Armory Sponsor
Posted: 8/16/2009 12:24:06 PM EDT
|
Yesterday I went to the range to sight and test some new 30-06 loads for my upcoming moose hunt here in Alaska.
The results, while not really surprising, were quite nice to say the least. I'm happy with them. Weather conditions: 60-65 degrees, high humidity *rainy and overcast", very light to no wind. Rifle: Remington 700 Caliber: 30-06 Springfield Scope: Tasco 3-9X32 (Yeah, Cheesy Scope, I know, but it is accurate) Factory ammo tested: Remington 180 gr Core-Lokt Softpoints My Loaded ammo: Brass: Winchester (Virgin) Primer: Winchester Large Rifle Bullet: Barnes 180 gr TSX Boattails Powder: Reloader 19 Charge Weights: 56, 56.5, 57, 57.5 C.O.L. = 3.218 inches The Barnes Reloading Manual lists the following for the 180-grain TSX BT with Reloader 19 powder. Min Load 54.5/2571fps & Max Load 58.5/2726fps Results: The factory Remington ammo performed okay at best. The results of two 5-shot groupings were: 1st group was 2.834 inches, and the 2nd group was 2.964 inches. The groups were shot from 100 yards. Piss poor in my opinion. My loads were much more accurate than factory loads and the 57 grain charge was the most accurate over all at about 2650-2700fps (I didn't have my Chrony with me so I cannot be more exact.) 56 Grains = 2.041 inches 56.5 Grains = 1.738 57 Grains = 1.210 inches (4 of the 5 rounds were within 0.590 inches) 57.5 Grains = 2.172 inches Conclusion: My hand loads are WAY more accurate than factory loads. It's always a pleasure to go out shooting both factory and reloads just to compare the differences. Reloading is fun. I've been reloading for about 15 years and every time I begin loading a new caliber I can't wait to get to the range to test them against factory loads and to see how well they perform. It gives me warm fuzzy feeling to know that I can do better than some factory. |
Armory Sponsor