I have a question for all: I see that a good bit of the members have used Barnes TSX Triple Shock bullets... I have heard that these can be finicky, so maybe this is my problem.... I have a Remington LVSF in 223, that usually averages about .6-.7 moa at 100 yds with Berger 52 gr HP Match (moly) bullets. I decided to try out the 53 gr. TSX bullet (hoping for good accuracy and same POI) but the groups look like more shotgun than varmit rifle groups. I mean 4"-6" groups at the same range, time/date as I shot a .66 inch group with the Bergers. I was just wondering what could have caused this.... the bullets where loaded off the lands as directed (by Barnes), I didn't see any bullet base shavings in my seater die, I don't have a RO gauge (I know, I gotta get one of these), the brass was the same as what I am using with my Berger loads and I varied the powder charge by .5 grains and did this in five steps - nothing smaller than 4". I am using Hornady FL dies with the expander / primer punch still in it, no crimp... I can't think of anything else that would affect these bullets this way. Barnes warns that the bullet may need an extra grain or two of powder (because of the reduced bearing surface due to the inset bands on the base of the bullet), I did also notice that the upper band (or band closest to the Ogive) was right about at the mouth of my case. Maybe not enough friction from the brass case mouth?
Any thoughts on what went possibly wrong here? I can put good ammo together obviously.... so what gives, I have heard finicky, but this much difference? I should add that I have tried several different brands of bullets, Hornady, Nosler, Sierra, etc. The worst was the Hornady V-Max's at 1.25 inches at 100, with the Nosler and Sierra right on top of each other at .75 inches at 100. The rifle averages .75 MOA with most of the loads I have thrown at it.
Help me out here guys.... Thanks in advance.
EZ
Any thoughts on what went possibly wrong here? I can put good ammo together obviously.... so what gives, I have heard finicky, but this much difference? I should add that I have tried several different brands of bullets, Hornady, Nosler, Sierra, etc. The worst was the Hornady V-Max's at 1.25 inches at 100, with the Nosler and Sierra right on top of each other at .75 inches at 100. The rifle averages .75 MOA with most of the loads I have thrown at it.
Help me out here guys.... Thanks in advance.
EZ