Range Testing a Stevens in 223 with new PAC NOR barrel.

Got a chance to go test some Benchmark and was very impressed with the improved velocity. Everything about the load is the same except for the powder.



Decided to shoot over a Chronie to make sure that velocity was higher then with the H4350 loads.

I only shot two shots with loads A to C because velocity was below what I wanted. Accuracy was ok but nothing spectacular. When I shot group B, I knew that this powder would provide good accuracy but would it go fast enough?

When I got to load D, I broke through 2800fps which is my min. However, the three shot group was not all that great. Shots 3 was way off the other two. I checked the case for shot 3 and noticed the primer was completely flat. Way more so then the other cases. This case hit the trash immediately.

Group E put me in the mid 2800's with shots 1 and 3 quite close. I am getting close to the ideal load.

Groug F was the best with shot 3 dissappearing into Shot 1. The three rds are touching. Just under 3/8" C to C (at 100yds). 2880fps with very low variation.

Group G definitely showed that the pressures were too high. Velocity was into the mid 2900fps. This is a great way to also test your ideal load.

The velocities increase alot in the begining then tapers off, increasing slowly then shoots off again usually with very little powder added. All loads in that plateau is where your sweet spot is. Pick the most accurate with the lowest velocity variations. Test at longer distances and if it holds up, voila - you got your load.

Because I want to go as fast as possible, I am tweaking a bit more to push the load. I am going to retest the 24.6gr and will also test 24.7gr at 200yds.

The 24.7gr might already start to show the group opening up. If so, the 24.6gr load is too close to the edge and with increasing temps, I will have too much pressure/out of tune in the summer. 24.5gr would be ideal with a velocity around 2875/2880fps.

Yes, I am tuning the load to the tenth of a grain and yes, it will make a difference in this barrel.

Next up will be some H4895. I really want to have a muzzle velocity of 2900fps or higher and still hold that 3/8" MOA. There is little reason why the cartridge can't do it. Just don't know if the barrel will...

Jerry
 
Shooting at 200yds today showed the Benchmark load has promise. Definitely on the edge of desired pressures at 24.6gr (ambient temps are going up fast). 24.7gr was too warm.

Will back down to 24.5gr of Benchmark and test out to 800+ yds and see what I get.

Did a quick run with H4895 but accuracy was poor. Likely started too high.

Jerry
 
SUCCESS!!!

The new Benchmark load is shooting great. Every bit as accurate and consistent as the H4350 load but with way less drop. I did back down to 24.5gr and might even drop to 24.4gr in the summer. We will see.

Was able to shoot out to 1000m with good accuracy. Definitely more sensitive to wind then my 6.5's and 7's but it is useable at that range even though it is at or just past going transonic (according to the ballistics program). Very impressed.

Drop is around 36 to 37min to get to 1000m/1100yds. That compares very favorably with better 308 loads. Hopefully, this weekend we can do a side by side comparision and see how the smaller bullet handles the winds.

This rifle, load and bullet are a keeper for sure.

My new Pac nor has arrived so will start on that barrel in May.
Jerry
 
Jerry, is there a reason you havn't tried R15 or Varget?
It seems like they are the two powders I see when guys are shooting 75 to 80 gr. .223's in our area. I've got a new 1-7 twist .223 coming soon, so this inquiring mind wants to know.
 
H335 is supposed to be the ball version of H4895. I have used tons of H335 over the years. Old powder tech but does work.

A bit dirtier then the newer stuff and very sensitive to temp. You will have to adjust your load a tenth or two every 5C of ambient temp change to keep in tune. To me, that is a royal pain especially when I have a toasty load.

Really screws with your drop tables if you go from summer loading to winter hunting. Velocity loss can be substantial too.

If you don't mind adjusting your load, no problem, as good as many other powders. For me, I am just too picky to bother anymore.

I have switched over to Hodgdon extruded powders as they are quite temp stable, clean burning and handle elevated pressures very well (actually prefer it).

If I was setting up for large volume plinking/varminting, I would definitely give the ball powders are look as they meter very very well and the ammo will be consumed in one season. H335 through a progressive is perfect.

Jerry
 
mpwolf said:
Jerry, is there a reason you havn't tried R15 or Varget?
It seems like they are the two powders I see when guys are shooting 75 to 80 gr. .223's in our area. I've got a new 1-7 twist .223 coming soon, so this inquiring mind wants to know.
Click to expand...

Are you talking about the new 10 Predator/Hunter? if so, it is a single shot & for me thats sucks..

10-Predator.jpg
 
mike, no time to test. Getting ready for this weekend.

Hodgdon lists H4895 as a slower powder then Benchmark but initial testing showed similar or FASTER burn rate. Not sure if I will gain anything over the Benchmark in this Stevens but it might work better in the 7 twist w/80grs.

That testing will not occur for a few weeks at the earliest.

Jerry
 
Don't mean to hijack... For those asking about Varget, I use it in my 12FV with good results. Same bullets as Jerry, the 75 grain Amax's and 25 grains of Varget is very accurate for me, the velocity is in the 2950 fps range out of the 26" barrel.

Troutseeker
 
had a hoot at the LR shoot last weekend. Shot very well. Limiting factor was me shooting prone off a bipod.

Shot Jamie's postal match number 2 and did ok with it even in a gusty crosswind. The load works consistently.

My Pac Nor has arrived so will put that on and test that set up.

Don't think I will bother testing the H4895. The Benchmark is working so well that I will leave it here for this Stevens barrel. Might try with the Pac Nor depending on how it behaves with the 80gr Amax.

Jerry
 
Airborn_69 said:
Are you talking about the new 10 Predator/Hunter? if so, it is a single shot & for me thats sucks..

10-Predator.jpg
Click to expand...


it is not a single shot, it has a 5 round capacity, blind magazine top feed
 
New Pac Nor is here and installed

As I mentioned recently, I ordered a Pac Nor 7 twist in 223 for this rifle. The goal was to make a tactical type rifle for the Chilliwack shoot in June. Can't go...Bummer.

The barrel is here and installed. 27" long, 1" no taper, recessed target crown, chrome moly steel. Polygonal rifling - supposed to allow for increased velocity due to lower drag/engraving/better bullet seal. The goal is to get the 80gr Amax to 3000fps or faster accurately of course.

A quick check on the chamber shows that the brass used in the Stevens will fit no problem. After firing, the brass will likely not fit back into the Stevens.

The throat is very short, short enough that the 80gr Amax almost engraves when seated to fit in the mag. The Stevens throat was much longer.

This barrel is going to see ALOT of shooting before wearing out.

Will be nice for mag feeding but I think I might loose a bit of velocity because of this. I have loaded some sample loads with Benchmark and will see how it goes.

At what I feel will be max, the powder is still not compressed (using Varget would be compressed for sure) so am excited that I can get velocity and hopefully accuracy to boot. I can still put in another grain if this is not too hot.

I got a FV stock off a CGN member and it is now bedded to this new barreled action ready to go. Hopefully, will get out tomorrow and see how it shoots.

Stay tuned.

Jerry
 
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