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Nosler RDF Bullets

Does anyone have multiple BCs for the 105gr 6mm RDF? So far in my testing this bullet has good potential. I just need something to start with so I don't burn my barrel collecting data
 
Does anyone have custom drag models mapped out for the 105gr 6mm yet?
I tested yesterday and see really good potential with this bullet. Seems to like moving fast as the bergers tend to open up with more than 3100 fps
 
gunmutt said:
What does shooting just 1 round of each charge tell you?
Click to expand...
Well it tells me where the nodes are and were the pressure starts.. i do the ladder before i do OCW.. that way, i can concentrate on the nodal zone. No reason to shoot 3 shot groups from the git go trying to find that node and pressure.. i usually only use no more than a total of 30 bullets to find that working load..
 
Anybody else having issues getting these things to shoot consistently? I'm having a hell of a hard time getting the 140 RDF's to shoot consistent groups out of a 1:8 twist 6.5 creedmoor.

It'll stack bullets in the same hole for a few rounds, and then all of a sudden produce 1-2 fliers in that same group. My rifles love 140 AMAX's, perhaps this isn't the bullet for my current rifle.

In the mean time, I am swapping to Berger 140 hybrids. Initial load testing looks more promising with the Bergers.
 
kthomas said:
Anybody else having issues getting these things to shoot consistently? I'm having a hell of a hard time getting the 140 RDF's to shoot consistent groups out of a 1:8 twist 6.5 creedmoor.

It'll stack bullets in the same hole for a few rounds, and then all of a sudden produce 1-2 fliers in that same group. My rifles love 140 AMAX's, perhaps this isn't the bullet for my current rifle.

In the mean time, I am swapping to Berger 140 hybrids. Initial load testing looks more promising with the Bergers.
Click to expand...
In my experience, the RDFs like to be seated some distance from the lands. I'm not sure how you've loaded them, but try jumping the 6.5 140s between .020" and .040". I've had very consistent and perfectly acceptable results with the 6.5, 6mm and .224 RDFs; I have not yet tried the .308s, but I'm going to soon. They're not Bergers in terms of performance but the price screams 'Try me!'. I use them to bang steel and for local matches but I wouldn't feel severely handicapped with the 6.5s under any circumstances. My .260 AI barrels like them just fine.
 
JLT said:
In my experience, the RDFs like to be seated some distance from the lands. I'm not sure how you've loaded them, but try jumping the 6.5 140s between .020" and .040". I've had very consistent and perfectly acceptable results with the 6.5, 6mm and .224 RDFs; I have not yet tried the .308s, but I'm going to soon. They're not Bergers in terms of performance but the price screams 'Try me!'. I use them to bang steel and for local matches but I wouldn't feel severely handicapped with the 6.5s under any circumstances. My .260 AI barrels like them just fine.
Click to expand...

Right now I have them jumped 0.04". That was the clear winner when I did load development - 3 shots in one ragged hole - probably best 3 shot group I have shot in my life, so it got me excited. Come to found out, a bit too excited.

That's what I've learned about these bullets. They can produce the odd tiny 3 shot group from time to time, but the consistency is just not there to produce a solid 5-shot group (or even 2-3 shot group at times). Way too many unexplained fliers. A 0.15 MOA 3-shot group will easily open up to a 1+ MOA 5-shot group. Meanwhile, other 140 grain bullets will consistently produce 0.25 - 0.50 MOA groups.

I mostly shoot steel and the odd PRS or club match from time to time, so extreme precision is not my ultimate goal. But the lack of consistency at this level is a bit disheartening, and quite honestly, it's hard to have faith in your system when your rifle can barely throw together a 1 MOA 5-shot group.
 
They just popped up late last week on Nosler's Pro-Shop with the 85s and 130s on sale as blemished. Other than the BC's and bullet length on their website, I haven't seen much out there about them. Possibly something they'll show at the Shot show. Their ammo page for RDF shows the 85s in a 22 Nosler with a 8 twist barrel.

https://www.nosler.com/rdf-bullet/

I personally like their RDF bullets. Overdue updates on some of their Sierra clones. Priced competitively as well.

(I'm wanting a 30 Cal 155 RDF)
 
kthomas said:
Anybody else having issues getting these things to shoot consistently? I'm having a hell of a hard time getting the 140 RDF's to shoot consistent groups out of a 1:8 twist 6.5 creedmoor.

It'll stack bullets in the same hole for a few rounds, and then all of a sudden produce 1-2 fliers in that same group. My rifles love 140 AMAX's, perhaps this isn't the bullet for my current rifle.

In the mean time, I am swapping to Berger 140 hybrids. Initial load testing looks more promising with the Bergers.
Click to expand...

I got the same results as you.

I did a lot of very careful testing with the RDF's and although they look real sexy and are priced right, I couldn't get them to shoot with the consistency of the Berger 140 Hybrids out of my 6.5 Creedmoor. For now I'll be sticking with Berger for F-class competition at 600 yards.
 
The 105" in a 6XC were explosive on Prairie Dogs under 400yd's and were pass through at 624. But accurate to PD,MOA.
H
 
Mozella said:
I got the same results as you.

I did a lot of very careful testing with the RDF's and although they look real sexy and are priced right, I couldn't get them to shoot with the consistency of the Berger 140 Hybrids out of my 6.5 Creedmoor. For now I'll be sticking with Berger for F-class competition at 600 yards.
Click to expand...

Got a mate who has played around with them a bit in a 6.5x47 lapua and has had the same issues also. Unexplained flyers with them, suggesting bullet consistency issues. He neck turns and anneals and is very pedantic with his reloading. No such issues with Bergers, 130s or 140s.
 
To clarify, did all who had accuracy problems use blemished (factory seconds) bullets? I know blemished bullets are only supposed to be appearance, but if your box is from different dies or lots that would explain the flyers.
 
michaelbz said:
To clarify, did all who had accuracy problems use blemished (factory seconds) bullets? I know blemished bullets are only supposed to be appearance, but if your box is from different dies or lots that would explain the flyers.
Click to expand...

Negative. Mine were not blemished. The 100% good to go version.
 
It seems to be a very common complaint. I've heard from multiple people at matches, and my gunsmith has stated that he is hearing a lot of complaints about the RDF's from his other customers as well.
 
Nosler needs to stick to making varmint and hunting bullets as their "competition" attempts just don't cut it.
 
From my own testing of Nosler RDF bullets, I have came to opinion to believe in some scenario's they are in need of faster twist rate barrels, then may other bullets in there weight class. While longer and sleeker bullet design does increase BC, hence: reducing drag factor, it also effects bullet stability, hence: the need of faster twist rates and/or increased velocity for stability.
Donovan
 
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