DrMike
Ballistician
- Nov 8, 2006
- 37,671
- 7,015
I spent the afternoon at the range working with some loads for the 35 Whelen and the .280 Remington. The loads for the Whelen are showing a lot of promise, but the accuracy just wasn't quite what I'm used to seeing. For instance, velocity with the 280 grain Swift A-Frame was 2398 +/- 8 fps. Across the spectrum of charges tested, however, the accuracy was about 2 MOA. Because the ballistic data is so good, I'll likely rework this load and play with seating depth. Likewise, velocities with the 225 grain Partition were 2616 +/- 6 fps (ReLoder 17) and 2672 +/- 11 fps (IMR4064). Accuracy hovered in the 1.5 MOA range. Again, these loads will be reexamined and tested at differing OALs. I have some loads worked up to test with 280 grain Swift A-Frames and with 225 grain Sierra Game Kings which will be tested shortly. On the whole, an instructive and productive day with the Whelen.
On the other hand, the .280 Remington is continuing to please me with some excellent velocities and reasonable accuracy. To refresh your memory, this is the Remington I'm working with.
This rifle has shot well from the first. Today was no different. I'm trying to focus on one load for moose, black bear, elk, caribou, deer, etc. I'm having some difficulty making a decision, however. With a 139 grain GMX and WXR, I'm getting some excellent results. Across the spectrum of charges, I'm getting sub-MOA accuracy and velocities ranging up to 3158 +/- 8 fps. I would be comfortable shooting this load at about any game I might encounter.
One hundred forty grain E-Tips and RL17 yielded slightly lower velocities (3039 +/- 9 fps), but equally good accuracy.
And 140 grain E-Tips and RL22 gave good accuracy and somewhat reduced velocities (to 2907 +/- 23 fps). I would still be quite comfortable with this load in my rifle on opening day.
I have some 140 grain ABs loaded and ready to test, and I'll likely review some of the results from this afternoon's work-up. It was a good day for shooting. The temperature hovered at 28C all afternoon and there was no breeze. The ranges are full as everyone is trying to get their rifles sighted in. Noah and I managed to secure the one hundred yard house and keep it to ourselves all afternoon, so it wasn't bad. We'll give this another go shortly.
On the other hand, the .280 Remington is continuing to please me with some excellent velocities and reasonable accuracy. To refresh your memory, this is the Remington I'm working with.
This rifle has shot well from the first. Today was no different. I'm trying to focus on one load for moose, black bear, elk, caribou, deer, etc. I'm having some difficulty making a decision, however. With a 139 grain GMX and WXR, I'm getting some excellent results. Across the spectrum of charges, I'm getting sub-MOA accuracy and velocities ranging up to 3158 +/- 8 fps. I would be comfortable shooting this load at about any game I might encounter.
One hundred forty grain E-Tips and RL17 yielded slightly lower velocities (3039 +/- 9 fps), but equally good accuracy.
And 140 grain E-Tips and RL22 gave good accuracy and somewhat reduced velocities (to 2907 +/- 23 fps). I would still be quite comfortable with this load in my rifle on opening day.
I have some 140 grain ABs loaded and ready to test, and I'll likely review some of the results from this afternoon's work-up. It was a good day for shooting. The temperature hovered at 28C all afternoon and there was no breeze. The ranges are full as everyone is trying to get their rifles sighted in. Noah and I managed to secure the one hundred yard house and keep it to ourselves all afternoon, so it wasn't bad. We'll give this another go shortly.
