308 Norma Mags....Ready for hunting!

[Eagleye]

I took 4 rifles to the range yesterday to make sure they are ready for the upcoming season.
1. Remington 700 BDL in 7mm Remington Express [280 Remington]
2. Parker Hale M81 Classic in 308 Norma Magnum [This is #1]
3. Parker Hale M81 Classic in 308 Norma Magnum [This is #2]
4. Husqvarna 1640 Rechambered to 308 Norma Magnum

My 7mm Express, shot exactly as it did last fall....sub Moa with both the 140 and the 150 Partition, chased by Norma MRP
Groups at 300 meters averaged 2.25" The 140 AB shot 1 moa, with a good load of IMR 7828. [140's flirting with 3000 fps, 150's at c. 2900]

My #1 PH prefers the 200 Partition to any other bullet, but comes close with the 200 AB. Unfortunately, the two bullets make
groups about 3" apart at 100M. Nevertheless, the 200 Partition, chased by 78 grains of Reloder 25 shot right at ½ moa right out to 300M
These loads graph 2890 fps with the Partition, 2905 with the AB.

My #2 PH loves practically any 180 grain bullet. [and, strange as it may seem, the 130 TTSX] I load it with the 180 Accubond and
75.5 grains of Norma MRP. 3110 fps avg, and 3/4 moa consistently.

The Husqvarna is relatively new to me, so is still in development. After yesterday's shooting, I took it apart and did some trigger work.
Original trigger pull was at 6.5# and had a bit of creep. [It is now a crisp 3.5# (and safe)] so that may improve the groups some.

I was shooting 2 loads. The 180 Partition and 74.7 grains of old H4831, and the 180 Accubond and 75.5 grains of IMR 7828.
Best groups were in the 1.25moa area, some were up to 1.5 moa. Huntable, but I think it will do better. [Both loads just over 3000 fps]

All in all, a very satisfying range session. Dave.

 

[medvedqc]

someone is ready ...

 

[Why not?]

Dave, load some Re 22 behind some 180s in that Husqvarna, and watch those groups shrink!

Ted

 

[Brno8x57]

I thought you had abandoned all other rifles for a sporterized Ross MkIII 303 British.

 

[Eagleye]

Dave, load some Re 22 behind some 180s, and watch those groups shrink!

Ted

I will try that, Ted.......Still have Norma MRP here as well.

 

[Eagleye]

I thought you had abandoned all other rifles for a sporterized Ross MkIII 303 British.

I had that Ross rebarrelled, as you may recollect. It shoots so well, I am thoroughly satisfied with it. But When Elk hunting,
I need a bit more persuasion. Where I hunt, a 400 yard shot is entirely conceivable. But deer or moose....look out!! lol. Dave.

 

[kamlooky]

I'd sure like to see a photo of you packing awll them four kritters while owt hunting.
Dang, need to go to the range and sight in a bunch here also.
Kinda got side tracked the last bit.

 

[Why not?]

I will try that, Ted.......Still have Norma MRP here as well.

Just edited my post to indicate in that Husqvarna.
Ted

 

[Brno8x57]

I had that Ross rebarrelled, as you may recollect. It shoots so well, I am thoroughly satisfied with it. But When Elk hunting,
I need a bit more persuasion. Where I hunt, a 400 yard shot is entirely conceivable. But deer or moose....look out!! lol. Dave.

Your Ross deserves days in the field. Too nice to leave in the gun cabinet or relegate to range duty only. But I do hear you. More punch at longer range,the 308 Norma will shine.
Good luck with your hunting. Nice to see good rifles properly sighted in and ready for action.

 

[Eagleye]

Your Ross deserves days in the field. Too nice to leave in the gun cabinet or relegate to range duty only. But I do hear you. More punch at longer range,the 308 Norma will shine.
Good luck with your hunting. Nice to see good rifles properly sighted in and ready for action.

Thanks!! You may be certain that my Ross will be going hunting this fall. D.

 

[Eagleye]

Dave, load some Re 22 behind some 180s in that Husqvarna, and watch those groups shrink!

Ted

Ted; This Husqvarna obviously likes Reloder 22!! I took your suggestion to heart, and loaded up a few rounds to try [180 Partition, 7x.x grains of Reloder 22].
I shot two consecutive, three shot groups at 100 that are both under ¾ moa. One is under ½ moa.
Did a couple of minor adjustments, shot a group at 200 that is just 1¾" I think this one is ready as well. Incidentally, my 'graph says 3085 fps avg.

Thanks again for the "head's up" Dave.

 

[Why not?]

Great report, Dave.

When I had it, that load got well over 3000fps, and would put a magazine full into less than five inches at 300 meters. Sounds like it is still hummin' along.

The 1:12 twist is not a deficit at all. I shot 200 gr spitzers and 220 gr round nose in it with similar accuracy.

Good luck hunting!
Ted

 

[mbogo3]

I have a FN mauser Browning Safari in .308NM and it has the 1-12 twist as well. Shoots the 150-180gr bullets just fine. Light bullet preferred IMR 4350 and the other H-4831 or identical loads in RE#19........Harold