7WSM 160 AB's Nosler 2nds VS 160 AB 1st's

[SJB358]

Well, Reshot 2.990" and also 2.860". I shot two groups of both and 2.860" came out on top for me. Again, it isn't a super load like it was, but still plenty good enough for the rifle. Who knows, they might be better tomorrow. I did alot of shooting yesterday and wasn't near as focussed today!

2.990" was okay, but both groups hovered around an 1" or a touch more. Consistent, but this was the worst of the 2.860" groups, so I figured I would be okay with that. Looks to be around 3/4"s, so I am not complaining too much.

What a difference though, the old ones were seated at 2.950 and these are 2.860" Seems like a ton of difference in the rifle world to get the same bullet back on track.

 

[DrMike]

Still, not a bad grouping, Scotty. Man, a change up in components can really mess with our average.

 

[C.Smith]

Well I'm glad I have a generous supply of ABs all from the lot number. Those groups are not looking too bad.

Corey

 

[SJB358]

Still, not a bad grouping, Scotty. Man, a change up in components can really mess with our average.

You aren't kidding Mike. Pretty rough to start over. Plus it isn't much fun shooting them up as they aren't cheap either.

 

[SJB358]

I spoke with Mike Harris yesterday about the bullets I sent it. He said that .015-.020 was a normal length for the bullets to grow over a production period. I mentioned how much that affects loads and he stated that some tweaking would probably be necessary if different lots of bullets were purchased.

I guess I will be buying bullets in 500 count lots in the future, cause I can't stand to think about reworking loads on a regular basis. That isn't what I thought Nosler would put out, but I guess that is the way it goes in todays market. Should have stuck with the PT's, I haven't found them to be nearly as fussy as AB's.

 

[DrMike]

Ouch! That report hurts! It does explain some things that I have observed, however.

 

[SJB358]

Yeah, I wasn't super happy with it either Mike.

 

[Guest]

Scotty,
That explains why I find some bullets seat per Die setting and some are off. I always check the seating depth of each round after seating the bullet in the process, then make corrections if needed. I find this occurs with loading the 30-06 with Ballistic Tips and the 300 RUM with Accubonds.

Don

 

[Bruce Mc]

My model 70 7mm rem mag must be more forgiving because I have shot 160 ABs in the red tip overruns and white tip blems and they both shot very small groups. I recently purchased a bunch of the 160 AB firsts that were on special. I hope I don't see the same results you had Scotty. But you did give me a heads up.

 

[SJB358]

My model 70 7mm rem mag must be more forgiving because I have shot 160 ABs in the red tip overruns and white tip blems and they both shot very small groups. I recently purchased a bunch of the 160 AB firsts that were on special. I hope I don't see the same results you had Scotty. But you did give me a heads up.

Same here, I had the white tipped blems too Bruce. Those shot well also. I gave away a bunch of the white tipped ones and nobody complained about them.

The AB first bought on special were the ones I have had some trouble with. I had to shorten them up a bunch to work for me. I hope your rifle shoots them the same as all the rest.. My rifle may be a little pickier?