A Productive Day

[DrMike]

I had opportunity to get out to the range yesterday, and I seized the moment. I had a 300WSM belonging to a client that is receiving some attention. It is coming along, though yesterday was not what he is seeking. I have a load that shoots 0.3 inches at 100 yards, but he is asking if I can make it do better. Not yesterday, though it was a solid 0.5 to 0.8 inch stock Winchester with multiple loads. I also had a Cooper Model 56 chambered in 300WM for which I was doing load development. It shoots very well, and in consultation with the gunsmiths, we have settled on a load. Here are some of the results from the Cooper.

This is shooting 210 grain Berger VLDs charged with N570. Not bad, but not good enough.

Here is the set with 210 grain VLDs and Retumbo. The first charge turned out to be max. It is apparent that the load is plateaued and becoming unstable after that. So, we chose the lowest charge and it will now move on to long range testing to develop a turret.

I was also testing 190 grain VLDs. Here is the best set with IMR7828.

I also worked up a set with 190 grain VLDs and RL25. It wasn't bad, but the rifle is likely capable of much better.

All these were loaded to SAAMI OAL, though there is ample room to play with seating depth, loading out to the lands. However, under the press of getting 'er done, there was no time for that. The SDs on almost all these loads were <1%, and most were in the single digits, indicating that by playing with seating depth, any of them could be transformed into a single ragged hole.

Speaking of a single ragged hole, I took my 9.3X64 Brenneke to the range to refine my load. I have a good load with Nosler 250 grain AccuBonds and RL15. In fact, it was this load that I used to drop my whitetail this year. However, the cartridges are loaded to just shy of the lands. The result of this is that I can get one cartridge in the magazine and one in the chamber when moving in on game. I wanted to be able to get them to fit the magazine. The series are the load I developed, looking at varying seating depth. The left set has an OAL 0f 3.310 inches. The middle set is at 3.320 inches. The right set is at 3.340 inches, which just fits the magazine. I wonder which one I should use? Three rounds in one ragged hole from a larger calibre? I'll take it.

 

[gerry]

That's quite a difference in the seating depth Mike, even I could figure out which load to try Have to say I can't believe that a guy isn't happy with a stock Winchester thaat is capable of producing .3 -.5" groups, that is outstanding accuracy especially in a factory gun.

 

[DrMike]

That's quite a difference in the seating depth Mike, even I could figure out which load to try first Have to say I can't believe that a guy isn't happy with a stock Winchester thaat is capable of producing .3 -.5" groups, that is outstanding accuracy especially in a factory gun.

I thought it was excellent. However, he sets a goal of something much finer. I've done several rifles for him, and I have managed on each one to eventually find a load that satisfies his demands. Most of these were either off-the-shelf Winchesters or semi-custom rifles. He isn't afraid to spend money, but he does have some heavy demands of what he shoots.

The Brenneke clearly favours the AccuBond as near the lands as possible. I can live with that.

 

[gerry]

I guess as long as he pays you the money for load development it's great for you Your AccuBond load is outstanding Mike it screams "mountain grizzly load" and a whole pile of other stuff too.

 

[CZ]

That's quite a difference in the seating depth Mike, even I could figure out which load to try first Have to say I can't believe that a guy isn't happy with a stock Winchester thaat is capable of producing .3 -.5" groups, that is outstanding accuracy especially in a factory gun.

I thought it was excellent. However, he sets a goal of something much finer. I've done several rifles for him, and I have managed on each one to eventually find a load that satisfies his demands. Most of these were either off-the-shelf Winchesters or semi-custom rifles. He isn't afraid to spend money, but he does have some heavy demands of what he shoots.

The Brenneke clearly favours the AccuBond as near the lands as possible. I can live with that.

Dr.Mike for -almost- seems to be very good loads, you can load rounds and expect to shoot whatever your -abilities- can. For most is good for some is mediocre, what they dont see that most of the time are factory rifles, not custom jobs beded and with a 1lk barrel, and big scope.
Every responisble shooter should know his capabilities with the rifle in question. Some of my clientes are bad shooters and expect sub moa groups with their rifles, and when they shoot they cant hit a moose at 100 paces. They are good groups for any rifle. Keep your good work.

 

[DrMike]

for -almost- seems to be very good loads, you can load rounds and expect to shoot whatever your -abilities- can. For most is good for some is mediocre, what they dont see that most of the time are factory rifles, not custom jobs beded and with a 1lk barrel, and big scope.
Every responisble shooter should know his capabilities with the rifle in question. Some of my clientes are bad shooters and expect sub moa groups with their rifles, and when they shoot they cant hit a moose at 100 paces. They are good groups for any rifle. Keep your good work.

Good point, CZ. I've had to offer several clients the opportunity to accompany me to the range to verify that the recipe works in their rifle. The conditions are simple. If I shoot the load for which I produced a recipe in their rifle, and it shoots as I stated, they only owe me $250 for my time. If there is actually a problem, I'll fix it for free. I've never had anyone take me up, yet. Many people receive a rifle/load that will produce marvellously tiny groups, and they can only shoot MOA at best. I advise them to laminate the test target and carry it with them just to show what the rifle can do. If they are willing to pay for my time, I'll play with seating depth and eventually find the magic COAL. However, the cost can mount pretty quickly. :grin:

 

[Greg Nolan]

DrMike

You've proven that the rifle and you are both up to the task and maybe the customer is too. The question would be, why would you want a better than .3" group in a factory hunting rifle? I realize that it's good to have faith in the accuracy of the rifle when hunting but accuracy beyond that is usually in the realm of a heavier custom target rifle. It sounds like your work is cut out for you but your customers are getting a fantastic deal on your finished product. Keep up the good work.
Greg

 

[DrMike]

It was a great day. Temperature was -2 C. The wind was less than 0.1 km/hr at 180 degrees from the bench. No one else showed up. I had the day to myself. There was lots of time to shoot. These rifles will shoot, but, then, most modern rifles will produce MOA or better if loads are carefully crafted and the shooter shoots what he/she is comfortable with. Unfortunately, many shooters sling a pattern of four or five rounds downrange once a year, pronouncing themselves good to go. It simply means more in my pockets. Consequently, because of the oil/natural gas/coal/gold boom in this area, people have more money than good sense. Again, that means more opportunity than I can handle.

 

[joelkdouglas]

I was thinking along the same lines--even with aftermarket barrels and trued actions, pillar and glass bedded, etc., I am about a .75 MOA shooter. Some days I'll shoot really well and turn out a half inch group or two.

If I had a rifle that would shoot 0.3 inch groups, or better, I'd never know!

 

[DrMike]

Joel,

MOA is dead deer out to 600 yards plus. I think I'll be doing some more work on that WSM shortly.

 

[nvbroncrider]

That 9.3 is awesome Mike I don't think much will get away what kind of velocity are you seeing with that load?

 

[6mm Remington]

Nice load work Mike. Hard to believe a guy would not be satisfied with 0.3 groups! :shock:

 

[SJB358]

Great shooting Mike. What kinda speed outta the 9.3 with 250 ABs?

 

[DrMike]

That 9.3 is awesome Mike I don't think much will get away what kind of velocity are you seeing with that load?

I'm getting right at 2700 fps with the 250 grain ABs. I'm comfortable with the thought that it will work on about anything I hunt around here. I know it drops whitetail right smart. :mrgreen:

 

[remingtonman_25_06]

.3" from a factory winchester in a magnum aint good enough??? Since when?! I get that from my winny 25-06 and I think its exceptional coming from a bone stock factory sporter, cant ask for better then that.

You try telling him that he should be VERY lucky to even get that?? LOL WOW...Some people...

Thats pretty damn good even from a semi custom or custom in a magnum...

Oh well, guess if hes paying for the components and time, more power to him, must be rich haha.

 

[DrMike]

Oh well, guess if hes paying for the components and time, more power to him, must be rich haha.

As I say, it is decisions such as this that pay for my addiction. :grin: