RE: Range day with the BDay rifle
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That's the problem with handloading Kris, we get used to certain performances and when they don't happen...Well, I think you know very well. Consistency-snobbery is a thing.
I'm always chasing an SD of under 10fps for repeatability at long range and factory ammunition can never deliver it. The only one that I've been happy to shoot from the factory is the premium Federal Match Grade stuff,. I've shot it in .308 to good effect...But there's no substitute to a precision handload.
I had a visit from a mate I haven't seen for a while late today and we were talking about confidence when shooting: Weapon system, ballistics software, scope, wind calling, rifle-zero and the ammunition. With confidence in these elements, and others, and the shooter is simple more effective and the hit-percentage will increase.
I htink you've got a great shooter there mate, and with some handloads you'll have it zinging laser-like...Now, if only those buggers will open the 600 yard range...Come on already! :)
Exactly right. I guess I've been testing my handloads and pellets so long that I lost touch. I never really tested much factory stuff before. I also get like 5-8 fps SD and less than 15-20 Extreme. (Even lower on the pellets across 20 shots!). I was just floorstruck when I saw that 100 fps Extreme Spread between only 5 shots! I was assuming they would be maybe 40-50 fps extreme deviation. Even at 30-40 fps, that's an inch at 500 yards... at 100 fps, that's over 3 inches difference! Already over the size group I am hoping for, assuming everything else is perfect (and I'm not)! I need every inch I can get without losing it to poor quality ammo lol.
I can't recall exactly as it's been so long since I've tried to shoot with precision using factory rounds (because they suck) but I reckon my best SD was something like 20-30 with factory rounds. It's ok at certain ranges and in particular situations but when the need to thread a needle arises...It's not acceptable.
I'm like an OCD accountant when handloading for rifle calibres...Check. Re-check. Sip coffee. Check and re-check. Corn chip or two. Check...Then proceed. Lol.
btw, I know you used to shoot this caliber a lot. Any powder / load recommendations? I just ordered a set of dies and some 55 grain Nosler Varmageddon bullets (happened to be in stock). I think 55 grain or maybe 60 grain will be the heaviest I can shoot well in this barrel, 1/14 inch twist. I've been saving some of this Hornady brass, so just need to decide on some powder and primers now. Hard to find in stock...
Oh man, I'm going to have to let you down here, I never shot that pill. Besides, how could I rob you of all that delicious load development process? Come on mate, you know ya love it! 😀
I'm surprised you're finding components difficult to get. Is that due to the troubles in the US of A though?
Incredible shortages over here right now. Not only factory ammo, but components as well. I was able to get the bullets, but spent over 2 hours searching for any of the top three powder choices, and large rifle primers, both came up nil. So, guess it will be a while. I'm sure the factories will catch up in another few months. Mad rush over here with record gun sales the last 6 months or more and if you multiply that by an average 2-3 box (At least) per person... we're talking a huge rush on the ammo manufacturers and component makers... then of course we have the hoarders on top of that buying as much as they can. Hoping to find some before the new Democrat regime starts trying to impose new legislation and taxes... Glad I got the rifle in at least!
Troubling mate, the whole thing I mean. Faith and I keep an eye on it here and things are looking...Bleak? Yeah, I think that's the word. There is so much change on the way and it'll rattle a few cages for sure. I'd be stocking up if I was there too, and I'll be honest, I always have a stockpile here anyway. Our issue here is that with ammunition we are only supposed to have as much as we can shoot in a year whatever that means. For me with my hand guns that's thousands and with my rifle stuff...Well, I cull on a farm so it's a lot also, but they do checks and all. I've got enough, and add to it where possible.
I hope you get some, and have some stored away also.
Yes, I've got enough to survive stashed away. My definition of hoarding is probably a little higher than the average person's, lol. In my view we all NEED at least 500-5,000 rounds of any/every given caliber at hand, just for emergency survival backups. We currently don't have such ammo limits over here. However already seeing the media idiots now adding it to news stories.. Was there tonight, xxx was arrested with an unregistered handgun ....and 5,000 rounds of ammunition!!!!!!! OMG the media is hyping it up!! bah! We may have a bigger fight to keep our constitutional rights here over the next 4 years.
They do the same here...They'll raid a house for some reasons and come out with, ...and guns and cash were found in the house. Yeah no shit. I'm a law-abiding firearms owner and if you broke into my safe you'll find guns (not illegal) and cash (also no illegal the last time I checked.) Libtards.