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Posted: 5/16/2009 2:22:25 PM EDT
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This is kind of a general reloading question, I guess, although it is about a specific load.
I am working on load development for my new LaRue 20" rifle. First ammo I ran through it was factory loaded CorBon 55 grain. Not ideal for the 8 twist, but it shot right at 1 moa @ 100 yds. I then loaded some 69 and 77 grain SMK's in LC 1x cases with Varget. It shot both loads well. With a slight nod, maybe, to the 77 grain bullet. I only put about 50 of each through it, so I still have a lot to do. Based on this bit of data, what would be the logical next step. I was getting real close to 1/2 moa @ 100 yards consistently with both loads, but the best groups were with the 77s in front of 23.7 grains of Varget. It did not shoot any better with 1/2 grain less or 1/2 grain more. At 200 yards, the MOA doubled. In other words, I got 1/2 moa at 100(1/2") and 1 moa at 200(2"). I want to know what to try first to improve the groups at longer ranges as this rifle was put together to shoot from 100 to 650 yards. Lastly, I dont own a chrony, currently. |
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Quoted:
Scope? Shot from bench? wind? more info needed I never mind sharing info, but am curious how wind direction impacts the opinion you may offer??? Scope is a Leupold MKIV (USO is building me a 1.8x10x37 TPal  )
I typically shoot from a bipod, on a bench. Rear bag. The wind blows in all directions here. 
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Quoted:
MOA is MOA......and less then MOA is great......test the loads at distance....... Yes indeedy, that is the case. The object of the experiment is to reduce group size to the smallest size possible from 100-650 yards. "at distance" is a relative term. I am extending the range. Started at 100 and got acceptable results. Doubled the distance and the groups went to shit. Obviously, the shooters limitations come into play, and I am not real experienced shooting semi's at longer ranges, but I have been able, on good days, to manage true 1/4 moa to 300 yards with my bolt gun. I am just wondering if there is a logical next step to take, given the results I have had thus far. I am trying to avoid just throwing different charge weights or OAL at the deal. I was happy with the 1/2 moa at 100 out of the gate, but was surprised when the group size doubled at 200. |
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Try RE-15 and a different primer, either Remington 7 1/2's or Federal 205M's. You've probably found the limit of accuracy of your rifle.
Try shooting over a ruck or other bag, or a three legged rest to find out whether the bipod is introducing dispersion, especially vertical. Put out a rudimentary wind flag about 1/4th to 1/3rd the distance to the target. This will let you see the condition a little better. Shoot when the condition at the flag and on your face is the same. (Unless you see something else obvious that is going to move the bullet.) A piece of surveyor's tape on a stick is good enough to tell tons more than you'll know without the flag. |
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Quoted:
Quoted:
Scope? Shot from bench? wind? more info needed I never mind sharing info, but am curious how wind direction impacts the opinion you may offer??? Scope is a Leupold MKIV (USO is building me a 1.8x10x37 TPal )
I typically shoot from a bipod, on a bench. Rear bag. The wind blows in all directions here.
Not so much wind direction although that does affect POI but variations between windspeeds from shot to shot. Wind is rarely the same speed for all of your shots, it picks up in a gust and then lays , it can be doing different things at several points on the way to the target. All that said, wind is probably not the cause of your group opening up that much at 200, It's more likely a bullet stabilization issue, I'll bet it'll settle back into good groups a little farther out. |
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