Nosler 180 Partitions with IMR 4451

[Rol_P]

This morning I went to the range with some loads put together using Nosler once fired cases, Federal 210 primer, 56.6 gr of IMR 4451 and Nosler 180 Partitions. Seating bullets deeper, as suggested by Scotty, and looking for an optimum barrel time of 1.2282ms, based on Kraky's Quickload data, I loaded rounds with comparator OAL from 2.618" to 2.612". The Federal Premium Factory 180 Nosler Partitions which grouped fairly well averaged 2.618" Comparator OAL. The photo shows the results.

Thank you to Kraky, Scotty and all those who gave suggestions along this road. Rol

 

[SJB358]

Rol, if 2.614 repeats I'd call that a win buddy. 2750 and way under MOA.. That's awesome. Congrats on a great shooting load.

 

[DrMike]

Scotty nailed it. Either the 2.616 or the 2.614 should work just fine if they reproduce.

 

[joelkdouglas]

Great shooting. I wouldn't be scared to load 2.615 and be in the middle of those two.

 

[NYDAN]

Great shooting. I wouldn't be scared to load 2.615 and be in the middle of those two.

+1

Bring some of those loads over and we can test them at 400 yards.

Dan

 

[SJB358]

Great shooting. I wouldn't be scared to load 2.615 and be in the middle of those two.

+1

Bring some of those loads over and we can test them at 400 yards.

Dan

Now your talking! That'll give you a true picture of them out at distance as well.

 

[Rol_P]

Today after the rain stopped I returned to the range in spite of the wind @ 15mph to try a refined 180 Partition/IMR4451 load. Having no once fired cases to use I went for the twice fired cases, which I annealed and sized. The powder charge was increased 0.2 grains from 56.6 to 56.8 grains and the seating depth was increased from 2.614" to 2.612". As shown in the photo the results are very positive and in line with the 56.6 gr and 2.616" and 2.614" seating depths used last week.

It seems amazing to me that such minor adjustments in charge and seating depth yield 50 fps increase in velocity with good accuracy. As to the target on the right I cannot say it was my fault or a real flier.

 

[SJB358]

Looks like a winner Rol! 1/2" at 100 and the speed you want... I'd load all you can and commence to stacking animals.

 

[RiverRider]

Very nice! I'm wondering where I missed the boat on this bullet / powder combination. I think maybe my shooting just SUCKED that day.

 

[RiverRider]

Just looked back at my data from the day I shot that combination. Check this out, it's odd:

3 shots	IMR 4451 / 56.5	Fed 210	(2.711")	5/4/16	05/05/16	75	1.26"	2772 fps
	3 shots	IMR 4451 / 56.8	Fed 210	(2.711")	5/4/16	05/05/16	75	1.82"	2770 fps
	3 shots	IMR 4451 / 57.1	Fed 210	(2.711")	5/4/16	05/05/16	75	2.04"	2772 fps

And YEAH...my shooting DID suck that day!!

 

[DrMike]

Excellent, Rol. And, yes, small changes in charge/OAL make significant differences in velocity and/or accuracy.

 

[OU812]

Nice group Rol. Now it's time to take the fruits of your labor and stretch her out a ways.

 

[OU812]

Just looked back at my data from the day I shot that combination. Check this out, it's odd:

3 shots	IMR 4451 / 56.5	Fed 210	(2.711")	5/4/16	05/05/16	75	1.26"	2772 fps
	3 shots	IMR 4451 / 56.8	Fed 210	(2.711")	5/4/16	05/05/16	75	1.82"	2770 fps
	3 shots	IMR 4451 / 57.1	Fed 210	(2.711")	5/4/16	05/05/16	75	2.04"	2772 fps

And YEAH...my shooting DID suck that day!!

RR I've been there more times than I care to recall. There have been days where I felt sorry for my rifles and loads the way I shoot them, they have to be embarrassed :grin:

 

[Rol_P]

Thanks for the replies fellas, It has been a long road to this point, I am embarrassed to think of the time and $$$$ spent to get good loads. If/when I mess up a shot I will not be able to blame the rifle or ammo... Hope to get to NYDAN's this Saturday to stretch her out to 400 yds.
Have a Great Day, Rol

 

[SJB358]

Can't wait to see how it does. Looking forward to seeing the targets.

 

[efw]

Wow man congrats that is looking like a great load!

I haven't been able to use 4451 much at all; in my Better Bob it appeared to create substantially more pressure (measuring case head expansion) than IMR-4350 but I didn't get to run those over a chrono.

 

[Rol_P]

Due to my stupidity the 400 yd test of my loads was a bust. In my rush and excitement to try my new scope I neglected to level the reticle, which was not readily apparent until NYDAN took a close look at my rifle after firing at 200 and 400 yds. Real DUMB move, I have installed scopes properly in the past.

After sight adjustments I was able to shoot a 1 3/4" group with my handloads at 200yds. At 400 yards the best "group" had a 3" vertical spread and 6 1/2" horizontal spread.

NYDAN is a Very patient and gun savy friend. He had the range all set up for me when I arrived and helped me level the scope once the problem was discovered. Due to other commitments it will be late next month before I get to shoot again with Dan.

 

[NYDAN]

I have to give Rol_P credit. He never lost his cool when things didn't initially go well. I am sure if it were me, I would have elicited a few "blessings".

Every experience is a learning experience. It is best that we are learning in my field rather than in the mountains of Montana.

 

[Rol_P]

After considerable load and scope adjustments the blind squirrel, (your's truly) finally found a load that needs to be investigated for consistent repeatbility. The velocity averages 2,730 fps, a little lower than I had hoped for, but the practical difference between 2,730 and 2,775 is insignificant at the ranges that I will be hunting, if I can maintain the accuracy potential that appears in the photo.

If this load holds together under additional testing it will be high time to practice field positions and pack for Montana. Wishing everyone a Safe, successful and memorable hunt. Rol

 

[RiverRider]

Outstanding! You've got a winner there, Rol.