Just a quick update on this.
Finally had a range day on Saturday. Was nice out, besides the excessive wind. That's okay, as I was going to be testing at 100m so figured it would not matter much, plus shooting my other range toys in the wind is great practice at distance and wind reading.
I started with the 10 rounds I had prepped of the 300 gr plated range fun tips, at a decent high range. Had the scope set up in a few rounds. Amazing what a properly mounted scope can do. New picatinny rail, to be able to mount the scope back far enough on the no1. My first trip with this rifle, I quickly mounted a scope I had from another rifle, but could not get it mounted back far enough, even with offset ruger rings. Was a pain, but a necessary exercise to actually see what I needed to do to mount a scope properly, and to solidify me keeping this rifle. 20 factory rounds.
I then proceeded to start my test with the barnes 290 T-EZ tips muzzle loader tips. I quickly realized I was optimistic in the loads and started on the higher end of things, and only shot 4 of the 12, with excessive pressure building. Was pushing over 2300 fps, and they were hot, so decided to not continue. I did not shoot any of the 300 gr plated rounds I also had to set those up, as they were also going to be hot. Yes, I hesitate actually listing the powder weights I am using, as these will be "HOT" in the standard bolt action or ar type semi auto actions. yes I am over all the listed book maximums, and using the 300gr data. I just looked to confirm, I am pushing the 290 gr at or above the 250 gr bullet data.
Sat evening I pulled the rounds and started my loads lower, and went with .3 gr increments. Also pulled the plated rounds and loaded up lower.
Sun afternoon was another trip out, this time with less wind. Testing went great with some potential loads figured out. Will be loading for roughly 2260 fps with the 290 gr barnes and 2165 with the 300 gr plated rounds. Remember this is with a ruger no1, so I know I can push the envelope a bit with pressures, and still be safe.
I will be watching as I near the 100 rounds down the barrel to see how things settle out, as this is a new firearm.
Will be loading a bunch for next trip out, and try another seating depth, just to rule that out as well, and set my scope to point of aim. Hoping to test out to 300m with this set up, and I think this speed will get me there with enough force for expansion.
Will be able to test the turrets on the scope, test my ballistics program, and get some more rounds through the barrel. All pluses in my books. Will set up an offset for the 300 gr plated rounds, so I can quickly adjust those when shooting at the range, and still be on point of aim. They will be shooting a little lower, so the offset will be easy to set up.
