Analyze this data please

[BML]

Just looking for some thoughts or opinions on this data. Shot all 12 rounds last Saturday morning. Conditions were good. No wind at all. Temps went from 55 to 70 during the testing. I gave the barrel anywhere from 5-10 minutes to cool in between shots. 5 to begin with and 10 towards the end as the barrel heated up more.

Savage LRH 6.5x284
Norma brass
140 AMAX
Federal 210 primer
H4831SC
OAL 3.05

All in order from first shot to last.

48.0 grains

2786
2774
2780

Average Velocity: 2780

Group size: .789


48.2 grains

2797
2771
2788

Average Velocity: 2785

Group size: .639

47.8 grains

2783
2777
2787

Average Velocity: 2782

Group size: .733

48.4 grains

2791
2796
2796

Average Velocity: 2794

Group size: .952 (Two shots in same hole with one flyer)

Let me know what you experts out there think, good or bad.

Thank you!

 

[rscott5028]

Looks good.

They all shot under an inch.

Pick your best group and load up 9 rounds. Shoot 3x3 shot groups to see if it's consistent.

Then, load/shoot a bunch of groups varying seating depth in .020" from about .010" jump to about .090".

I assume this is a hunting rifle. So, 3 shot groups are fine. And, there's no point in jamming bullets or seating past mag length.

-- richard

 

[Aldon]

I would try the last load again at the forefront of the trial as to reduce impact of fouling and heat and see if the group is accurate. The ES is very good albeit a very small sample and would be more robust load for long distances..... my .02

I have found two on top with flyer to be difference in ogive contact point from bullet to bullet either due to bullet specifically or concentricity or quality of the workmanship on my part.

 

[Mikecr]

Velocities are very low.

 

[BML]

Aldon,

I planned on doing that next.

Richard,

I have a pretty bad free bore issue so I can't get as close to the lands as I would like. These particular loads were .075 off the lands. I might be able to get to .070 or maybe even .060 but I will have to remeasure everything and make sure I am still safe to seat them out that far.

Mikecr,

I realize the velocities are fairly low. For whatever reason my gun sprays bullets all over the place with any load over 49g. I know I am sacrificing some speed with this particular powder but I will still retain very good energy down range. I haven't punched in all the numbers yet but if I can get to 2800fps I think I will still have around 1000 pounds of energy at 800 yards. I'm ok with having an 800 yard limit.

Thanks for all the tips so far.

 

[rscott5028]

I wouldn't worry too much about the velocity. But, to MikeCR's point, the cartridge has the potential to run around 3000 fps with those bullets in many rifles. But, I would definitely sacrifice some velocity in favor of accuracy if it came to that. Your barrel will thank you also.

It doesn't matter what seating depth/jump/jam you end up with. My point was simply that you should test varying depths in a methodical manner.

Ultimately, you want to lock everything down and make sure you get repeatable and desirable results at the distances you plan to hunt (and beyond).

-- richard

 

[BML]

I wouldn't worry too much about the velocity. But, to MikeCR's point, the cartridge has the potential to run around 3000 fps with those bullets in many rifles. But, I would definitely sacrifice some velocity in favor of accuracy if it came to that. Your barrel will thank you also.

It doesn't matter what seating depth/jump/jam you end up with. My point was simply that you should test varying depths in a methodical manner.

Ultimately, you want to lock everything down and make sure you get repeatable and desirable results at the distances you plan to hunt (and beyond).

-- richard

Point well taken.

 

[Joe King]

With the results your getting it may be worth your while to take a look at one of these
Sinclair Concentricity Gage - Sinclair Intl

And if your getting any runnout maybe look at this also, so that you can correct it
Lock-N-Load Ammo Concentricity Gage

Not that there's anything wrong with your results so far