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Posted: 6/29/2009 5:09:21 AM EDT
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I am new to the reloading world (2 yrs) so excuse me. I shoot a Bushmaster with 16" heavy barrel 1/9 twist. I have always used Varget w/ 69 grn SMK with great results. Lately, the last 6 mo. or so, I can't find any of either Varget nor 69 grn SMK's so I switched to 68 grn Hornadys and BL-C(2) which I can find readily at local shops. I loaded a few 68 Hornadys and what was left of my 69 SMK's both with 25 grns of BL-C(2). The SMK's were a consistant 1/2 MOA at 50 yds with brand new Win. brass and Fed. primer. However, the 68 grn Hornadys were all over the paper. Do I tweak the powder up or down a few grains? Or do I scrap the Hornadys and hold out for Varget and SMK's to come back into the world? And if you have a similar loading data or experiences with BL-(C)2 that works, please share.
Thanks for your time, Men. |
| I've only been reloading about a year so I'm not going to pretend to know what to suggest for your question. In my case (and I'm still in the learning curve), I found the 55 grain Nosler CT Ballastic Slivertips (boat tail) shoot better than the 55 grain V-Max (straight tail). |
| When using 68's, I have to up the powder. For instance, 69 SMK-24.3 Varget, 68 BTHP-24.8 Varget. These loads are thru a .223 match chamber (tight). Of course the 68 doesn't shoot like the 69, but moa is go enough. Hornady claims their best results have been with Vihtavuori, so when that shows up I'll be trying that. |
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I guess for the real bullseye shooters, the Hornady 68grn'rs are not as good as the Sierras but for my 1 MOA level shooting ability, I've had good luck with them, BL-C(2), and Remington 7½ primers when I go to a bit higher charge weight like hdbiker1 does in my CL 20" Wilson 1:9 out to 300yds. Good enough that I can easily keep them in a 3" circle at 300yds when I shooting bagged with my 12x scope. |
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Quoted:
I suppose someone, somewhere can get Hornady 68s to shoot––but I've never met him. I don't know what Sierra does, but I hope they keep doing it. I guess im the guy then.....I bought a few hundred of the factory blemished bullets from midway (Maybe the blemish is they shoot better then the regular ones) and while working up a load (25.3g Varget) I managed to get a 10 shot 1/2" group at 50yds with an acog and farely well worn bushy 14.5 barrel....1 MOA is about the best this rifle has ever shot! |
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If your not satisfied with the Hornady and want to return to the Sierra 69g, I ordered a bunch about a week ago from Cabela's and they shipped a few days later. Their site now says that they are backordered, but I would be willing to bet you wouldn't have to wait too long. Another option is that if your going to have to work up a new load, and are not satisfied with the Hornady, Widener's has the moly coat 69g's in stock. I personally haven't used them... But could be a better option then the Hornady's.
*Also if you don't mind paying a fortune... Dillon's has them in stock at $25.* -Ryan |
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Thanks for the input, Gents. I worked up a 5 rnd load last night with 25.3 grns at 50 yds with a little improvement. I got them into a 2 1/2" group with one flyer. I use an Aimpoint ML3 with no magnifier and don't really expect to reach out to 300 yds with it but my anality causes me to find this unacceptable. Especially when Sierras shoot so well. I also found 3 boxes of 69 SMK's last night at Gander Mnt for $29 a box. I think that's a little out of control so I only bought one box.
On another note, has anyone had luck with Magtech primers? A local store is getting 80,000 on Friday. Thanks. |
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