300WM 212 ELD-X Ladder test , interesting. I'm not skilled anymore!

Kelly Timoffee

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So , first test round with new projectile.

Using 7828(red) and Retumbo(black).

Quite interesting to see the node and patterns just from two powders.



Definitely some good but also kind of a bit unnerving as well seeing those node separations.
 
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That was a ladder load? If so how many grains difference between each round? Not sure that I’m reading it right but was it 1 grain difference per round?
 




I also typically go in much finer increments but as this is going to be a hunting only beater rifle I was hoping to find some something quick and easy to use.

The 74 and 75gr loads(7828) were highly compressed and likely hit a pressure spike , aside from that the speeds were somewhat linear for just taking single readings, 72 was also a mystery.The Retumbo had a slightly narrower velocity spread.

I'm not sure which way I'd go yet.
 
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Well , picked a few loads to try some 3 shot groups(100 yards) and see if anything would be of promise, either I really suck or or I gotta change something.

Yes , I am pushing limits here and not doing things the optimum way but something should click somewhere.

I have my COAL at 3.500" so that I can fit into the magazine but I will lose my capacity as a repeater if I go much longer.

I could go to 2.525 ish and still have 25 though clearance but it's getting tight.

There were two other groups of Retumbo of 80.5 and 81.0 which echoed the group size here.

The first 4 groups are IMR7828.Adjusted the scope after the first load of 71.8 to stay in the center of the paper, so there is no confusion as to where the big movement came from.



The Retumbo IMO is slightly tighter and more consistent over all but hardly worthy of settling on at this point.

The RT loads start to be compressed around 78.5-79.The 7828 Is almost there at 72-73.

Should I play with seating depth a bit ?

Say F it and treat as a single shot?

Start with from zero with different components?

I have not yet determined COAL in relation to the lands yet as I was going to initially try stay within the capacities of the box magazine.

Velocities were where I expected.

The last two Retumbo loads.

 
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An experienced shooter and gunsmith once told me that the rifle will tell you what it likes, not the other way around. I've never had great success with 7828 either. What twist is your barrel? I had better success in my 300 win mag hunting (thin barrel) rifle with lighter weight bullets 150-180gr range. You may find the same.
 
Have a Ruger MK11 in 300wm. Would group good with bullets set close to lands but would not fit magazine. Tried some 180 TSX set to mag length and bingo all good.
 
I'm kind of gearing this gun/load for a specific application so I am really wanna get these heavier projectiles to work.

Nothing against Barnes but................I don't like using mono metal projectiles and they wouldn't be the best fit in this case anyway.

Hopefully can can get the Retumbo to dial in if I fiddle around more.
 
An experienced shooter and gunsmith once told me that the rifle will tell you what it likes, not the other way around. I've never had great success with 7828 either. What twist is your barrel? I had better success in my 300 win mag hunting (thin barrel) rifle with lighter weight bullets 150-180gr range. You may find the same.

Yep, could be twist or powder/bullet combo.
What is the barrel length? Are you near an OBT node?
 
Yep, could be twist or powder/bullet combo.
What is the barrel length? Are you near an OBT node?

26" , 1 in 10" , the twist rate is fine , I don't use the OBT model, I just use a simple ladder test on paper finding nodes by eye and go from there.Typically works without issue.Just pushing it by not using ideal COAL , like I stated, I may have to go to a single shot and seat deeper.
 
Well, it's 3.645" to the lands.

So I am basically giving them 0.145" jump, no good.

I am going to get them a bit closer , well considerably closer and I bet my woes are left behind.

Next issue will be opening up the magazine and maybe a re-contour to the ramp to accept a longer cartridge.

Thoughts?
 
.145 jump to lands is not your problem. I load the 212ELDx and am a hundred thou further off than you are and they shoot good
 
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