Savage Edge not stabilizing bullets?!

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wcat

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Hi, I recently bought a Savage Edge in 223 for a coyote rifle and plinking.

I loaded 100 rounds with the following load: 24,5gr of WC-735 behind a Hornady 55gr SP(not SPSX).
This load shoots fine in my other 223, not a match load but very good for plinking.

The other day, I fired 10 shots , but it was for breaking-in the barrel, so I didn't shot at target, only into the sand bank between each cleaning, I also chrony'd some shots and got a constant 3150fps, so the load seems fine.

Then I installed my old Redfield 5-Star 3-9x40, re-cleaned the barrel and headed for the range. At the very 1st shot, the bullet hits the target sideway! (at 100y).
I was scratching my head, maybe there was solvent left in the bore I thought...
The 2nd shot, about 1 in. above the 1st one with a perfect round .224 hole, pheww.
Then the 3rd shot also hit the target sideway!
I removed the bolt and looked at the bore, all seems good.

I had looked thru the bore before, when cleaning, and didn't find anything suspicious, and the cleaning rod spins with the riflings when pushing a patch with a jag.

I decided to try a 2nd 3-shot group:
1st bullet hits ok, 2nd sideway again, then 3rd one is ok.
At that moment, rain began to pour down, so I left the range.

I'm puzzled, this rifle is supposed to have a 1:9 twist, plenty fast for the little Hornady 55gr SP, and speed is good at 3150fps.

Anyone have an idea? Thanks for your thoughts!
 
How deep are you seating the bullets? Have you checked your OAL?

Way back when I first started reloading I had the exact same problem with a 9mm pistol. Turned out I was seating the bullets way too short (deep into the case) which resulted in too much jump to the lands. The bullets would #### slightly sideways before entering the lands which causes them to wobble very seriously when the leave the barrel.
 
Hi there..

I agree with Suputin!!.. You need to get a measurement of where your lands are with regard to your OAL.

Make up a dummy round with no primer or powder just the bullet and the case.
Then take it apart using a bullet puller. ( this will loosen the neck enough so you can use this case to give a rough estimate of your distance to the lands)

Then with your press dialed back insert the bullet again so it is very long. It does help to paint the sides of the bullet with a black sharpie to give you an indication of where it is pushed to, if it does stick in the lands (which does happen sometimes).

Chamber the round.. close the bolt. This will push the bullet back into the case as the bullet comes up against the lands. Now remove bullet and measure the OAL. Do this a few times (3-5). This will tell you how far your bullets needs to be seated to be touching the lands. Your better measurements will come as the neck of the case loosens up enough. If you bullets get stuck in the lands... tap it out with your cleaning rod gently and try again...

Some people like .005 off the lands .. others like to seat into the lands.. Depends on the bullet.. I do know that my Berger 155 VLDs in my 308 like to be seated .010 into the lands..

Good luck.. Hope this solves the problem.

RDG
 
I had the same issue. Turned out that some screws were loosening up. A little blue lock-tite and now 5 rounds all touch.
 
Key holing is caused by and over size barrel or undersize bullets. Far more likely to be a bad lot of bullets. Measure a bunch of 'em.
Mind you, insufficient velocity can cause it too. Where'd you get the data? I'm not seeing 735 listed anywhere for a .223.
 
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