.284 Load Development

[FTRinTexas]

After watching some videos, I wanted to pull out the new .284 F-Open rifle that was completed in early January but never did load development due to matches getting cancelled. I started with the ogive measurement using the Hornady OAL gauge and modified case. Decided to start the process with a jump of 15/1000. The range distance was 200 yards using H4350, Norma brass, BR-2 primers and Berger’s 184 bullets. I won’t list the powder weight. Used the Labradar with trigger attachment. All tests were with 5 shots. I listed the velocity, ES & SD for each group. What group appears the best selection to move with the tuner adjustment phase?

Thanks to F-Class John & Erik Cortina for great youtube instruction videos.

 

[F Class John]

Here's the quick evaluation...

1) I'm guessing your powder charges were from about 49.8 up to 51 judging by my experience doing similar tests
2) I'm also guessing you're shooting a 30-31" barrel based on the bullet and the speeds compared to my past results with the 184s.
3) I put a chart below to show you where your flat spot (node) is, but I would typically want to search for the next node down if I was using 184s AND using a 30-31" barrel
4) If I was getting ES numbers in those ranges I work to improve my brass prep to get my ES numbers down (at least down to teens or single digit on five shot groups) so that I get the most accurate flat spot (node) possible
5) I don't worry about seating depth during the powder test phase (but I do usually put them at .015 to start just because)
6) Once I have my node, I would do a depth test (typically from .009 to .033 in .003 increments) at 100yds to identify the best jump.
7) Now I can go do a tuner test (again at 100yds)
8) Once I've done the above steps I'd load some rounds and go have some fun....

 

[std7mag]

Don't want to sound like a smart a$$.
But what powder charge were you using on your r/h fouler target?
Guessing the low shot was your first one.
But then almost perfectly horizontal. As in barely any vertical deviation at all.

If it were me, i'd explore that powder charge somemore and play with seating depth.

 

[FTRinTexas]

The r/h fouler target was using Lapua brass@ 51.0 from where all the other shoots were with Norma brass. Target loads were from 50.20 to 51.00g

 

[Drolds72]

Is it possible you have the SD and the ES labeled backwards? If so, those numbers aren’t bad.

 

[FTRinTexas]

Drolds72 - Thanks for that catch. SD & ES are reversed.

 

[Willow]

I don't mind your first group, I'd see what the tuner can do for that grouping.

 

[std7mag]

So???
How did things play out for you?