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Posted: 6/28/2003 11:41:35 AM EDT
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Went shooting with some 62gr SS109 today and saw something I never experienced. Shooting my Colt HBar (1/9" 20") I had some rounds that were tumbling before they hit the target. Shooting my Bushy (1/9" 16" Heavy Barrel) and a pre ban Colt Sporter didn't experience it. Any ideas why this is happening? I will be trying some different ammo tomorrow to see if there is a difference. Edit to add: Hot Shot, Bosnian Green Tip 62gr SS109 TIA; -934 |
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Given that the bullets weren't striking something between the chamber and the target (muzzle attachment, terrain) and that there wasn't a drastic change is weather conditions between the two it doesn't make any sense with the the info you've given. Have you confirmed (with a rod) that the barrel is actually a .223 1X9"? |
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Quoted: Given that the bullets weren't striking something between the chamber and the target (muzzle attachment, terrain) and that there wasn't a drastic change is weather conditions between the two it doesn't make any sense with the the info you've given. Nope, not hitting any intermediate obstacle. The barrel is naked (post ban) with no brake or suppressor. More than happy to provide additional info, what should I add? Have you confirmed (with a rod) that the barrel is actually a .223 1X9"? Not verfied with a rod. Labled as [b]5.56 NATO 1/9 HBAR[/b]. I have owned this particular rifle for about 4 yrs and this has never happened. I'm stumped. Thanks; -934 |
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Quoted: Was it only this ammo? Have you fired 62 gr bullets before? How far away were the targets? Have you tried any other 62 gr or SS-109 spec ammo? Not sure if it was this ammo. I am going to shoot some 55gr and some 63gr to see if there is a difference. Targets were 50yds away. Can't say (trying to think back) if I had put any 62gr or other SS109 spec through the HBar before.... -934 |
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Obviously, this shouldn't be happening. Have you tried using a copper solvant to remove the copper deposits from the rifling? A barrel with heavy deposits (such as one cleaned exclusively with a bore snake) will eventually have trouble getting a good grip on the bullets. -Troy |
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Quoted: Obviously, this shouldn't be happening. No kidding? No offense, I just got a chuckle from that line.[:D] Have you tried using a copper solvant to remove the copper deposits from the rifling? A barrel with heavy deposits (such as one cleaned exclusively with a bore snake) will eventually have trouble getting a good grip on the bullets. I have used a copper solvent on the barrel and I used a boresnake only once. Before this outing, I was having some issues with some FTE with the SS109 and gave it a good cleaning (which cleared up my FTE) and didn't start experiencing the keyholing until after a few hundred rounds today. I will go through it tomorrow morning and I will shoot some different ammo. -934 |
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Quoted: Keep us posted. Another cause is severe throat erosion (bump-firing is good for this, or just LOTs of rounds through the gun) and/or a damaged crown. I will update tomorrow. In the morning, the HBar will get a complete cleaning and I will shooting some 63gr GP90, 55gr Q3131A and the remainder of the SS109. I have never bump fired the HBar and "only" put maybe 8K rounds through it. I don't consider it LOTs. Thanks for the help, Troy, et al; and I will update. -934 |
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Update: Went out shooting with the HBar and started off with some 63gr GP90 with no issues. Swiched to the 55gr Q3131A with no issues. Accuracy was as expected and I switched to the SS109. First mag was fine, second mag got a few keyholes. Switched back to the GP90, with no issues. After a few more mags, a FTE cut my day short. Not too happy. I am going to spend some time and install a new extractor and give it another complete cleaning and try again. If I get more keyholes, upper may go to Colt for a looksee. Thanks; -934 |
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I think the Bosnian ammo may have a few out-of-spec bullet diameter ... most likely smaller than it should be. If you have a caliper, try to take some measurements of the bullet diameter from your Bosnian ammo. I bet you will find some that are smaller than the rest. Take measurements of your other ammo too for comparison. oz |
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You don't like keyholing? Think of all the soft body tissue damage that buzz saw will do. And, I really like the whizzing/whistling sounds the bullets make as the go down range. Verrrrryyyy Intimidating. Seriously, if I read all of your posts correctly, only one brand pf ammo exhibits the key holing. If that is the case the its the ammo and not the rifle. |
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Quoted: Seriously, if I read all of your posts correctly, only one brand pf ammo exhibits the key holing. If that is the case the its the ammo and not the rifle. Looks like that is the case. I have no further issues with the HBar shooting other brands. Looks like I am staying away from the Bosnian SS109. -934 |
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