Range Day

[Hegland]

After all summer, I was finally able to get the place to myself and spend some time with the big game rifles.

First up was the .270 with 130 gr E-Tips. FN Model 70 Featherweight, completely stock. I did adjust the trigger but that's it. 55.0 and 56.0 grains H4831 grouped well, but at 2800 and 2870 fps respectively, I had hoped for more speed. No signs of pressure, so I think I can go a little further.

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The same bullet with 54.0 grains H100V was the tightest for that powder, but averaged 3050 fps. It measures 2" edge-to-edge but I think it's worth pursuing. I will give the barrel a good scrub and put together a few more of these as a control, then test groups tweaking powder charge and seating depth.

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And the old standby, 55.5 grains H4350 and any 130 grain Nosler lead bullet you want, giving right at 3 grand out of a 22" barrel... These happened to be the old Solid Bases.

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Next up was the .30-06 with 150 grain E-Tips. Coincidentally, 55.0 and 56.0 grains IMR 4350 grouped well, but again, lacking speed. As before, no pressure at all so I think I can go higher. I might also try a slightly quicker powder.

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Finally, I loaded up some practice rounds for the .338 and may have stumbled into a whitetail load. 180 gr AB and a mid-level charge of IMR 4350 gave just a touch under 3000 fps and single-digit SD. It was getting pretty dark out so I did not shoot for groups but will have to go back and try it again. The rifle is a Columbia M70 Sporter, also with the trigger worked over. A great rifle and it is flat out fun to shoot.

 

[DrMike]

That looks to have been a very productive day at the range. Congratulations on some fine loads. Someone should warn deer to be cautious this fall!

 

[JD338]

Hegland

Nice shooting!
The E-Tip has a long bearing surface and pressures ramp up fast. The Nosler RG #6 list 3 loads for each powder. The mid load should be considered the MAX load for E-Tips.
The E-Tip likes a lot of jump, load them .100" off the lands.

JD338

 

[SJB358]

Nice shooting. Looks like they are all shaping up to be excellent shooters! Scotty

 

[6mm Remington]

Nice work on the loads. E-Tips are incredible.
David

 

[Hegland]

Thank you guys. I have a full grain to go before I get to mid-level loads for both the H4831 in the .270 and the IMR 4350 in the '06. Hoping this will get me to the 2950-3000 range for both of them. Truthfully, I'd probably go for anything above 2900 as long as they keep grouping like this.

 

[Woodycreek]

It's not the 130 E tip but the 140 AccuBond and 100V has shot well out some 270win I loaded for.

 

[Hegland]

140 AccuBond and 100V has shot well out some 270win I loaded for.

Thanks WC. I have a box of those on deck... :grin:

 

[Elkman]

Overall your groups look very good as you say a little tweeking here and there my improve the grouping slightly.
Remember you only need so much speed, group consistency is the key along with shot placement. As I get older (not wiser) just older, I am thinking that our quest for speed is unnecessary in most cases. In many different posts I see questions from members wanting to know how to get X velocity out of a rifle cartridge combination. My first thought is why? Many variables at play here and not all have the same realtive importance.

 

[Hegland]

You are so right Elkman. And indeed I've thought about stopping right where I'm at and leaving well enough alone.

However, I figure all I'm out by trying is a few more bullets, and Nosler is most definitely a worthy cause! If I lose the tight groups, I will come right back to these loads and hunt away.