105 Nosler RDF Dasher Test

[Longtrain]

I took out my Dasher today to give the 105 Noser RDF's a preliminary try. This test was just a, "let's see" what they may be able to do. Certainly, load variations and other seating depths can be tried and may prove to be more accurate. Maybe this information will provide some assistance if you chose to try these bullets.
My standard load, which is very accurate, consists of Berger 108's, 32.5 grs. of N203B over Tula 556M primers, jumping them .025. I used the same load for the Nosler's and jumped them .005, .010, .020, .030 and .040. I don't like loading into the lands, so I specifically avoided that configuration.
This was all shot at 100 yards in fairly calm conditions. All loads grouped 5 shots under 1 MOA, averaging under 3/4 MOA, as the jump increased the groups got smaller. .030 jump groups ran about .400, the .040 jump group was less then 1/4 MOA.
More testing is needed, this was just a start, will move out to 300 and 600 with the .040 jump and irons to see how they perform.

 

[Longtrain]

600 yard testing with irons went very well, several consistent center X's and 10's. Fired 24 rounds of the .040 jump, very pleased, good conditions. Will take them out to 1K soon.

 

[Terry]

6Br Savage test at 600.

 

[cmillard]

try jamming!! in my 6BR, all bullets that I have tested to date have absolutely loved being jammed .015 ITL. 107 sierras, 87 berger vld, berger 105 hunting vld, berger 105 hybrids. all loved it.

 

[Longtrain]

In practice for a 1K match in early September, I brought 10 105 RDF's along with my previously loaded 108 Berger's (standard match load). Using the Strelok App on my phone, it showed 1K comeups for the 108 Berger's at 23 1/4 MOA and the 105 RDF's at 21 3/4 MOA a difference of 1.5 MOA or 15 inches at 1K.

So, after zeroing the RDF's at 1K and getting fairly repeatable center X shots, I loaded the Berger's and fired 3 rounds. All shots were laterally centered but generally around the 6 o'clock area of the 9 ring and one a bit higher in the 9 ring. The distance from the center X on an LR target down through the 9 ring to the 8 ring is 15 inches.

So, this test isn't perfect, but I seems to confirm that RDF's are about a bit less then 1.5 MOA flatter then the Berger's. Also, the App and this small test confirms that the RDF will shoot flatter then the Berger's. But, the Berger's are sooo accurate, I used them in the match and took 1st Master. Next year more time and testing for the RDF's, if they can save me more wind at 1K and be as accurate as the Berger's, it's a no brainer to shoot matches with them.

 

[Terry]

Group size?

 

[1lnbrdg]

I haven't shot any of the RDF's but all of the other Nosler bullets that I've shot liked to jump, .040" or more to get the best out of them.

 

[Deleted old_dood]

.040 worked the best for me also.

 

[Longtrain]

Group size?

Surely group size is important in determining accuracy but, I was shooting for score using sling and irons. I usually will test the basic accuracy of a load at 200-300 yards with a scope. If it shoots well enough there (less then 1/2 MOA), I'll move it out to 600 yards and if possible 1K to see what it can do, hoping for a fairly no wind day to get a realistic read on the accuracy. At 600 or 1K, a missed little breeze can push you so easily into the 9 or 8 ring. Hats off the the Bench Resters that shoot little groups at 1K.

Shooting with irons, if I can shoot a 20 round string for record better then 195-12X, I'm pretty pleased with my performance and the accuracy. My hold with irons is X ring and a bit of the 10 ring, sometimes I hammer the X ring, sometimes not so much, but I have fun and love it.

Knowing my ability and limitations, my benchmark of 195-12X, confirms a pretty good load and hold for a Senior shooter. I know that I lose more points to wind then an end of string tired hold, so if RDF's stay in the 10 ring for me, I'll be pleased.

 

[Terry]

Happy for you!

My best to you!

 

[TAJ45]

[QUOTE="Longtrain:

So, after zeroing the RDF's at 1K and getting fairly repeatable center X shots, I loaded the Berger's and fired 3 rounds. All shots were laterally centered but generally around the 6 o'clock area of the 9 ring and one a bit higher in the 9 ring. The distance from the center X on an LR target down through the 9 ring to the 8 ring is 15 inches.

So, this test isn't perfect, but I seems to confirm that RDF's are about a bit less then 1.5 MOA flatter then the Berger's. Also, the App and this small test confirms that the RDF will shoot flatter then the Berger's. End Quote.

No mention of velocity readings -raising my question:
How would barrel harmonics play into the group placement?

 

[Longtrain]

Didn't mention it, but these loads give me 3050 fps out of a 30" barrel. Harmonics, I have heard of it, but how it plays into my accuracy...no clue, maybe bench resters can chime in on that issue. I'm just laying on my gut, with a coat, sling, iron sights on a rifle trying to put rounds in the middle, anywhere from 300 to 1000 yards.

Not to criticize shooters that cover every nuance of ballistics, I find that my equipment performs and at a higher level the more I shoot. A certain level of equipment will pretty much provide you the potential of high accuracy, the human ability factor is a variable that is undefined by each shooter.