Other rifles for today's range day

[Blkram]

So, along with the Win Model 88 250 Savage and new LH Browning X Bolt in 6.5 PRC, I took the 280 Rem, 300 WSM and 338 Federal out to the range today to check on velocities, groups with factory ammo, in old trusted loads and new offerings that needed testing.
The first up was the LH Rem 700 280 Rem:

I had picked up a VX-3 3.5-10x40 B&C scope in Gunmetal Gray and mounted it on this rifle, replacing a VX-111 3.5-10x40 duplex matte scope.
Tested the following ammo:
1) Federal Premium 140 gr AccuBond ammo (previously used in this rifle to date) 2883 fps ES 78.8 SD 33.2 0.919" group (previously produced 0.5" groups);
2) Nosler 140 gr AccuBond ammo, 2797 fps ES 50.13 SD 28.58 1.362" group; and
3) Federal Premium 150 gr Partition 2804 fps ES 18.85 SD 8.0 1.165" group.
Rifle now zeroed for the 150 gr Partition ammo (will be working up loads with 150 gr AccuBonds and Ballistic Tips).
Also rang the steel out to 500 yards with this load. Again very gratifying!

Next up was the LH Rem 700 in 300 WSM.

I had also picked up a VX-3 3.5-10x40 B&C scope to replace the Vari-X III duplex scope.
I re-sighted the rifle in with my handloaded 180 gr AccuBond load that shoots sub .5" groups consistently at 2978 fps.
I also tried the new Federal 200 gr Terminal Ascent ammo in this rifle: 2814fps ES 54.1 SD 28.53 with a 1.334" group.
Might not be as accurate, but I want to try this bullet on game, so sighted it in, and proceeded to ring the steel out to 500 yards.
No problems hitting all the targets consistently.
This was my first custom rifle and has always shot very well.
I have taken wolf, black bear, moose and elk with this rifle over the years.

The I finished off with my LK Sako 85 Finnlight II inn 338 Federal.

I had picked up a VX-6HD 2-12x42 w/ illuminated B&C reticle and had zeroed it with the Federal blue box 200 gr UniCor ammo;
1) 2587 fps ES 7.19 ES 3.46 with a group of .737".
Consistent;y rang the steel plate at 400 yards with this ammo.
I will be working up a load with the 200 gr AccuBond for this rifle.
(Waiting on my 30mm low rings to be Cerakoted in tungsten to match bases and action finish - so using medium rings for moment)
I also tried:
2) Federal 180 gr AccuBond - but could not get the chrony to get a reading on several rounds - the rifle does not care for this load with a group of 2.764".
3) Federal 210 gr Partition; 2473 fps ES 3.03 SD 1.41 with a group of 1.898".

Really liking this scope too! Again, bright and clear!

 

[salmonchaser]

Great data, I like range days like that. Multiple rifles keep a guy from getting a rifle to hot.

 

[JD338]

Nice looking rifles Gil. The Savage is really sharp!
The 300 WSM with the Federal 200 gr Terminal Ascent is a hammer.
Brinky72 loaded up some 200 gr Terminal Ascents in his 300 Win Mag at almost 3000 fps. Accuracy is excellent and I was really impressed with the terminal performance shooting one into water jugs. We recovered a picture perfect mushroom in jug #7 or #8.
It's an excellent bullet.

JD338

 

[nhenry]

Nice rifles!
Who made the barrel for your 338 Federal sako?

 

[Blkram]

Nice rifles!
Who made the barrel for your 338 Federal sako?

It is a Wilson carbon fibre barrel in a slim contour. 22" 1:10 twist
I also used one for the 6.5 PRC rifle (24" 1:8).
So far they are shooting pretty well.

The 338 Federal is showing a preference for 200 gr bullets so far which is good, as I am hoping to develop a load with the 200 gr AccuBond for this rifle (or at least it isn't liking the 180 gr Federal ammo and the 210 gr Federal ammo). Still need to try the 200 gr Copper ammo.

 

[Blkram]

Nice looking rifles Gil. The Savage is really sharp!
The 300 WSM with the Federal 200 gr Terminal Ascent is a hammer.
Brinky72 loaded up some 200 gr Terminal Ascents in his 300 Win Mag at almost 3000 fps. Accuracy is excellent and I was really impressed with the terminal performance shooting one into water jugs. We recovered a picture perfect mushroom in jug #7 or #8.
It's an excellent bullet.

JD338

If you're referring to to the stainless/laminated rifle in the first pic, that is the LH Rem 700 in 280 Rem. Have always been a fan of the LSS rifle . Love the way it looks with the gunmetal gray scope!
Again, hoping to be shooting better the next time out to the range with this rifle, as I know that it can put 3 of those Federal 140 gr AccuBond into 1/2" groups, and hope to see improvement with the 150 gr Partition ammo too!

I have been very impressed with the Terminal Ascent ammo in the 6.5 CM for accuracy and on-game performance so far, and am hoping for similar performance with it in the 300 WSM. While it may not be getting the 3000 fps that Brinky72 is getting, at 2814 fps, this bullet is still retaining 2046 ft lbs of energy at 500 yards, and is down 40.1" when zeroed at 200 yards. That not only makes it fully capable for elk at that range, but still legal for bison here in BC at that range (min. 175 gr bullet retaining 2,000 ft lbs at the animal)!
Since I wasn't producing the usual 1/2" groups with my handload yesterday, I think the issue was with the shooter and not the rifle or loads.
Will try again on another day and see if groups improve with the Terminal Ascent ammo.
I do feel good that I can still ring the mid sized steel plates out to 400 yards, and the steel pig target someone set out at 500 yards with both the handload and the Terminal Ascent ammo!

 

[JD338]

My bad Gil, I was referring to your LH Rem 700 in 280 Rem with the gun metal Leupold scope. Very nice!!!

JD338

 

[Blkram]

No worries...seeing how it is written, it would be easy to mix up.

I have 3 of these gunmetal gray scopes...they go very well on stainless and tungsten cerakoted rifles!

 

[KinleyWater]

Love that gray laminate 280. That is just pretty.

 

[Brinky72]

If you're referring to to the stainless/laminated rifle in the first pic, that is the LH Rem 700 in 280 Rem. Have always been a fan of the LSS rifle . Love the way it looks with the gunmetal gray scope!
Again, hoping to be shooting better the next time out to the range with this rifle, as I know that it can put 3 of those Federal 140 gr AccuBond into 1/2" groups, and hope to see improvement with the 150 gr Partition ammo too!

I have been very impressed with the Terminal Ascent ammo in the 6.5 CM for accuracy and on-game performance so far, and am hoping for similar performance with it in the 300 WSM. While it may not be getting the 3000 fps that Brinky72 is getting, at 2814 fps, this bullet is still retaining 2046 ft lbs of energy at 500 yards, and is down 40.1" when zeroed at 200 yards. That not only makes it fully capable for elk at that range, but still legal for bison here in BC at that range (min. 175 gr bullet retaining 2,000 ft lbs at the animal)!
Since I wasn't producing the usual 1/2" groups with my handload yesterday, I think the issue was with the shooter and not the rifle or loads.
Will try again on another day and see if groups improve with the Terminal Ascent ammo.
I do feel good that I can still ring the mid sized steel plates out to 400 yards, and the steel pig target someone set out at 500 yards with both the handload and the Terminal Ascent ammo!

I’m pretty happy with the Terminal Ascent. Groups are well under MOA and my chrony averages were 2978 fps at 10 feet from the muzzle. That’s was a load with RL 26 and that wasn’t max. After JD338 and I jugged one it measured.701” and weighed 175 grains. That ends a lot of arguments. I can’t think of a better hunting bullet for anything I’d hunt with a 300 mag of any stripe.

 

[Blkram]

I wish I could provide some info on recovered Terminal Ascent bullets taken from game harvested with the 130 gr bullet in the 6.5 CM...but each bullet has completely penetrated the animal, regardless of size and range from 43 to 296 yards. But as each anima expired in its tracks, or within a few short yards from where shot, I cannot complain about its performance! I am very happy with the Terminal Ascent bullets so far!
We'll see if I take something with the 300 WSM if I recover a bullet or not.

I should have stated that I set my Chrony up 12' from the muzzle when collecting my data.

 

[cloverleaf]

Those are some handsome rifles! Always liked the old Rugers in "Gunmetal Gray". Scope looks good too. Would like to see a pic of the 250. Cant remember for sure what the 88's looked like. Glad you had a good range day! Thats always fun, CL

 

[Blkram]

I wish I could provide some info on recovered Terminal Ascent bullets taken from game harvested with the 130 gr bullet in the 6.5 CM...but each bullet has completely penetrated the animal, regardless of size and range from 43 to 296 yards. But as each anima expired in its tracks, or within a few short yards from where shot, I cannot complain about its performance! I am very happy with the Terminal Ascent bullets so far!
We'll see if I take something with the 300 WSM if I recover a bullet or not.

I should have stated that I set my Chrony up 12' from the muzzle when collecting my data.

Are handloaders south of the border having a relatively easy time sourcing the Terminal Ascent bullets as components?
Would like to learn of a source for the 6.5 130 gr, .277 136 gr, 7mm 155 and 170 gr bullets!
And any successful recipes for the 6.5 PRC, 270 WSM, 280 Rem, and/or 7MM STW.

 

[1100 Remington Man]

I like that .280 Rem setup.

 

[gerry]

So, along with the Win Model 88 250 Savage and new LH Browning X Bolt in 6.5 PRC, I took the 280 Rem, 300 WSM and 338 Federal out to the range today to check on velocities, groups with factory ammo, in old trusted loads and new offerings that needed testing.
The first up was the LH Rem 700 280 Rem:
View attachment 21166
I had picked up a VX-3 3.5-10x40 B&C scope in Gunmetal Gray and mounted it on this rifle, replacing a VX-111 3.5-10x40 duplex matte scope.
Tested the following ammo:
1) Federal Premium 140 gr AccuBond ammo (previously used in this rifle to date) 2883 fps ES 78.8 SD 33.2 0.919" group (previously produced 0.5" groups);
2) Nosler 140 gr AccuBond ammo, 2797 fps ES 50.13 SD 28.58 1.362" group; and
3) Federal Premium 150 gr Partition 2804 fps ES 18.85 SD 8.0 1.165" group.
Rifle now zeroed for the 150 gr Partition ammo (will be working up loads with 150 gr AccuBonds and Ballistic Tips).
Also rang the steel out to 500 yards with this load. Again very gratifying!

Next up was the LH Rem 700 in 300 WSM.
View attachment 21167
I had also picked up a VX-3 3.5-10x40 B&C scope to replace the Vari-X III duplex scope.
I re-sighted the rifle in with my handloaded 180 gr AccuBond load that shoots sub .5" groups consistently at 2978 fps.
I also tried the new Federal 200 gr Terminal Ascent ammo in this rifle: 2814fps ES 54.1 SD 28.53 with a 1.334" group.
Might not be as accurate, but I want to try this bullet on game, so sighted it in, and proceeded to ring the steel out to 500 yards.
No problems hitting all the targets consistently.
This was my first custom rifle and has always shot very well.
I have taken wolf, black bear, moose and elk with this rifle over the years.

The I finished off with my LK Sako 85 Finnlight II inn 338 Federal.
View attachment 21168
I had picked up a VX-6HD 2-12x42 w/ illuminated B&C reticle and had zeroed it with the Federal blue box 200 gr UniCor ammo;
1) 2587 fps ES 7.19 ES 3.46 with a group of .737".
Consistent;y rang the steel plate at 400 yards with this ammo.
I will be working up a load with the 200 gr AccuBond for this rifle.
(Waiting on my 30mm low rings to be Cerakoted in tungsten to match bases and action finish - so using medium rings for moment)
I also tried:
2) Federal 180 gr AccuBond - but could not get the chrony to get a reading on several rounds - the rifle does not care for this load with a group of 2.764".
3) Federal 210 gr Partition; 2473 fps ES 3.03 SD 1.41 with a group of 1.898".

Really liking this scope too! Again, bright and clear!

You better hide that 280 if I visit you Gil

The other two are very nice too!

 

[EOD Diver]

Those are some really nice rigs you have there! It’s great to hear how well the Terminal Ascent is working out for you. I hope we can get some results posted up in the bullet test section in the near future!
V/R,
Joe

 

[Blkram]

Those are some handsome rifles! Always liked the old Rugers in "Gunmetal Gray". Scope looks good too. Would like to see a pic of the 250. Cant remember for sure what the 88's looked like. Glad you had a good range day! Thats always fun, CL

CL, Sorry it took a bit to reply w/ pic...my internet was down for a couple of weeks and just got fixed.

 

[cloverleaf]

Nice! Those seem like such a "classic" hunters rifle to me. Kinda all business and handy w/o being "ugly". Cours' Im partial to wood stocks. CL

 

[Blkram]

Made it out to the range today with 6 rifles.
Tested 15 different factory loads in those rifles, using my new Garmin chronograph. (So simple to use!)
Was a little later than I planned by the time I got to the range, so I shot until last light.
Was +6 when I got there, and +2 by the time I was done. Winds were 5-10 mph.

First up was my new to me LH CZ 527 American in 204 Ruger w/ 22" barrel - with a Leupold VX -3 4.5-14x40 LR Varmint Reticle:
Looks like this rifle is going to b e a shooter, although the velocities were quite a bit slower than anticipated:

1. Hornady 40 gr V-Max @ 3558 fps produced 0.616" group @ 100 yards'
2. Nosler 40 gr Ballistic Tip @ 3271 fps produced 0.672" group @ 100 yards;
3. Remington 32 gr Accu Tip @ 3667 fps produced 0.701" group @ 100 yards; and
4. Winchester 32 gr Polymer Tip Rapid Expanding produced 0.886" @ 100 yards.

Going to have to get the trigger adjusted; lots of creep, that stages part way through the creep. A crisper trigger and the groups could definitely get better.
@ 3228 fps produced
Next was my new to me Ruger No.1S in 218 Bee w./26" barrel and a gloss Leupold VX-II 3-9x40 AO Duplex:
Winchester 46 gr JHP @ 2736 fps produces 0.982" group @ 100 yards.

Then I shot my new to me Ruger No.1A in 257 Roberts w/ 22" barrel and a gloss Leupold VX-III 3.5-10 x40 Duplex:

1. Nosler 110 gr @ 2830 fps produced 0.768"group @ 100 yards; and
2. Federal 120 gr Partition @ 2602 fps produced 1.393" @ 100 yards. (The first two were almost touching, so the last shot could have been me.) And the SD was 1.7; need to try this ammo again.

The trigger on this rifle is set very light (2-2 1/2 lbs), will adjust to my normal setting of 3 lbs as on all my other rifles.

Up next was my LH Browning X Bolt Hunter 6.5 PRC with a couple more factory loads I picked up:

1. Barnes 127 gr LRX @ 2964 fps produced 1.510" group @ 100 yards; and
2. Norma 140 gr Whitetail @ 2743 produced 0.800" group @ 100 yards. (First two were touching, so last shot could have been me; will try this one again)

Then I shot my new to me LH Browning X Bolt All Weather in 270 WSM and Leupold VX-3 3.5-10x40 B&C Gunmetal Gray:

1. Federal blue box 130 gr Power Shock @ 3228 fps produced 1.472" @ 100 yards;
2. Federal 140 gr Trophy Bonded Tip @ 3073 fps produced 0.549" group @ 100 yards; and
3. Nosler 140 gr AccuBond @ 3133 fps produced 0.565" group @ 100 yards.

Really like how this rifle is performing!

And lastly, I shot my LH Sako 85 Finnlight II 338 Federal that I remounted the Leupold VX-6HD 2-12x42 Illum B&C with Tungsten Cerakoted 30mm low Optiloc rings to match rifle and bases, lowering the scope, and re-sighted with:

1. Federal blue box 200 gr Uni-Cor @ 2648 fps produced 0.654" group @ 100 yards; and then shot
2. Federal 200 gr Trophy Bonded Tip @ 2595 fps produced 1.683" group @ 100 yards.

May go back out tomorrow to try the following ammo:

1. Federal 200 gr Trophy Copper; and
2. Federal 185 gr TSX.

Didn't get to try my new to me NIB Winchester 94 Saddle Ring Carbine in 25-35 Win. Will test with open sights and the Hornady 110 gr FTX ammo on next outing.

I'll have to take some photos of the rifles I haven't yet shared pics of:

1. CZ 204
2. Ruger No.1 218 Bee
3. Ruger No.1 257 Roberts
4. Win 94 25-35

 

[RL338]

Sounds like you were busy. Looks like the 204 is quite the winner