Slow Barrel

[horseman2]

Having seen the term in another thread
Remington 700 .204
I wonder what other experiences are.
My 338 Winchester ran over published figures, but my 280 Remington requires about two more grains to reach published velocities.
So Is a slow barrel the cause or are over published manufacturer figures the cause?

 

[Bowie]

The inflated velocity numbers published in some loading manuals are probably from using test barrels which have minimum chamber/bore dimensions, and may have 26-28" of length. Temperature also has a bearing on pressure.

 

[gunster-old]

Many things can cause variations in velocity readings including barrels. Take the same load and fire it through three different barrels of the same length and you will get three different velocities. Loading manuals are only a guide and give you the results they obtained in their rifle with their compenents. Most manuals tell you the length of barrel they used. Your cases, the powder lot #, the bullets and the primers you use may all be different that what the manuals use and all of these can cause variations. This is why the manuals tell you to start at their suggested minimum load and work up - as safe load in one rifle may not be in another. What you have experienced with your rifles is normal and nothing to worry about.