53gn Hornady HP match. Bizarre Performance

[coleman1495]

I recently picked up a bunch of Hornady 53gn Match FB bulk bullets. First time I used them it was only at 100 yards for basic load development. Results were very respectable for the components used. I’d say an easy 3/4 moa.

Funny thing is I was trying to shoot 2-430yds with it today. I couldn’t hit a 6x8” plate at 200yds. I shot multiple good groups at 100 but 200yds was random.

My buddy tried with his MVP. He got great 100yd groups but couldn’t shoot 200.Its bizarre how these bullets behaved. 200 yards would have been easier with my 22lr.

I’m shocked it worked so poorly at 200yds.Hornady 55gn SP bullets work okay at 430yds but 53gn HP isn’t okay. It’s almost like they loose stability somewhere between 100-200 yards.

 

[todbartell]

Scope have adjustable parallax ? Windy? with a BC of .210, it will not be very forgiving downrange

 

[coleman1495]

Scope have adjustable parallax ? Windy? with a BC of .210, it will not be very forgiving downrange

Yes scope has adjustable parallax. No very calm day almost no wind. I had probably 2 foot groups at 200yds I’d need a hurricane for that much drift.
I’m going to shoot a large piece of cardboard today. I’m thinking it might be keyholing.

 

[todbartell]

That's weird! Ive shot them in a 8 twist Tikka 223 and they were shooting great out to 300 yards

 

[remington jim]

I have shot them out of my Remmy M700 22-250 24 " 1-14 Twist with 35grs H4895 - BR 2 and had GOOD accuracy at 200 and 300 yards at over 3600 fps !
Also shot WELL with 40 grs H380 too ! RJ

 

[Eagleye]

I shoot them out of my 225 Winchester, using N540, and they shoot under 1" at 200.
This barrel has a 1-14" twist. Dave.

 

[Bad Bob]

I have shot that bullet for years out of several 14 twist .223s. Always performed very well, many very nice tight groups. One of my favourites for paper punching.

 

[just having some fun]

you prob need a slower barrel twist rate to shoot the 53g


or you need to shoot heaver bullets

 

[gunrunner100]

^^^This

 

[coleman1495]

Weird I’ll have to do some more testing. I checked at 175 yards the other day and I couldn’t see any keyholing but it was hardly a definitive test. When I get a chance I’ll have to shoot some groups on a very large target at 200+.

My buddies 9 twist MVP had similar results to my 8 twist Tikka. Maybe try a couple different rifles

 

[davide montini]

The twist rate on your barrel might not be the right choice for that bullet ..
Me I have a 7 twist...can’t shoot anything below 62gr...62 and heavier ...oh so sweet