Hey guys~I think this question could be suitable for a couple of forums on here maybe...but having just skimmed through the PR one for the last 15 minutes, I'll drop it here!
I've only be reloading for a little under a year, but I REALLY love doing it...and the results have been excellent. I reload for 2 x .223 rifles, an XCR semi with 1:9" twist, and a Savage Precision 10 Carbine that also has a 1:9". My reading suggests that a fast twist like this should favor heavier bullets, but using Varget only (so far) I've found the opposite to be true. In both rifles, I've thoroughly worked-up loads ranging from 53gr. up to 69gr. and after a couple extra range trips to confirm/refine, the Savage shoots 53gr. Hornady V-Max the best, the XCR 55gr. V-Max. Anything heavier than 55gr in either rifle (including 2 x 60gr. options) and it was impossible to keep the groups in an inch..let alone, smaller. I know semis are a different animal, so lets leave the XCR out of this for now.
@ 100 yards, the Savage shoots a 5 shot, 1 ragged hole (.375") group if I do my part, using the 53gr. V-Max. That's plenty accurate for the varmint hunting I do with it, but there are heavier bullet options I'd like to see working. Is there a chance that the powder isn't pushing the heavier stuff fast enough? I guess it's my digging into the XCR results that has me thinking. I've asked the question in a number of places re: that rifle and among the replies were people questioning how I was making the action even cycle using such a "slow powder" as Varget. That rifle cycles fine, even at it's lowest gas setting, using varget...but the action of the gun doesn't like nice, soft plastic bullet points. So, I guess, figuring-out how to make something heavier shoot well for one rifle might help me with both.
I'm prepared to try a couple other powders, just looking for some input/recommendations I guess. I've had more than one person suggest the 69gr. SMK's, but the results out of both guns is not really inspiring. I'd love to get away from the ballistic tips for the XCR, but the bullet varieties on my bench are growing...but the same 2 bullets are always the winners.
Hope this rambling post makes some sense. Look forward to any/all input.
I've only be reloading for a little under a year, but I REALLY love doing it...and the results have been excellent. I reload for 2 x .223 rifles, an XCR semi with 1:9" twist, and a Savage Precision 10 Carbine that also has a 1:9". My reading suggests that a fast twist like this should favor heavier bullets, but using Varget only (so far) I've found the opposite to be true. In both rifles, I've thoroughly worked-up loads ranging from 53gr. up to 69gr. and after a couple extra range trips to confirm/refine, the Savage shoots 53gr. Hornady V-Max the best, the XCR 55gr. V-Max. Anything heavier than 55gr in either rifle (including 2 x 60gr. options) and it was impossible to keep the groups in an inch..let alone, smaller. I know semis are a different animal, so lets leave the XCR out of this for now.
@ 100 yards, the Savage shoots a 5 shot, 1 ragged hole (.375") group if I do my part, using the 53gr. V-Max. That's plenty accurate for the varmint hunting I do with it, but there are heavier bullet options I'd like to see working. Is there a chance that the powder isn't pushing the heavier stuff fast enough? I guess it's my digging into the XCR results that has me thinking. I've asked the question in a number of places re: that rifle and among the replies were people questioning how I was making the action even cycle using such a "slow powder" as Varget. That rifle cycles fine, even at it's lowest gas setting, using varget...but the action of the gun doesn't like nice, soft plastic bullet points. So, I guess, figuring-out how to make something heavier shoot well for one rifle might help me with both.
I'm prepared to try a couple other powders, just looking for some input/recommendations I guess. I've had more than one person suggest the 69gr. SMK's, but the results out of both guns is not really inspiring. I'd love to get away from the ballistic tips for the XCR, but the bullet varieties on my bench are growing...but the same 2 bullets are always the winners.
Hope this rambling post makes some sense. Look forward to any/all input.
