Trigger time after long wait

[joelkdouglas]

Gents,

Finally got my rifle back (will update rifle section also with pics). Here's how she did at the range today:

All rounds were 2.735 inches from base to ogive, all 180 grain Nosler Partition.

I loaded up 57.5, 58.0, 58.5, and 59.0 grains of Ramshot Hunter, to begin load development. 57.5 and 58.5 were worse than these. All rounds with Lapua brass, CCI Large Rifle Magnum primers.

58.0 group:
View attachment 58.0 RH.jpg

59.0 group:
View attachment 59.0 RH.jpg

If I throw out what could be a flyer in the 58.0 group, it's the obvious winner. I didn't call a flyer, but there is the "nut behind the trigger" thing.

Where do I go from here? I was thinking keep seating depth next?

 

[DrMike]

Frankly, your 59.0 grain group isn't bad. Playing with seating depth is likely the way to go.

 

[Guy Miner]

I really like that three-shot cloverleaf with the 58 grain charge...

Roughly 58 - 59 grains of Ramshot Hunter and a good 180 should do real well.

Check your technique. Try 'em again. Then maybe start messing with the seating depth. With a hunting rifle & ammo, I'd keep the bullets off the lands though.

 

[DrMike]

With a hunting rifle & ammo, I'd keep the bullets off the lands though.

+1

Excellent advice, Guy.

 

[SJB358]

I am with the others. Split the difference on the charges (.3gr's) and see if anything falls out, then mess with seating depth. I think your pretty close to being done already! Jeeze, not a lot of fun with a shooter rifle!

 

[joelkdouglas]

I should have posted the "between" group as well.

Here's the 58.5 grain group, 1.57 inches.

View attachment IMG_0805.JPG

So, 58.0 = 1.7 inches
58.5 = 1.57 inches
59.0 = 1.26 inches

I guess I could do another day with powder variance, and keep going to see group sizes keep shrinking? 60.0 grains is the Ramshot max, and I don't like going above max unless there's a darn good reason. 58.0 grains is the Nosler max.

 

[FOTIS]

You're starting off good. I see a lot of potential. I for one would limit myself to 3 shot groups to allow cooling.
If that really bothers you do 2 three shot groups.

 

[CatskillCrawler]

Your 58.5gr group looks like my groups when I don't do my job. Not trying to be a jerk, just saying that looks like trigger squeeze issues or shoulder placement inconsistency. With a new/different rifle it wouldn't be out of the norm. Please don't take that personally, it's just a result I see all too often with my shooting. The 59.0gr group shows a little horizontal stringing too. I think you're closer than you think.

The rifle looks great too! I saw it in the Rifles board. Nice selection of components. I think you're going to be very pleased with your new rifle.

BTW - I can send you some 180gr BTs and SGKs for break-in/accuracy potential studies out of your new barrel. It pains me to see you sending PTs down that rough, gravely barrel.

 

[joelkdouglas]

Your 58.5gr group looks like my groups when I don't do my job. Not trying to be a jerk, just saying that looks like trigger squeeze issues or shoulder placement inconsistency. With a new/different rifle it wouldn't be out of the norm. Please don't take that personally, it's just a result I see all too often with my shooting. The 59.0gr group shows a little horizontal stringing too. I think you're closer than you think.

The rifle looks great too! I saw it in the Rifles board. Nice selection of components. I think you're going to be very pleased with your new rifle.

BTW - I can send you some 180gr BTs and SGKs for break-in/accuracy potential studies out of your new barrel. It pains me to see you sending PTs down that rough, gravely barrel.

No worries on my end, I'm nearly always open to suggestions. As a matter of fact, my left hand was never comfortable at the range today. Not my trigger hand, but uncomfortable nonetheless.

I have both BTs and SMKs also. And Accubonds, and (blah) TTSXs. And some Hornady interlocks. A beauty of only having one rifle is components are all common.

So you think the 58.5 group shows the most promise? Or did I misunderstand?

 

[CatskillCrawler]

I think I would follow Scotty's suggestion and run something like 57.9, 58.2 58.5, 58.8 and 59.1gr and see if you have anything that sticks out. Then start massaging your OAL +/- .010" with the two or three successive groups that show the most promise. I rarely start messing with OAL from only one session as I don't trust the nut behind the trigger that much. I try to verify results before I start thinking too hard. :lol:

I have limited experience with the 30-06 as I only use one for a back-up rifle and it was very easy to develop an excellent load with it using 165gr PTs and IMR-4064. It really does get ignored considering how well it shoots.

 

[Oldtrader3]

Depends what caliber I am shooting but I sometimes put my left hand on my right elbow under the buttstock around the rear sandbag to help steady the rifle. If it is a rifle that I have to hang onto (i.e. .340 Weatherby) put the left hand gently under the forestock and hold onto it slighly.

 

[EOD Diver]

Not sharp shooting anyone here, but I know that I had some horizontal stringing issues with my daughter's .270 before I backed out the trigger screw as much as possible to lighten it up. Even though I had a nice gentle squeeze, increasing pressure gradually, and do my best to let the shot surprise me, the groups really shrank after the trigger job. Looks like you're just about there though with that nice clover leaf, and it's hard to beat a 180 PT in 30-06. It's about as classic and effective as they come.
Joe

 

[nvbroncrider]

Not sharp shooting anyone here, but I know that I had some horizontal stringing issues with my daughter's .270 before I backed out the trigger screw as much as possible to lighten it up. Even though I had a nice gentle squeeze, increasing pressure gradually, and do my best to let the shot surprise me, the groups really shrank after the trigger job. Looks like you're just about there though with that nice clover leaf, and it's hard to beat a 180 PT in 30-06. It's about as classic and effective as they come.
Joe

It's amazing to have a great trigger you think it and the round is away!

 

[joelkdouglas]

Thanks gents!

I'll back down to 4-shot groups, so I can get 5 of them in my 20 rounds. I try and limit the -06 to 20ish rounds to save the shoulder, and then spend more trigger time with the 22lr.

Maybe some 58.0, 58.2, 58.5, 58.8, 59.0. I'll also try a deeper seating depth, just to get the bullet away from the lands a bit. It was 0.002 off this time. Who knows--I might get lucky and find a load that goes into an inch, and then move on to match bullet play.

And for the record, probably some of those groups will get better just by spending more time with this rifle again. I'll try a new position on the bench to get my left hand comfortable so I can relax and squeeze the trigger.

 

[SJB358]

Thanks gents!

I'll back down to 4-shot groups, so I can get 5 of them in my 20 rounds. I try and limit the -06 to 20ish rounds to save the shoulder, and then spend more trigger time with the 22lr.

Maybe some 58.0, 58.2, 58.5, 58.8, 59.0. I'll also try a deeper seating depth, just to get the bullet away from the lands a bit. It was 0.002 off this time. Who knows--I might get lucky and find a load that goes into an inch, and then move on to match bullet play.

And for the record, probably some of those groups will get better just by spending more time with this rifle again. I'll try a new position on the bench to get my left hand comfortable so I can relax and squeeze the trigger.

Joel, that sounds like a great plan. I would be surprised if something didn't shake out for you. I know it does take awhile to get back into the bench with a new rifle. I will say this though, that is a VERY nice rifle to get to know! Great work on it. I think you will be on top of a load pretty quick.

 

[6mm Remington]

That looks like it has some potential with that powder. Did you chronograph them Joel? I would be curious to see the consitency between shot to shot and the fps you are getting. You have lots of time, but IMR4350 and H4350 sure work well with the 30-06 in the 180 gr. and 165 gr. Maybe get some 180 Accubonds to try also??

Once you get more used to the trigger and everything, I think that in itself will help you out a great deal. It sure looks like it's made to hunt!

David

 

[joelkdouglas]

That looks like it has some potential with that powder. Did you chronograph them Joel? I would be curious to see the consitency between shot to shot and the fps you are getting. You have lots of time, but IMR4350 and H4350 sure work well with the 30-06 in the 180 gr. and 165 gr. Maybe get some 180 Accubonds to try also??

Once you get more used to the trigger and everything, I think that in itself will help you out a great deal. It sure looks like it's made to hunt!

David

Thanks David. I do have a chronograph, but I haven't used it yet. Honestly, I think I'm a little worried about shooting it. But I just need to bite the bullet, so to speak, and take the thing to the range with me.

What does the velocity variation tell you about a load?

I do have some IMR4350, and I've been wanting to get some H4350 for a while, but I haven't found it at my small shop lately. That $25 HAZMAT fee certainly detracts from powder sampling.

I do also have some Accubonds. I'll get around to trying them out too, probably next. I'm saving up for a guided elk hunt in 2014, and I will damn sure have a predictable elk load for that hunt.

 

[SJB358]

What does the velocity variation tell you about a load?

I do have some IMR4350, and I've been wanting to get some H4350 for a while, but I haven't found it at my small shop lately. That $25 HAZMAT fee certainly detracts from powder sampling.

I do also have some Accubonds. I'll get around to trying them out too, probably next. I'm saving up for a guided elk hunt in 2014, and I will damn sure have a predictable elk load for that hunt.

It will tell you the loads consistency across the board. It will also give you some great data to start prepping for the longer shots. I imagine once you get a good load for the PT's Joel, you won't be too far off from one with the AB's either.

 

[Guest]

Joel,
How good is the rest your shooting from? Is the trigger on the gun heavy or somewhat moderate to light?
The others mentioned this, pay attention to how hot you get the barrel. Shoot some three shot groups from a cold barrel, each shot. That may help.

Don

 

[joelkdouglas]

Don,

The rest is a Caldwell Rock front rest and Caldwell rear bag. I've been through various rests, and this is the one I seem to like the best thus far. I've also tried a bench-height Harris Bipod, X7 Bulls Bag, and plain sandbags. The rock front rest isn't perfect, but I don't know that I'll ever find something perfect.

The only time I had a rest I was completely comfortable with was in the field, with a hunting-height Harris bipod, looking through my scope at a muley buck, waiting for high to get up from his bed. He winded me once and got nervous (the wind was swirling a bit), but I still sat there half an hour. That was a great moment.

The trigger is a Timney, breaks around 2.5 pounds. I wouldn't want to adjust it down much lower, as at times I have on heavy-ish gloves during cold hunts.

How much time do you wait between shots to ensure your barrel is cool? I waited 5 minutes between 5-shot groups, but didn't wait any particular time between shots while shooting.

v/r
Joel