Rifle /bullet question please

[Kooz7]

I have 2 new model 70's that I am trying to get dialed in and could use a second opinion/set of eyes on some issues I seem to be having please. One is a.308 compact featherweight and the other a 3006 Extreme Weather .

I have tried factory ammo in both, factory loaded Nosler Accubonds, both 165gr and 180gr in the 06 along with some factory 180gr BT Hornady interlocks and some 180gr round soft point cor-lokt also Federal premium 165gr partitions . All about 1.5"-2ish" with the exception of the cor-lokt which went into about 1" for four rounds and .5" for 3 rounds I duplicated these results with another group of this ammo. Then I tried some practice ammo I had lying around with 165gr cor-lokts that I loaded over 57gr of IMR4350 in 3x fired rem cases that were crimped to the cannelure , these shot into a .9" group for 6 shots

Almost the same story for the .308 although is was slightly more accurate with factory ammo at about 1.25-1.5 groups. Then tried some practice ammo I had lying around with the same 165gr cor-lokt bullet with 45gr of Varget crimped in the cannelure, this load went into.590" for a 4-shot group.

Trying to figure out what makes these guns seem to shoot well with the cor-lokt loads that they seem to be missing with the premium stuff ? boattail vs flatbase maybe ?

 

[RockyMtnMT]

your hand load has better load quality than the factory loads. Hand load the bullet of your choice and I am sure it will be better too.

Steve

 

[Kooz7]

I did try some handloads with the 3006 using 165gr &180gr AB's and IMR4350 both about .015 off the lands but it didn't like that . I will keep at it and try a couple different powders I guess if I can't make this combo work after trying some different seating depths .

 

[Rich Coyle]

Once you establish your overall length you might try different primers. I have seen groups cut in half with this change only.

 

[LoneTraveler]

Sounds like the barrels may not have steep enough twist to stabilize the longer bullets. Since it shoots better with 165 Gr. Cor-Lock. hand loads. Drop to 150 Gr. or 125 gr. and see the results.
I have a soft twist 308 Win. shoots 125 Gr. near one ragged hole. 150 Gr. and 180 Gr. do not shoot less than 1 1/4'. Good luck finding the problem and cure.

 

[WildRose]

I have 2 new model 70's that I am trying to get dialed in and could use a second opinion/set of eyes on some issues I seem to be having please. One is a.308 compact featherweight and the other a 3006 Extreme Weather .

I have tried factory ammo in both, factory loaded Nosler Accubonds, both 165gr and 180gr in the 06 along with some factory 180gr BT Hornady interlocks and some 180gr round soft point cor-lokt also Federal premium 165gr partitions . All about 1.5"-2ish" with the exception of the cor-lokt which went into about 1" for four rounds and .5" for 3 rounds I duplicated these results with another group of this ammo. Then I tried some practice ammo I had lying around with 165gr cor-lokts that I loaded over 57gr of IMR4350 in 3x fired rem cases that were crimped to the cannelure , these shot into a .9" group for 6 shots

Almost the same story for the .308 although is was slightly more accurate with factory ammo at about 1.25-1.5 groups. Then tried some practice ammo I had lying around with the same 165gr cor-lokt bullet with 45gr of Varget crimped in the cannelure, this load went into.590" for a 4-shot group.

Trying to figure out what makes these guns seem to shoot well with the cor-lokt loads that they seem to be missing with the premium stuff ? boattail vs flatbase maybe ?

You never know what a a rifle will like or won't when you're starting out. Rem cor-loc ammo shoots surprisingly well considering it's mass produced and using a bullet that has very poor flight characteristics.

Figure out what twist rate you have and then select a bullet that will stabilize completely with your MV and twist rate and do your load workup from there.

 

[MarkA]

I did try some handloads with the 3006 using 165gr &180gr AB's and IMR4350 both about .015 off the lands but it didn't like that . I will keep at it and try a couple different powders I guess if I can't make this combo work after trying some different seating depths .

I find best accuracy with bonded bullets like the AB's and monolithics like Barnes at between .050 and .100 off the lands. Your may well be loading them to close, they like the jump more than not. Test seating depths and you will see them come together.

Tested them enough times in different calibers that I just start at .100 off with the Accubonds first.

I have a setup a couple 30-06 recent with the 165 AB's and both are shooting very well with COAL of 3.265" which in one gun is lil over .100 off and the other is .080 off. Running them both with H4350.

 

[gohring3006]

You have proven the rifles are capable of shooting tight groups.
Now you have to find what they like.
The new Hornady bullets seem to be the most forgiving bullets I have tried in my rifles.
I would try the new 178 ELD X with one of the 4350s in the 30-06.

I don't load anything but Reloader 17 with a 178 BTHP in 308. That's the only combo I tried, so I haven't loaded enough 308 to offer any real advice, other than my load shoots very well in a Savage....

 

[Kooz7]

Thanks for the replies. I am going to go at it again Monday . Think I will try IMR4350 in the 3006 in .4gr graduations starting about 3% under max and go just over max by one graduation and see what happens .

Going to try and walk the powder charges up the same way on the .308 also . Not sure whether to stick with Varget or give BLC-2 a try . Nosler book says BLC-2 gave best accuracy .

 

[WildRose]

Keep in mind that the published maximums are only for their test barrels. Your rifle may or may not hit max pressure with the same loads so be sure as you're working your way up the ladder to pay close attention watching for pressure signs.

When I first started loading everyone was publishing data with Maximums about 10% under what the actual Max was for the sake of keeping the liability carriers happy but I'm not sure that's still the case.