.260 velocity with VLD

[260nut]

I did some testing today with various bullets. I used Lapua brass with RL17. The brass was all once fired that had been neck sized and the same charge was used with all bullets. The 130 Berger, 120 Barnes, and 140 Nosler had .020 jump. The 140 Hornady and 140 Berger were jumped .050. These were the average velocities:

130 VLD-2870
140 VLD-2800
120 TTSX-2960
140 AMAX-2855
140 Accubond-2875

I also need to add that this rifle has a 9 twist 26" tube. The VLD bullets are noticeably slower and I just wondered if this is normal?

 

[captacademy]

Have you tried any H-4350?

 

[Va Hillbilly]

I didn't measure, but I would guess the VLD's have a shorter bearing surface and make less pressure.

 

[260nut]

Have you tried any H-4350?

I have not tried this powder. From reading about it, I am led to believe that I would see slower velocities across the board in comparison to RL17. Do you think I would see an increase with the VLD bullets?

 

[260nut]

I didn't measure, but I would guess the VLD's have a shorter bearing surface and make less pressure.

Maybe I need to eliminate the .020 jump and see what happens. I am getting good accuracy as is but these are the first loads that I have worked up and improvement is possible with all bullets.

 

[captacademy]

I am getting high 2700 with 43 grains and a 24" barrel and the powder is very consistent. I have not tried the RL-17, as I have not had much consitency with the other RL's.

You might want to give it a try.