Range results 325 WSM with pics

[onlybrowning]

I shot my 325 WSM Browning A bolt Stainless Stalker today at the range. Wind was calm, and temp about 10 degrees Farhenheit. This thing kicks hard off a bench! Anyway, the group isn't that great, but it is a good load as I think I pulled one shot a bit. No other shots in the test batches landed in the spot of the pulled one. In fact, if I used the ladder method, I would have had all of the loads shooting together. It was very consistent.

I started at 63.0 gr of H4350 all seated at 2.840" OAL with a 215 GMM Fed primer, and a 180 grain Nosler Ballistic Tip
Then 64.0, 65.0, and 65.5 (listed max) The gun liked 65.0 best so far.
I hunted with 63.0 this past year due to time constraints as far as load development goes. It, too is quite accurate. This was shot with a Leupold VXIII 2.5-8X36 set on 8X at 100yds.

 

[JD338]

Looks like you are on your way. Work around the 65.0 load, I'm sure you will find the sweet spot. If the recoil is getting to you, try a Past recoil pad or even a sand bag. Once you work up a tolerance, you will do just fine.

JD338

 

[FOTIS]

Take your best load and start playing with seating depth.

 

[JungleJim]

Not bad at all for 10 degrees Fahrenheit! :shock:

I'm with JD338 If you have not done so get a PAST mag plus recoil shield for shooting off a bench it does make a difference on stouter guns.

POP also gives good advice "Take your best load and start playing with seating depth."

 

[onlybrowning]

I will try to play with the seating depth. The issue is that the magazine has to be modified to accept anything longer than the standard 2.840." I will try seating them a little shorter, and a little longer (if I can at all). How much should I alter OAL with each group?

 

[onlybrowning]

I loaded some rounds for the gun with JD and Pop's suggestions in mind. I tried 4 different loads with all the same components (including 65.0 grains of H 4350) I am certain that flinching was not an issue, and teh results do not seem to be that great. I am wondering if I should try some new powder. I am also waiting for the 200 grain Accubonds to be in stock in the 2nd's sale! I want to shoot those! Anyway, here is the results: Note: These targets have .25" squares.

 

[JD338]

onlybrowning

What is your load and COL for these targets?
The last one has me thinking.......

We need to eliminate as many variables as possible so I'm asking the following questions. Please do not take offense, just trying to help.
Was the rifle shot from a stable bench? How was it supported? Is the barrel clear from the sandbags?

*Here is a tip-
Once you have your sight picture, close your eyes and relax for a few seconds. Open your eyes and note where your cross hairs are. That is your point of impact.

Breathing technique?
What steps did you take for recoil management?

We will want to review your loads and COL's next.

JD338

 

[onlybrowning]

No offense taken at all. I was using a bench rest, and a rear bag set up.

I am shooting using using a Leupold VX III 2.5-8X36 set on 8X. The gun is a Browning A bolt Stainless stalker glass bedded, 2.5 lb trigger.

I am shooting a 180 grain Nosler Ballistic Tip bullet, 65.0 grains of H 4350, a Federal 215 GMM primer, Winchester brass, trimmed, chamferred using a VLD tool, primer pocket uniformed, full length sized, flash hole deburred, each charge weighed and measured carefully.

I am trying to eliminate all variables as well. I shot groups with the bench rest just forward of the recoil lug, no left hand used at all, breathing is steady until applying pressure, then I very very slowly let air out as I squeeze the shot off. I was very steady with each shot, and know that I had no really bad fliers.

The group I shot at 2.850", the first two shots are touching. The third went high. I do not feel that I threw that shot, at least not that much .

I understand that I am only shooting on 8X, and am used to shooting at least 24X at 50 feet for smallbore competition, but I consistently shoot good groups with my other rifle with the same scope.

 

[JD338]

onlybrowning

Great! sounds like you have good shooting technique.
The scope is fine, I have a couple of them.
Good loading methods as well, so there are no variables there.

What about cleaning the bore? Have you removed any copper fouling?

That leaves us with the load.
What COL's did you try?

Looking in RG #6, they have RL19 listed. I have had excellent accuracy with Alliant Powders in several calibers. I think I would give RL19 a try. This powder will work for both the 180 gr and 200 gr bullets.


JD338

 

[onlybrowning]

The COL's are listed on the target. I have always used Hodgdon powders so it hard to switch. I always used them because of their temperature insensitivity. I may try Reloader 19 or 22 though. It is rare for me to have trouble finding a load using Nosler Ballistic Tips, and Hodgdon powders. I guess I may have to stray though.

 

[JD338]

I hear you but I tried RL19 in my 280 Rem and shot well under MOA, same in my buddys rifle. My 338 RUM shoots all bullet weights under .5 MOA with RL22 and RL25. My 280 AI shoots 140 gr and 160 gr AB's well under .5 MOA.
My 257 Roberts shoots 110 gr AB's .6" with RL22 and my 6.5JDJ loves 120 gr BT's with RL15, again under .5".

If it were me, I'd give RL19 a try. :wink:

JD338

 

[onlybrowning]

Ok, Ok, Ok, I guess I will. Maybe I can get some tomorrow morning. :lol:

Have you guys ever heard of the website realguns.com?
He lists data for the .325 wsm, but boy is it HOT! I would be very afraid to shoot most of those loads. Has anyone used his data before? He appears to be obtaining great results, but I can't believe how much powder he is putting in the case. He is using CCI250 primers, I suspect because they are the hardest, as to not crater and rupture????

 

[Antelope_Sniper]

Those Fed 215's might be a little hot for that Hodgdons stick powder.
Try switching to cci200 primers.

 

[onlybrowning]

I have some of those. I hadn't thought of switching primers yet either. maybe that will come first, cause it might be free. If that doesn't work, then it's on to a different powder. I also have Winchester LR, Remington 9 1/2, fed 210, fed 215. Out of those, is it still the CCI 200 you would try?

 

[Antelope_Sniper]

Great!
Let us know!

 

[FOTIS]

OK, apparently that load's initial accuracy was a fluke.....happens a lot.

Fluctuating seating depth that little should NOT make that big of an accuracy difference, at least in my experience.

Evidently you stumbled on an "unstable" or "touchy" load.

 

[Greg Nolan]

onlybrowning;

I'm getting some under moa groups with my savage with a 25 in barrel with 200gr A/Bs using 61 grs of IMR 4064 CCI 250 primers and an OAL of 2.85 in. I played with the OAL and the standard 2.85 worked best. This was giving me an average vel. of 2887 fps.with a 2873 my lowest vel. and 2902 my highest vel. This load is above the posted max but I showed no pressure signs. Work your way up in your rifle for safety. With 180 gr. Nosler B/Ts 69grs. of IMR 4350 gave me a .3 in. group at 3002 fps Avg Vel. same primer and OAL and above posted max. load.
The caliber has been surprisingly accurate. Yes it does kick and yes I use a Past recoil pad on my shoulder. I'm going to use the 200gr. load on a pig hunt Mar. 10th and I will give you a report and hopefully pictures of something I got.
Good Hunting
Elkhunt :grin:

 

[onlybrowning]

Thanks guys. It seems that many people are loading above or at least at published maxes for the best accuracy. That is interesting to me, and may lead to many people who are afraid to stray a bit, not see the full potential their rifle has to offer.
ie: look at the loads this guys suggests and compare them to other manuals. Wow. http://www.realguns.com/loads/325wsm.htm

 

[JD338]

As I have mentioned in the past, always cross reference any load data with 2-3 load manuals. This will keep you safe.

JD338

 

[Antelope_Sniper]

More often then not, I find my best accuracy near, or slightly over the listed max. But, I have a tendacy to use low pressure components, so my pressures are often lower then listed. :?