when working upward in powder weights

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brybenn

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I started reloading for my 2506 recently. I started with 75gr vmax over 46 grs of Hvarget (starting listed load) this put 5 shots into 1" at 100 yards. That was good for a week but I decided to try to shrink that so I tried upping the powder charges. It goes as follows for 5 shots
46gr =1"
46.6gr=1.75"
47gr =1"
47.6gr=1"
48gr = 1"
48.6gr = 1"
No signs of any pressure issues. Is this normal?
Could it be that I can't get the 75gr vmax to group better in my gun?
I can put some factory loads into .5" on a good day
 
One significant factor in accuracy is the concentricy of the ammunition. If its real bad you can see it if you roll the case on flat surface with the bullet point towards you. Also are you using the same weight bullet as the factory? Some times a rifle will have a distinct preference for one bullet weight and sometimes one bullet manufacturer. You may need to experiment more to improve or equal the factory .5" groups.
 
OK, not knowing more, some guesses.

1. Yes, it might just be your rifle. On the other hand, you say you get much smaller groups with factory loads, so that suggests that the rifle's probably OK.

2. Consider changing bullets. A different maker/weight can sometimes produce results.

3. Back to the rifle. Have you checked the barrel for coppering? I had a .270 that all of a sudden started grouping like a Brown Bess - turned out it was that. Proper cleaning and groups dropped dramatically.

4. Maybe your rifle just doesn't like that propellant. It happens. A change in powder might do it.

5. Did you run all the groups on the same day? If the barrel started heating up and wasn't free-floating, those groups might not indicate its full potential.

All guesses - the joy of reloading.
 
I had a barrel that would not shoot Amax bullets no matter what I did. I swore off Hornady Amax for 10 years. Then I broke down and bought another box and this barrel shots them like a laser at 300m.
All barrels are different maybe your barrel just doesn't like the powder or bullet or combination of both. 1 inch groups are not that bad with a pencil thin hunting rifle.
 
What are the factory bullets? vmax? If the same bullet I would assume it doesn't like the powder you are using. Try a powder change to see or use the same bullet. Flying blind with the info supplied.
 
The factory loads are winchester cxp1 and cxp2 grey box cheap ####. Works great though. My gun shoots the 90 and 120gr bullets great

I just thought the vmax being a better bullet would group the same or better

I only have varget powder so its all I've played with

They were all shot on the same day. I let the barrel cool down after each 5 shots. I went back inside and checked the brass and reloaded another 7 rounds. I fired 2 shots off target waited 5 minutes and then fired 1 shot a minute after. I'm ok with only 1" groups I just thought I'd see more diverse grouping with a change in powder weight.

The barrel should be good as it still groups factory loads very well
 
Sometimes cheap cr*p shoots pretty well in a rifle.

If the barrel is clean and you fired cool barrels each time, then I would say change powder and/or bullets. It's amazing the difference can be - and no, there's no scientific way of predicting. Eye of newt, tail of toad...
 
brybenn said:
I started reloading for my 2506 recently. I started with 75gr vmax over 46 grs of Hvarget (starting listed load) this put 5 shots into 1" at 100 yards. That was good for a week but I decided to try to shrink that so I tried upping the powder charges. It goes as follows for 5 shots
46gr =1"
46.6gr=1.75"
47gr =1"
47.6gr=1"
48gr = 1"
48.6gr = 1"
No signs of any pressure issues. Is this normal?
Could it be that I can't get the 75gr vmax to group better in my gun?
I can put some factory loads into .5" on a good day
Click to expand...

You are still 2gr away from a max load and some folks occaisionally load beyond what the manual says. some fellows find an accuracy node every 1.5 grs or so FS
 
It is mentioned that you are not even up to max load yet. So you may find the "secret" load yet with that powder. The thing that sticks out like a sore thumb to me is you are limiting yourself to one powder. Unless you are ridiculously lucky and this is your rifles best powder, I would start exploring other powders. With every rifle I have, there is some powders that just plan won't shoot well with certain powders, but will shoot great with others. Keep experimenting, this is what makes reloading fun. (or sometimes frustrating)

BTW 75 gr bullets never shot good out of my 25-06. It like the 100-115 grain stuff.
 
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