DrMike
Ballistician
- Nov 8, 2006
- 37,039
- 5,350
At the range yesterday, I also did some work with my .358 Hawkeye. I was focused on 200 grain bullets. It was my first chance to work with Hornady 200 grain FTX bullets. My first efforts were not exciting at all. Previously, I had worked up several loads in one of my .356s, but all the groups were 2.5 inches or more, so I backed off, pleased that I have some excellent loads with the 220 grain Speer FN and the 250 grain Kodiak FN for that rifle. However, I was left with three boxes of the 200 grain FTX bullets. So, I worked up several loads for my Hawkeye. The first groups were less than stellar. However, as the day progressed, I found some loads that show promise and will merit further exploration.
One load that shows great promise uses IMR3031 to yield a maximum velocity of 2610 +/- 19 fps. At a lower charge weight, the group was ~1/2 inch, and velocity was 2561. I'll be working up more of this load to verify the results.
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I also had a couple of good results with A2495 and the 200 grain FTX at good velocities with the rifle.
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One load that bears closer examination used a 200 grain Sierra RN and TAC. The velocity was ~2700 fps, which would do a fine job on deer and black bear.
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Currently, I'm carrying around a load of 200 grain Barnes TSX and H335, which gives a velocity of ~2500 fps and sub MOA groups. There are other options, I'm seeing here.
Nosler, a 200 grain AB would sure be a welcome addition to your line-up of fine bullets. I've had good groups with 225 grain PT, but velocities are a bit low, and so I'm gravitating toward the 200 grain bullet for this rifle.
One load that shows great promise uses IMR3031 to yield a maximum velocity of 2610 +/- 19 fps. At a lower charge weight, the group was ~1/2 inch, and velocity was 2561. I'll be working up more of this load to verify the results.
I also had a couple of good results with A2495 and the 200 grain FTX at good velocities with the rifle.
One load that bears closer examination used a 200 grain Sierra RN and TAC. The velocity was ~2700 fps, which would do a fine job on deer and black bear.
Currently, I'm carrying around a load of 200 grain Barnes TSX and H335, which gives a velocity of ~2500 fps and sub MOA groups. There are other options, I'm seeing here.
Nosler, a 200 grain AB would sure be a welcome addition to your line-up of fine bullets. I've had good groups with 225 grain PT, but velocities are a bit low, and so I'm gravitating toward the 200 grain bullet for this rifle.
