257 AI finally up and running!

[wildcatter]

I been slow walking this new Varmint rig but finally got this 257 Brux Barrel broke in to my satisfaction. Been putting other activities in front of that task, but it's Spring, and thats when I put everything down to get some of the best fishing of the year in!

But yesterday with crap weather I made a full day at the range. Only shot four groups in the rain, and got them chronographed. I am going to be quite happy with this new rig, and nearly finished load development with one range sesion. I found a load I think I can easily tune, to be my main load with the 88 grain Bib HPBT. It's running just over 3700 fps at 3719 fps AV for the 5 shots, and if I can tune the one shot out of it, I'll take it. I have done nothing but shot four different loads with one powder. in fact I took the time to form the last 14 rounds of the 50 I have that I the superb 8x57 IS cases to run in this rifle.


The top load was 54.5 grains of of H4350 with Federal 215 primers loaded to .005" into the lands. The bottom target was 53.5 grains loaded the same OAL with the same primer. Both were 5 shot groups and about a 75 fps difference from the 26" barrel. The other 2 loads were duplicate loads only with standard primers. Those 2 loads were slightly larger but both had over 50 fps spreads. These two loads had spreads under 25 fps.

I'm pretty sure I can improve that 54.5 grain load, maybe even pickup the speed a little if it likes a little bit off the lands. But I will do some neck tension test with first, as well as OAL. I also could have had a little bit better group had I been using wind flags, but in the rain, this was a pretty casual test first time out with formed brass other than on time out sighting in the scope.

I have about 3 weeks maybe a month before I get serious for groundhogs, with planting just starting here around me. Plus I haven't seen any of this years pups out and about yet. I don't start till they have had time to multiply my targets,,,

I could use it tomorrow, but would like to eliminate that one flyer and maybe it already is, that could have been me. The new Sightron SIII PLR IR 8-32X56 is working great, just needs a little more range time, and I'm feeling confident it will be their. This cartridge is my favorite in 25 caliber for good reason, and the rifle makes it even more enjoyable to shoot, not to shabby for a cheap Savage Axis, and an ancient underappreciated cartridge.

 

[Bill Norris]

Looks like it wants to come together for you. Nice looking rig no doubt.

 

[357Mag]

Wildcatter -

Howdy !

Very impressive start off on your load development work, young man !
You knew what powder to try out, fer sher.

I finally had enough range time to choose between RL-23, -25, and RL-26 powder, to propel Hornady 87 “ V “-Max using my “ DEEP 6 “ wildcat.

I’m only 3wk post surgical on my RT eye ( glaucoma/ high ocular pressure ),and am still looking out through clouds of blood and “ floaters “. I managed to get 3 shots to group close while fire forming new formed brass; w/ the bullets well jammed in the rifling.
Need to do a bit more load refinement, especially seating depth.

Beans are up here in many locations & spraying done…..despite the recent wet and cold.
Just got some fields ID’d w/ area SuperFarmers, and now need to get down to business.

With regards,
357Mag

 

[Infrequent Shooter]

Did you put the barrel on yourself?

 

[wildcatter]

Did you put the barrel on yourself?

yes, easy to set up with a newly sized case. I have 5 barrels and every one are setup for the dies that load them with very tight chambers, once I size a case in my dies and use for my go gauge.

I have 3 of these actions, and everyone is trued timed and ignition tuned by Fred at Sharp Shooter Supply, and setup with his own prototype triggers, this one got his last.

 

[wildcatter]

Wildcatter -

Howdy !

Very impressive start off on your load development work, young man !
You knew what powder to try out, fer sher.

I finally had enough range time to choose between RL-23, -25, and RL-26 powder, to propel Hornady 87 “ V “-Max using my “ DEEP 6 “ wildcat.

I’m only 3wk post surgical on my RT eye ( glaucoma/ high ocular pressure ),and am still looking out through clouds of blood and “ floaters “. I managed to get 3 shots to group close while fire forming new formed brass; w/ the bullets well jammed in the rifling.
Need to do a bit more load refinement, especially seating depth.

Beans are up here in many locations & spraying done…..despite the recent wet and cold.
Just got some fields ID’d w/ area SuperFarmers, and now need to get down to business.

With regards,
357Mag

Hope that eye surgery heals and you're back to teenager sight soon,, prayers headed at you for complete results rapidly!

The powder is pretty easy, been a couple decades since my last but both H -4350 and H -4831 gave me great results one with 85 grainers the 4831 for 100's. I might already have it, that one of five might have been a piece of brass, condition, or I hate think it's possible, maybe yours truly,,,,,

 

[RGRobinett]

Hope that eye surgery heals and you're back to teenager sight soon,, prayers headed at you for complete results rapidly!

The powder is pretty easy, been a couple decades since my last but both H -4350 and H -4831 gave me great results one with 85 grainers the 4831 for 100's. I might already have it, that one of five might have been a piece of brass, condition, or I hate think it's possible, maybe yours truly,,,,,

If you want MORE VELOCITY, and have a stash, Rl-17, via .257 Ack. Imp., will provide @, or, near 200FPS more speed!! And it delivers equal/better precision . . . RG

 

[wildcatter]

If you want MORE VELOCITY, and have a stash, Rl-17, via .257 Ack. Imp., will provide @, or, near 200FPS more speed!! And it delivers equal/better precision . . . RG

I don't have Randy, and wont, to much other stock without spending money,,,, but I might need some more bullets!