Best group ever

KDX

KDX

CGN Ultra frequent flyer
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I went out today to test some loads (3 rounds per load) and shot my best group ever. I'm shooting a .257 Roberts AI built on a Savage long action and a Shilen barrel (24", 1-10 twist). I fire formed my brass with H335 and then tried some H4350 and XBR with 75gr V-Max bullets seated to 2.894 OAL. The H4350 wasn't too bad but nothing spectacular, I started at 51gr and went up to 55gr in 1gr increments. No pressure signs at 55gr, but no good groups either. I then tried XBR (no barrel cleaning between powders) with a starting load of 44gr. The first group was about an inch or so (all groups shot at 115 yards) and I went up in 1gr increments to 48gr without any pressure signs. 45gr gave me my best group and they started to open up after that till I got to 48gr and it started to get smaller. I will use the 45gr load for now and play around with the hotter ones in the Spring. I was using Winchester Magnum rifle primers in these reloads. My chrony is pooched so if someone wants to run some numbers for me I would certainly appreciate it. Here's a (crappy) pic of the 45gr group. At present there are 80 rounds through this barrel. I initially cleaned it and shot 50 rounds fire forming brass then cleaned it and went out today for another 30 rounds.

3shotgroup.jpg
 
Very nice group, KDX!! Now the question is: Can it be repeated?
If you measure it at the widest point with calipers, what is the reading?
To get group size, subtract .2565" from the widest measurement. Looks plenty small to me.
If this load produces consistent groups of this type or even slightly larger, you have a winner, regardless of velocity.
Regards, Eagleye.
 
Thanks. The widest part is 0.4485" so it would be 0.1920" if that sounds right.
 
Me too. I need to reload some more ammo. I think it's the rifle though. Here's a pic of a 10 shot group with the fire forming loads.

10shotgroup.jpg
 
Very nice!

Its amazing what a budget setup can deliver.

I too had a Savage with Shilen barrel (a prefit from Mystic) a Rifle Basix SAV2 trigger and careful reloads that could deliver ragged one hole groups if I was "in the groove" that day.

My favourite was a cold February day when I had 5 rounds left in the box of 50 and decided to do one last group so I could reload the entire MTM box later. It was so cold I had gloves on but with no pressure (had done my "serious" testing earlier) I ripped off all 5 in about 15 seconds. My buddy was dumbfounded when we retrieved the target at it was one elongated hole. Many times I regret selling it.


I like the choice in 257 Roberts AI, a real shame this superb round is not more poular.
 
nice group
I sold my 257AI and right now I am in the process of building another one and you guessed it Savage long action and a Shilen barrel except a 26 incher. My last 257 AI loved H4831sc pushing 80 and 100 gr noslers. So you may want to give the H4831sc a try its one of Hodgdons extreme powders so it handles changes in temp. very well.
 
r204 said:
nice group
I sold my 257AI and right now I am in the process of building another one and you guessed it Savage long action and a Shilen barrel except a 26 incher. My last 257 AI loved H4831sc pushing 80 and 100 gr noslers. So you may want to give the H4831sc a try its one of Hodgdons extreme powders so it handles changes in temp. very well.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the info. I'm guessing this thing likes the faster powder with the 75s. I might try some Benchmark just for the heck of it this Spring. I'll probably try some 100gr pills for deer hunting next fall. Maybe I just fluked off that group and it's not repeatable and I'm back to the drawing board.
 
If its not repeatable it probably wont' be that much bigger. shoot 5 groups...take an average. Sounds like it will a fine "critter gitter" . What twist is that barrel ? The 25's seem like a lot of fun...Im looking for forward to playing with a 25-06 AI in the spring.
 
It's a 1-10 twist and according to Shilen the max is 100 grain bullets. The 25-06AI should be fun.
 
KDX said:
It's a 1-10 twist and according to Shilen the max is 100 grain bullets. The 25-06AI should be fun.
Click to expand...

Im pretty sure you can shoot heavier, 10" is quite common for a 25-06 and a lot of guys shoot 115-120gr.

I ordered a 9" twist in case I go heavy....may try the Matrix 125gr. That's as heavy as Ive seen for 25 cal bullets.
 
KDX said:
It's a 1-10 twist and according to Shilen the max is 100 grain bullets. The 25-06AI should be fun.
Click to expand...

KDX; That 1-10" twist should handle most bullets right up to the 120 grain flat based varieties.
I had a regular 257 Roberts with a 1-10" Shilen on it, and the most accurate bullet in it was the 120 Partition. It consistently shot 3-shot groups under ½moa right out past 400 yards.
I shot a 3-shot group at 300 meters with it that measured 11/16"
The 115 Partition was nearly as good.
Regret selling that rifle.
Regards, Eagleye.
 
Yesterday @ 243 yards with the fire forming loads. Slight wind left to right. Last shot was the one that went high and I have no idea why. Maybe I should look in the mirror and ponder that one.:redface:

243yardsfireformingload.jpg
 
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