Range Day 2012 05 31

DrMike

Ballistician
Nov 8, 2006
37,515
6,550
Another day at the range. I took a number of my rifles to use up some old ammunition prior to the fall hunting season. I'll work up loads during the summer for each of these. However, the 7mm RM was shooting quite well with some old 160 grain Fail Safe loads. I only had seven rounds left, and I popped them off. The 7WSM shot a really good set with 160 grain Sierra HPBT bullets, which I never used afield in this particular rifle. The .358 is still dead on with the 200 grain TSX, as was the .280 with a variety of loads (139 grain Hornady InterLock, 140 grain BST and 150 grain Scirocco).

I also took a 338 RUM for load development. I previously showed some pictures of this handsome rifle.

P5150322.jpg


P5150324.jpg


P5150323.jpg


It shot two sets of loads quite well. It isn't even broken in, yet. So, the loads will only improve.

With Retumbo, the groups were adequate and the velocities were up to ~2950.

P6010348.jpg


With Magnum, the rifle began to shine.

P6010347.jpg


I'll work up a set with the final load of Magnum and another series charged with VN570 to check for accuracy and velocity. Hopefully, I'll have this at the range on Saturday to complete work with this particular rifle.

It was a fairly hectic day as there were several people asking for help on various issues presenting themselves. I had a newer shooter pushing himself with considerable success to targets posted at 300 yards. That was gratifying. I had a long-time shooter who didn't know how to perform break-in on his new 7RM (Kreiger barrel, and it shot very well indeed). I managed to get him squared away and on his way with a big smile on his face. Then, there were the long-time friends that had other questions that fall into areas of expertise that are some years behind me. In all, a gratifying and productive day.
 
The brake on this one is very effective. Whilst the muzzle has a bit of jump, the recoil is not bad at all. With a full charge, I consider it comparable to a 300 WBY.
 
Either would have performed well, I suspect. However, I had limited time, so I focused on the powders stated in the post. Were it my rifle, undoubtedly I would try several other slower powders. I also have to keep in mind what is readily available to the owner. Frequently, I have powders available, and when I check those particular powders are not available here in Canada. For instance, I used Magnum, and after I did the work up, I was informed that it is not available in Canada due to a change in burn rate and thus a difference in governmental permission. After some hurried phone calls, we were informed that it will again be available for general use within one week, so I was cleared to continue. Wow! Governments. Generally, I'm safe with Hodgdon powders, and IMR and Winchester powders which are marketed by Hodgdon. At the moment, we wouldn't be able to buy a pound of RL22, so I'm careful in working up loads, despite the possibility that it will be available again by the end of this present month. This appears to be primarily due to transportation charges. There is one carrier cleared to transport powders into Canada, and they don't want to do so until they have a major order from the mines, especially the diamond mines situated in the NWT.
 
I like H1000, and I use quite a bit of it. I opted for the two powders I chose because they were listed by Barnes as giving the best accuracy with that particular bullet. Indeed, they gave me very small SDs as I approached maximum charges. If I have more time on the next one (and there is one being built now) I will likely take a hard look at other powders, including H1000 and RL25.
 
Very nice day Mike. That brake on that thing must be extremely loud?? Do you wear soft plugs under muffs when you shoot it?
David
 
Yes, David, I wear plugs (29 DRR) and muffs (25 DRR). Combined, I suspect that I obtain at least 31 DRR by using both, which helps immensely in concentration. I maintain the plugs at all times when shooting, just in case someone touches off a round and fails to notify me, or in case someone on one of the other ranges is shooting.
 
Great post Mike! Some great shooting and always luv the pics.
I wear double protection as well.

Thanks Mike
 
Great day Mike! That 338 RUM looks like it is ready for work! Seems like Magnum worked well enough in it. Those RMR's are pretty nicely built. I can see why folks are waiting in long lines to get them build. Be nice to visit them someday.
 
I worked up loads for a 270 WBY and this 338 RUM yesterday. I'll make it a day at the range shortly to test a couple of loads and to refine the Magnum load for the RUM.
 
Back
Top