Velvet Ant's Model 70

[DrMike]

Velvet Ant asked that I post this picture of his new Model 70 Featherweight 270 WSM. It is a handsome rifle and looks as if it is another shooter. He says,

*My biggest group that day was 1.3" with most groups between .7" and 1.1". Nosler 130 gr AccuBond was the only bullet I've tried so far with various powders, H4350, H4831sc, H100V, RE25 and VVN165. Does not seem
to care what powder. They all did well but will probably go with 66gr H4831sc and play with seating depth to get groups a little tighter. Not bad for it's second time out. The first was for barrel break in."

 

[257 Ackley]

Dr. Mike - Nice looking rifle....the wood in the stock has quite a bit of figure for an off-the-shelf rifle. Have you chronographed any of the loads?

 

[DrMike]

This is Velvetant's rifle. He was having trouble posting the information. I'm certain he'll shortly give us an update on velocities etc. You are correct about the figure in the wood, however. The new production for USRA out of the SC plant is worthy of gracing any gun safe. I have quite a few of these Model 70 Featherweights, including three of the newer production models. I am more than pleased with the visual appeal. Moreover, each shoots very well.

 

[JD338]

Beautiful rifle!
Looking forward to the full report.

JD338

 

[velvetant]

I'll get a full report on my next day off.
Short report:
130 gr AccuBond was the only bullet tried, started .015" off rifling.
H4350,H4831sc and H100V all gave me 3200-3300 fps with H100V at the top.
Not sure how temperature sensitive H100V is, I'll try it this winter when it drops down in the teens
RE25: don't think I could get in enough powder, pooped out at 3150 fps
VVN165: just shy of 3200 fps
Accuracy was very good with all powders but I'll try H4831sc as it's primary powder.
Next is to try different primers and play with seating depth.
I was getting 2 shots touching and 1 out in no particular order.
I do all my test loading on the range and I ran out of prepped cases so I had to call it a day.
all in all I could pick any load I shot that day, load up a bunch for hunting and never look back.
I love this rifle :grin: :grin: :grin: :grin: :grin:

A very big THANK YOU to DrMike for posting my pic

Randy

 

[DrMike]

Those new Model 70s are a joy to shoot. They do the job. I didn't ask, but is this one of the early production 2008 released models?

 

[SJB358]

Randy, that is a great looking rifle and chambered in my favorite string stretcher cartridge! That is one portable set up that looks like it is a really great shooter. Hope you get to try it out on some game this year. Mine is a lightning strike on deer sized game. Another powder to check out is MAGPRO and RL22. Both of those have given me some really great speeds with 130's and 150's. I am able to get up over 3100 with RL22 and 150gr Partitions and Ballistic Tips without issue, plus, I still have room left in the case! I don't think you could do much better than a 270WSM for most hunting. Zeroed 3" high at 100 gives you a 300 yard zero and less than a foot of drop at 400. Plus it carries great energy to the target! Good luck and get us some pictures of your groups. Hope you can get it out soon! Scotty

 

[velvetant]

The magazine floorplate is engraved with:
2008
Model70
Limited edition

 

[velvetant]

Scotty
No tags drawn this year so I'll use it on coyotes and jack rabbits for off season practice.
Hopefully next year

Randy

 

[SJB358]

Man, it is going to be fun popping them with it though, plus you will be able to get some loads really tuned up! Scotty

 

[Guy Miner]

Very nice rifle. That's a keeper through the generations.

 

[DrMike]

Randy,

You did get one of the first offerings from 2008. It looks just like mine. They used select walnut on the first year's production, and the grain on all I've seen is first rate.

Not the best photo, but a sharp looking rifle. All I've handled shoot very well, indeed.

 

[Powerstroke]

Beautiful Rifle for sure !

I haven't put many down the tube of my Vanguard 270wsm, but had phenomenal accuracy with N-165 & 130 Accubonds & Bergers.

 

[velvetant]

Went out today and played with primers and seating depth.
Primers did not effect accuracy, but did velocity which was expected.
Seating depth made a difference, the deeper I seated them the tighter it shot, 3 shot groups .4"-.7"@.050" off rifling.
Load was 66gr H4831SC and 130gr NAB
Going out next weekend to see If it repeats.
Was helping a friend with his Winchester M70 pre 64 handed down from his father so I did not have a lot of time to play with my 270WSM.
I should probably start a new thread in the reloading section with my on going process with this rifle.