range day 7-08, .270win, and .35 whelen

[dlove]

I'm calling the 7-08 and .270 done. I'm still not impressed with any of my .35 loads. I've settled on 60.8 gr of RL 15 pushing the 200NAB at 2660. I need to run some seating depth tests to tighten up the groups a bit. I know this cartridge has a lot more potential but I can't find a combination that will go fast and hold tight groups. I playing with the idea of trading this rifle for a different brand in the same caliber.

the marlin xs7 7-08 shooting a 120gr NBT @ 3030fps. this will be my 13 yr olds white tail load.View attachment 2012-08-21_10-39-46_369.jpg




the marlin xl7 .270 shooting a 130gr NBT at 3009fps. I may or may not hunt with this one this year. I bought the 270 because I was so impressed with the 7-08.
View attachment 2012-08-21_10-38-47_798.jpg

 

[DrMike]

Those are a couple of fine loads you are presenting. I certainly agree with you that these loads will work very well, indeed. Congratulations. Your son will be carrying a great rifle and cartridge for his deer this year.

 

[FOTIS]

I agree. More than ample hunting accuracy!

 

[tecumseh]

Good shooting!

 

[sask boy]

As the guys state those are some fine loads.
It will just take a little more time tuning & you will have the 35 exactly where u want it.


Blessings,
Dan

 

[SJB358]

Man, those are some GREAT shooting rifles! That 270 and 7-08 are ready for the hunt! What a great pair of rifles.

Wished I could help you more with the Whelen. Maybe try a faster powder. Seems like RL15 is giving you fits. Let me know what you have tried and maybe we can help you refine your load. RL15 seems like it is a little slow for the 200's so maybe there is something else that'll work for you.

What is the Whelen doing? Meaning, are the groups consistent, or all over the map?

 

[dlove]

thanks for the encouraging words. not bad at all for a couple of $330 rifles.

RL15 is the only powder I have tried that will group with the 200 NAB. I thought I had a good load with 60.2 gr @ 2655fps. I loaded up a few more to recreate it and it changed. the second time I shot 60.2gr it shot at 2582fps and didn't group. I tried 60.5, 60.8, and 61.0. 61.0 shot @ 2650fps and grouped under an inch. 61.0 was starting to flatten primers. I have 18 rounds loaded at 60.8 that vary .025 in COL. if I changed the length I was loading between those 2 tests I didn't put it in my notes. I don't think I changed anything.

I have tried 200gr corlokt, 200gr interlock SP, 200 NAB, and 225 NAB.

powders:
IMR 8208 xbr = very fast in this rifle. will shoot .8" with corlokt but showing pressure signs
Varget = will shoot 1" with corlokt at max loads. will group with interlocks @ 2650fps
W748 = doesn't group with any bullet I have tried
IMR 4895 = groups with interlock at max loads @ 2636fps
RL 15= will group with any of these bullets but seems to either be really sensitive to compression or heat.

with hornady superformance factory loads I can shoot minute of deer groups @ 2889fps. it would be pretty easy to quit chasing this and just buy a box.

in one of my earlier posts DrMike told me to try something faster. he recommended IMR4064 and A2520 if I remember correctly. my normal range has been a mud pit for about a month. I haven't been able to shoot as much as usual. right now, I'm having to drive 100 miles to shoot rifles.

on the bright side, I've put about 350 rounds through this little rifle this year. the recoil is gone. I can shoot it all day.

 

[SJB358]

I wouldn't be scared of flattened primers. I don't mean smashed out ballon headed primers, but if they are just a little flat on the tops, that doesn't bother me too much. If the accuracy, velocity and case life are where you want it, I wouldn't be scared at all.

All in all, it sounds like a good load, seating depth might help, but it seems like your 61 grain load was good as is. Might be worth a reshoot and see where it lands again. Good luck with it.

 

[dlove]

I think I found my problem. between the two test days shooting 60.2 I bought a larry willis head space gauge. I moved my sizing die up to push the shoulder back .001. my cases were about .005 longer to the shoulder. that could explain the velocity differences. it never occured to me that moving the sizing die would change compression.

I'm way to quick to blame components when its usually my fault.

 

[DrMike]

That is great; it sounds as if you are well on your way to success with the Whelen.

 

[OU812]

I think I found my problem. between the two test days shooting 60.2 I bought a larry willis head space gauge. I moved my sizing die up to push the shoulder back .001. my cases were about .005 longer to the shoulder. that could explain the velocity differences. it never occured to me that moving the sizing die would change compression.

I'm way to quick to blame components when its usually my fault.

I think we all do that because it couldn't possible be me that is the issue, has to be components.
I've lost count of the times I have done that. Glad to hear you came upon something that would explain your group and speed issues.

Oh and by the way, it looks like the 270 and 7mm08 are defiantly done. Good shooting.

Bill

 

[kraky1]

Those Marlins are phenominal rifles for the price!!!!

 

[JD338]

Nice shooting! The 7mm-08 and 270 Win are ready to go.
Hope you are now back on track with the 35 Whelen. I used to load IMR 4064 with the Hornady 200 gr SP and accuracy was under MOA. If RL 15 doesn't get it, gove IMR 4064 a try.

JD338

 

[SJB358]

I think I found my problem. between the two test days shooting 60.2 I bought a larry willis head space gauge. I moved my sizing die up to push the shoulder back .001. my cases were about .005 longer to the shoulder. that could explain the velocity differences. it never occured to me that moving the sizing die would change compression.

I'm way to quick to blame components when its usually my fault.

I am glad you are figuring the Whelen out. Give me a shout with anything we/I can help with. Seems like your close though. I really like the Digital HS Gauge.

 

[dlove]

I looked at a thompson pro hunter today. $375 plus my H&R just didn't seem like a good deal for another 2 inches of barrel. I picked up up another 50 pieces of brass.

I've had suggestions of imr 3031, imr 4064, and aa2520. which one would you try next?

 

[DrMike]

Any of those powders are in the right area for burn rates. IMR4064 is an old standard that fills a narrow niche. However, that niche can be very important. A2520 is a fine powder that has worked well for me. IMR3031 has become a standard for me in the 358. Each has a place in the powder inventory of the individual shooting the 35 calibre.

 

[dlove]

dr mike, you are like yoda. =P

 

[SJB358]

Have you tried Ramshot Tac in your Whelen? Seems like that might be a good one as well.

Mike mentioned 3031, and that would also be another I think would do well in the Whelen.

 

[DrMike]

dr mike, you are like yoda.

Green? Bald? Big Ears? Chubby? :mrgreen:

 

[SJB358]

dr mike, you are like yoda.

Green? Bald? Big Ears? Chubby? :mrgreen:

Did he nail it? :lol:

Besides, Yota gets around pretty well...