Suppressor yes or no on load work up?

[Hotrod617]

I've got several guns that the suppressor does not really affect poi with factory Ammo. They consistently shoot 1/2" or better @ 100yds.

Now the reason for my question.

I just purchased a Cooper model 92 Backcountry in 6.5 PRC for an upcoming hunt in Mexico for Muley's. It's my first with a lightweight "pencil" barrel. It does not like my usual go to factory hunting choice the Precision Hornady Hunter with 143 ELD-X..
I'm working up a combo using Lapua brass and Hammer Hunter 124's. After running a ladder to find Max, I loaded up another ladder looking at groupings. Best I can get is 3 shot group at .63". I let the barrel cool to ambient temperature between 3 shot groups. The group card that came with the gun was .34". I'm using H1000 with CCI BR-4 primers. The card stated they used Magnum powder and the HH in 124 as well. I don't have any Magnum, but H1000 is right beside Magnum on the burn scale.

I got to thinking that the only real difference is I'm using my suppressor. I was wondering if y'all experts work up your loads with a suppressor since that's the way it's going to be hunted?

Signed
confused…

 

[Seabeeken]

I would think that a tuner on a heavier barrel making a difference would indicate a suppressor making a difference on a heavy or light barrel. Anything on a barrel affects harmonics

 

[Hotrod617]

Zeroing scope with suppressor on stays the same until I remove suppressor then reattach. It moves poi maybe 1/4" but groups are still tight. Just FYI

 

[lancetkenyon]

Pretty sure you are using LRP BR2 in a 6.5PRC, not SRP BR4.
As for powder, just because one is next to another on a burn rate chart does not mean they behave the same.
For a 143, try some RL23. That is my go-to powder for the 6.5PRC.
I always shoot during load development however I will hunt. With suppressor if suppressor will be used.
Might just need some fine tuning.

 

[waspocrew]

I'd develop the load with the suppressor, at least that's my preference anyways.

 

[PddPdd]

You might also try a faster powder such H4831SC or H4831 if you have some.

Any idea what your velocity is compared to that used to shoot the group card?

 

[Kimber7man]

Yes to working up loads with your suppressor on it. Otherwise you're just getting used to the trigger and fireforming brass…

 

[Hotrod617]

It's says 2900fps on the card. I have not started my speed data yet. I will start with the next smaller ladder.

Yes your right on the primer.. typo

 

[QuietTexan]

I was wondering if y'all experts work up your loads with a suppressor since that's the way it's going to be hunted?

Supersonics yes I work up with the can, unless it's something marginal I want to make sure it stabilizes first. I'll run velocity ladders without the can if the bottom end is slow/ potentially unstable.