Well boys and girls, the first data is in. It didn't start well as I had to switch scopes and then do some trigger work before I could shoot so was delayed a bit. I'm trying to cram to get ready for the shot show so also forgot targets
Anyway, after finally getting over to my buddies alfalfa field and setting up, things went well. After bore sighting and firing the first shot to get zeroed, I went to work. I wanted to break the barrel in a little first so shot 5 rounds down it cleaning between shots. It didn't copper up much which is always nice!
I then started on the rounds I had loaded up to duplicate my best guess on a factory loading. I used the 225 ELDM loaded to 3.685" which I'm told is factory spec. That means around .095" jump in the improved chamber! The mv was at 2881' so I think I hit their velocity pretty close since I have a 28" barrel. The load was pretty mild and shot under 1/2 moa while fire forming in my chamber. Not bad for a barrel with 6 rounds through it
Next up was the same load only loaded to 3.760", which is around .020" off the lands. Things are looking better and better! These 5 shots were dead on in a nice tight group.
I still had 4 rounds left so I thought I would use them up at distance since my zero looked good. I backed off to 880 yards and stuck up my freezer paper target. Those 4 shots went into 3.5"! Dang! I think Eric Goss over at Axis works put together another shooter!
One of the concerns folks had was "how would the price be round perform in my chamber" and " could they use factory ammo in a pinch"? I'd say this pretty much answers that question! I can't wait to see how this baby shoots with formed brass and a little load developement. It may have to wait until after the shot show but I was glad to at least check out the forming process