2156 serria

[Michael C]

I agree with all the other guys. Uniformity is super important at long range. I believe consistency in your powder charge and neck tension is critical. I don’t neck turn, but do anneal to help with that consistency.
I chronoed my load and was was getting ES of 6-8. I do use Lapua brass (large primer) with the 47g charge and wolf large primers(no longer available). In Palma the load is important, but holding elevation and reading the wind is what makes the difference. The best load in the world won’t make a bad shot a ten. Ask me... I know!

 

[Erud]

In Palma the load is important, but holding elevation and reading the wind is what makes the difference. The best load in the world won’t make a bad shot a ten. Ask me... I know!

I agree with this 100%. A great load is obviously better than one that isn't, but I firmly believe that very few Palma matches are decided by that. The 800 yard target is the easiest in all of NRA shooting, and pretty much any load should be capable of cleaning it pretty easily. 900 is not too much tougher, as far as the target goes. By the time you get back to 1000 to shoot on a true MOA x-ring, the wind is usually up and the minor differences in loads are getting lost in the noise while wind-reading becomes much more important. I've shot the same load in the last 4 Palma barrels, and have managed some decent scores with them. It looks like I'm going to need to change a bit for my current barrel, but only because I am using different brass.

 

[watercam]

I shoot the Berger Fullbores as well as the 2156 bullets. Can not say one is better than the other besides a bit better BC with the Fullbores. Perhaps a minute less elevation difference between the two. With my 13" twist bbl I use the 2156 at elevations below 2000' and Fullbores above (according to the Berger Twist Calculator the longer Fullbores may not be completely stable...theoretically). That said, once upon a time the Fullbore boxes showed a 14" twist compatibility. Pick one and go shoot!

 

[Mr. Ten-X]

In Palma the load is important, but holding elevation and reading the wind is what makes the difference.

Pretty much what I was stating.

It isn't speed or other voo-doo once you find a combination that holds consistent elevation. It is the ability to execute perfect shots, determining THE parameter to fire your shots in (within the time constraints of the clock) and keeping your head in it for long aggs. My agg scores were mostly "acceptable" to me using that formula.

Grant

 

[Mark C]

Thanks gentlemen , I sure appreciate your advise !