160gr Matrix

[elkaholic]

I just look for color change. When they start to get a burished look, I stop. The time depends on how hot your torch is. With good heat, you can do it in 8-10 seconds but the propane torch I have right now isn't very good. I don't know much about the CEB's hardnss so can't speak to that? I know on a bullet jacket, it makes quite a difference. You can feel the "stickyness" in your dies when you are swaging and they collapse much easier if you aren't careful. I stopped bonding most of my bullets for this reason as it is a catch 22. The lead sticks to the jacket but the jacket is softer........Rich

 

[sinarms]

I am hoping to do some testing with the 160 gr matrix bullets this week in my 6.5 Sin. I believe I will be in the 3400-3500fps range. I did some testing with 140gr bullets yesterday, not maxed out yet this is what I have reached so far. I am pretty happy.

 

[elkaholic]

I am hoping to do some testing with the 160 gr matrix bullets this week in my 6.5 Sin. I believe I will be in the 3400-3500fps range. I did some testing with 140gr bullets yesterday, not maxed out yet this is what I have reached so far. I am pretty happy.

Thats smokin'!

 

[Iron Worker]

What's the bbl life ? What is that cartridge ?

 

[sinarms]

No idea on barrel life yet, I want to get it nitrided to extend the barrel life. I would be willing to bet I could hit 3600 with the 160gr after I do that (maybe before). I would hope for 2k rounds after that. It is a 6.5 Sin, still in development right now.

 

[Outlaw6.0]

I was able to squeeze off a few more 160's in the WSM after a long day on the ranch with my out of state crew. I'm at 62.5gr of N-570 & still no stick bolt lift, primer flattening or ejector marks, velocity is 3100+.

I honestly thought I'd pressure out there, happily i'm wrong! I will probably load up some more from 62.5 to 64.5-ish.

Time will tell, just thought you gents would like the update.


t

 

[elkaholic]

I was able to squeeze off a few more 160's in the WSM after a long day on the ranch with my out of state crew. I'm at 62.5gr of N-570 & still no stick bolt lift, primer flattening or ejector marks, velocity is 3100+.

I honestly thought I'd pressure out there, happily i'm wrong! I will probably load up some more from 62.5 to 64.5-ish.

Time will tell, just thought you gents would like the update.


t

What is your barrel spec?......Rich

 

[Outlaw6.0]

What is your barrel spec?......Rich

Obermeyer SS-5R
1-8.4" twist
Approx Length= just short of 30" IIRC


t

 

[elkaholic]

Obermeyer SS-5R
1-8.4" twist
Approx Length= just short of 30" IIRC


t

Thanks, that explains the velocity without a lot of pressure. I can reach 3050' with my 6.5 SS with a 26" barrel, but that is max. I wish I could find some N570......rich

 

[Outlaw6.0]

Thanks, that explains the velocity without a lot of pressure. I can reach 3050' with my 6.5 SS with a 26" barrel, but that is max. I wish I could find some N570......rich

I wish I could find some more!! Luckily I still have a few pounds in reserve, it's the only powder this tube has ever seen.

I'm hoping for 3150 or so, if I can get there without tearing up my brass, i'll probably stop....maybe

I was really surprised to see the 160 stabilize in my rig, the 140 CEB's hit the target dern near sideways.. Accuracy with the 160 has been REALLY good, I have high hopes.


t

 

[IdahoCTD]

I'd try some R-33. N570 and Retumbo produced about the same velocity in my 6.5-300wm. R-33 runs about 80fps faster for the same pressure. I only shoot Retumbo because it's slightly more accurate. I have some Nosler cases now to try, I've been using RWS, to see what I can get for speed and I'll try R-33 again to see what happens. The RWS cases are about 3grs less capacity but as tough of a case as you'll find.

 

[elkaholic]

I'd try some R-33. N570 and Retumbo produced about the same velocity in my 6.5-300wm. R-33 runs about 80fps faster for the same pressure. I only shoot Retumbo because it's slightly more accurate. I have some Nosler cases now to try, I've been using RWS, to see what I can get for speed and I'll try R-33 again to see what happens. The RWS cases are about 3grs less capacity but as tough of a case as you'll find.

Ya, I can't find any rl33 either. I agree with the RWS cases. They are plenty tough......Rich

 

[IdahoCTD]

R-33

Bruno Shooters Supply: Alliant Powder Reloder 33 - 8lb ***IN STOCK 9-23-13***

It says in stock but I'd call to verify. R-33 has been one of the most available powders in the last 9-10 months. I have seen it at least once a month somewhere.

 

[elkaholic]

I annealed some 160 Matrix today. Here is the procedure that I used:
Drilled holes in ceramic block that left about 0.300" of the bullet exposed.
Heated tips with torch about 8 seconds on each side.
Let set until I was sure tha lead was set up.
Polished bullets for a few minutes(make sure you don't use media that clogs tips)
This seemed to work pretty well. I tried heating one longer; approx 25-30 seconds total and lead bubbled out the open point (NOT GOOD).....Rich