257 WBY super hot bbl

[Ironworker]

I have WBY MK V with a Bartlein Rem Varmint contour bbl in 257 WBY Mag . Shooting it at our range under NV summer skies . Allowing at least 2 minutes between first 5-6 shots ,starting with a cold clean bbl a nice 3 shot 1/2 group . Next 3 shots, bbl is warm, (even after waiting between shots) group opens up 2x. Is it the nature of the cartridge,or should i glass bed the action ? It one of those stocks with full length Aluminium bedding block............ 68.5 IMR 7828 SSC Hornady 110 ELDx

 

[Tommie]

Is it the nature of the cartridge

Yes.

should i glass bed the action

Not sure what this would have to do with barrel heat.

 

[AckleymanII]

Get the copper out of the barrel.

Find a way to cool the barrel, wash rag saturated with water/rubbing alcohol works great, have liquid dripping off the bottom of the barrel.

Shoot three shot groups

Of course, bed the action

 

[Ironworker]

So far doesn't seem to collect much copper ,easy to clean . Less than 40 rounds thru this bbl. Others have advised opening up bbl channel a little more. Currently a dollar bill slides down from tip of forearm to far edge of dollar bill 7"

 

[atblis]

I'd bed it. Sometimes the Al blocks are okay, sometimes not. Bedding did wonders for a Remington 700 in a Bell Carlson stock that I have.

 

[Lefty Trigger]

More clearance around the barrel will allow for better air circulation and better cooling. Even in Ohio summers I run a chamber chiller between rounds. What kind of stock is it? I use some Choate stocks with full length aluminum bedding block and Choate says no bedding needed.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

Waiting between shots gives time for conditions to change. That said you cant shoot 5 shot groups with that rifle either

 

[Kurz]

Let's see if I've got this right.

.257 Weatherby

Summer in the Nevada desert

5-6 shots with 2 minutes to cool between groups

I shoot in two of dumbest places for heat, the Arizona desert and Southern Georgia. One is dry and hot the other is wet and hot but they are both hot. Trying to shoot one gun for testing loads is fruitless unless you use cooling devices as mentioned above. I prefer to not drench my rifles in water or alcohol to aid in cooling.

- I try to coordinate my sessions for early AM testing, obviously the coolest part of my days. So getting up at o'dark thirty is part of the price I pay to get to my test range early enough.

- I bring 5 or 6 rifles which promotes longer down times allowing the preceding rifles to cool longer. If you don't have enough rifles, bring a .22 pistol and a Ruger 10-22 for some fun between.

- I use a pop up tent for shade and bring coolers with ice for cold water if necessary. I found a couple of nice high volume battery operated fans at Home Depot.

- I have a collapsible rifle rack to keep the barrels vertical and I leave the bolts out.

Life isn't fair but when you get lemons, make lemonade!

OOPs! I forgot to add that you should try a couple of different powders:

Norma 217
Retumbo
H-1000

These three are cooler burning but fill the case and yield decent velocities.

 

[sdean]

That's a hunting cartridge. Cold bore 1/2 group, load 20 rounds and put it away. Get a different gun to play with.