I couldn't stand it any longer and had to go run some rounds through my new rifle. As per my usual luck, it was a dry day until I got to my in-laws place and dropped my wife and kid off with them and as I walked out to the truck to head up to go shoot, it started raining. I drove up to where I normally shoot and sat in the truck preparing some targets for awhile hoping the rain would pass....it started to rain harder. Finally I said screw it and got set up to shoot. I was rather annoyed that I couldn't chronograph the loads though due to the rain.
It took me 5 rounds to get it sighted in well enough to do some testing. Now let me start by saying that I am not a great group shooter, and as the day went on my ability behind the gun went down the more miserable and wet I got. I think the rifle is capable of much more than what I demonstrated with it for this trip.
After firing the first 5 to sight in I cleaned the barrel and started shooting some groups. First up was the 140 Amax with H4831SC. I started at 45 grains and worked up to 46.5 grains with absolutely zero pressure signs. 46.5 is a pretty compressed load though and didn't give me the type of velocity I was hoping to attain so I think from my initial testing that H4350 is going to be a better choice of powder. If I could fit more powder in the case I'd keep going with the 4831 but I can't seat the bullet out more than .01" without being jammed, so I'm out of capacity. Scottie, you were spot on on that one!
First 3 groups out of the rifle. Group A includes a fouler as well. All 5 shot groups. Group sizes measured center to center.
Also if you'll notice the OAL changed slightly between the loads. I had set the seater up on the first load and measured each round from that series and they were all the same so I left it alone and kept loading. Well, due to what I'm assuming is resistance from the compressed load, as I went up in charge the bullet was seated out a little farther. My bad for not checking each loading...lesson learned.
After firing the first 3 groups I stopped and cleaned the barrel again and hung a new target finishing up the Amax and moving on to the Berger 140 Target VLD still with H4831SC working up from 45.5-46.5 grains. The really low shot on Group A is the fouler shot after cleaning.
This was an interesting group....not sure if it was the load or me that walked the rounds out to the right. I think I need to try jamming the VLD's. They seemed all over the place. Oh, and the rain finally stopped for the most part so I got the chronograph quickly set up and was of course disappointed by the results.
Next up was the 140 Amax with H4350. I only loaded 3 rounds each at 42.7, 43, 43.3. Velocity is showing to be more promising and had zero pressure signs. At this point though I was pretty darn cold and I think the groups opened up more due to me than the load. I need to do some more testing focused on this combo and preferably from a legit shooting bench.
And a few pics of my setup.
Looking at the target down the fire trail.
A few thoughts in general on the rifle. The barrel cleans up amazingly quick! Not much elbow grease needed at all. Still getting used to the Jewell trigger a bit. I might actually raise the pull weight slightly. I left it at the #1 setting from the factory and I think it may be a tad light for my preference. With the muzzle brake on there from Nathan, the rifle barely even wiggles...it's a ton of fun to shoot! I'm hoping to get some loading done today and get back out on Monday to do some more testing with H4350. Overall I'm pleased with the rifles first outing, not as pleased with my shooting, but oh well, there's a reason I have no interest in shooting benchrest!
Thanks for looking.
Tim
It took me 5 rounds to get it sighted in well enough to do some testing. Now let me start by saying that I am not a great group shooter, and as the day went on my ability behind the gun went down the more miserable and wet I got. I think the rifle is capable of much more than what I demonstrated with it for this trip.
After firing the first 5 to sight in I cleaned the barrel and started shooting some groups. First up was the 140 Amax with H4831SC. I started at 45 grains and worked up to 46.5 grains with absolutely zero pressure signs. 46.5 is a pretty compressed load though and didn't give me the type of velocity I was hoping to attain so I think from my initial testing that H4350 is going to be a better choice of powder. If I could fit more powder in the case I'd keep going with the 4831 but I can't seat the bullet out more than .01" without being jammed, so I'm out of capacity. Scottie, you were spot on on that one!
First 3 groups out of the rifle. Group A includes a fouler as well. All 5 shot groups. Group sizes measured center to center.
Also if you'll notice the OAL changed slightly between the loads. I had set the seater up on the first load and measured each round from that series and they were all the same so I left it alone and kept loading. Well, due to what I'm assuming is resistance from the compressed load, as I went up in charge the bullet was seated out a little farther. My bad for not checking each loading...lesson learned.
After firing the first 3 groups I stopped and cleaned the barrel again and hung a new target finishing up the Amax and moving on to the Berger 140 Target VLD still with H4831SC working up from 45.5-46.5 grains. The really low shot on Group A is the fouler shot after cleaning.
This was an interesting group....not sure if it was the load or me that walked the rounds out to the right. I think I need to try jamming the VLD's. They seemed all over the place. Oh, and the rain finally stopped for the most part so I got the chronograph quickly set up and was of course disappointed by the results.
Next up was the 140 Amax with H4350. I only loaded 3 rounds each at 42.7, 43, 43.3. Velocity is showing to be more promising and had zero pressure signs. At this point though I was pretty darn cold and I think the groups opened up more due to me than the load. I need to do some more testing focused on this combo and preferably from a legit shooting bench.
And a few pics of my setup.
Looking at the target down the fire trail.
A few thoughts in general on the rifle. The barrel cleans up amazingly quick! Not much elbow grease needed at all. Still getting used to the Jewell trigger a bit. I might actually raise the pull weight slightly. I left it at the #1 setting from the factory and I think it may be a tad light for my preference. With the muzzle brake on there from Nathan, the rifle barely even wiggles...it's a ton of fun to shoot! I'm hoping to get some loading done today and get back out on Monday to do some more testing with H4350. Overall I'm pleased with the rifles first outing, not as pleased with my shooting, but oh well, there's a reason I have no interest in shooting benchrest!
Thanks for looking.
Tim
range reports with photos :wink: 
