Recent content by PrairieHunter

Thanks. For reference, this rifle produces 3-shot groups of 0.5 to 0.8 inches as the best I've tested. The best factory loads were Federal Fusion 140's @ 0.8", and the Nosler Custom 140 accubonds @ 0.5". I have gotten groups as tight as 0.6" with the Hornady 154's and Varget, but am playing with...

That is exactly where my brain wanders most days. I work in the wildlife science field and have a decent amount of education and experience with statistics and data. I keep thinking that if I shot the exact ladder from yesterday 10 times, would group C always look like that? The tightness of...

Thank you. I have been very consistent with my brass and primers for this rifle. Federal brass feeds the best and that is what I have been using exclusively. Since I have a decent stock of Rem primers, that's what I've been using. I have not yet acquired any Lapua brass, but if I can find it...

Thank you. I have tested the seating depth and have been seating to 2.84" OAL which is about as close to the lands as I can get (according to my tests). Is there any chance that deeper seating might improve groups versus being as close to the lands as I can get? Regardless, once I find my best...

I do not have a chrono, so velocity is estimated in the neighborhood of 2,500 fps and likely a tad higher (according to published data). I agree with another ladder increasing as you suggest. My point of aim is about 3-4 inches high and right of each group. The rifle is currently zeroed for...

Hello resident experts! While testing a batch of handloads yesterday, I experienced an interesting variance in my ladder test. Attached is an image of my groups for reference. My test was run with a 7mm-08 Savage Axis II to find a good load for a surplus of 154gr. Hornady spire point bullets...

Welcome neighbor (I am on the south side of the OKC metro).

I have boxes of 7mm 150gr flat base Core-Lokt if you are interested. I can't find the magic recipe for my 7-08 with this bullet.

I have 86 grain flat base / flat nose in .25 (49 bullets).

I have 49 bullets: 86gr flat base, flat tip. Not exactly what you were looking for, but available if you want them.

Thank you Barrelnut. Your explanation helps a ton!

I agree that I should have started from a low point and worked my way up in this new rifle. That is my plan at some point to develop a custom load for this Savage just as I did with each of the Weatherby rifles. And all of the load development will be done using Fed brass kept from firing Fed...

So, do I only shoot factory loads to start, resize and load the brass ONLY fired from this Savage? I need to keep all the brass from the Vanguards separate and not try to reload and shoot them in the new Savage? Thanks.

I have been a long-time lurker of this forum and finally registered to post my issue/question to this group of experts, so a huge preemptive thank you is appropriate here. I just bought a new Savage Axis II in 7mm-08. Took the rifle to the range to shoot this weekend and may have an issue...