them on his website. I see the Remington 700 but now pistol stock button or something related.

 

[Ernie]

He does not have that link anymore, but as far as I know he still makes a XP chassis. Email him and see.

Awesome shooting and love the XP's. I tried to go to the Mcree site those pistol stocks are awesome. I couldn't find the link once there for pistol stocks.

 

[Ernie]

The trigger is the same-Just any trigger that will work with a Remington 700 will work with the XP in the McRee Chassis.
You will have to remove your center-grip trigger first though to replace it will a standard trigger (rear grip)
I have used standard Remington triggers, Jewell and Kelbly with no problems.

We had several guys help me pick up steel yesterday and we did some shooting first at 775 yards.
My son is shooting a 7SAUM XP
Built by Mac's Gunwork, Holland brake, Leupold 6.5-20 Mark 4 scope.

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPd3bBNGbTw]3 guns @ 775 yards - YouTube[/ame]

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UiABA2Qylso]7SAUM, 6.5x47L, & 308 Win @ 775 yards - YouTube[/ame]

It looks like on ur xp pistols with the McRee stocks that your trigger is even further back than a normal rear grip xp. I was curious as to what is needed to convert a center grip to a rear grip. I think I'm going to have to get one of the McRee stocks. I just can't find them on his website. I see the Remington 700 but now pistol stock button or something related.

 

[TXshooter]

He does not have that link anymore, but as far as I know he still makes a XP chassis. Email him and see.

Just got off the phone with him he is sending me info now. He did say he had a 9" or a 12" version. I'm trying to think about what barrel length is best for each length so I can figure out which size I like. I would think the 12" needs like an 18 in barrel while the 9" only need like a 15" barrel.

 

[Ernie]

Next time you talk to him, tell him "Hi!" for me.

 

[TXshooter]

We had several guys help me pick up steel yesterday and we did some shooting first at 775 yards.
My son is shooting a 7SAUM XP
Built by Mac's Gunwork, Holland brake, Leupold 6.5-20 Mark 4


Looks like I am going to have to do more practicing after watching those videos
When it comes to the Mcree stock do you like the 9" vs the 12". Or does it depend on the barrel length. I was planning on a 12" but keep thinking maybe it is to long. I'm figuring on a barrel between 16-"18"