.284 New Build Question.....

[338 Mollett]

I agree with Erik And Steve If the longer barrel does not shoot well you can always cut it off to change the barrel harmonics and go down the rabbit hole again

 

[DennisH]

2,925fps seems to be the node no matter what barrel you are using. I have no trouble getting these speeds with RL17 and 180's.

[br]
Not always correct. Most straight .284 shooters to whom I've spoken at national events run in the 2830-2850 range with 180 Hybrids. Most also use one of the two powders Tony mentioned, H4350 or H4831SC. Double base powders can bite very hard when you least expect it. My Shehane loads usually tune around 2940 from 32" barrels with H4831SC but one Krieger ran at 2965 with .2 grains less powder than the previous barrel. If you use a tuner, all that means little for accuracy and the focus becomes velocity extreme spread and load tolerance window.

I started off with the above two powders and almost trashed the barrel. At speeds of 2,800 fps, I was showing pressure signs and couldn't get the rifle to shoot a good group for nothing. 9 twist 30" bull barrel.

A person on this forum told me to try RL17, but chrono it often. As a last resort, I did. At 2,925 fps I noticed the difference immediately. It was easy to obtain this speed. I worked with this load and seating depth. I was excited. Off to the 600 yard range and bingo, I had my load. My ES & SD are below 5 and remain there, and speeds are consistent.

The funny thing is I had no pressure signs with RL17 at these speeds, something I don't understand to this day. The 4831SC didn't work for me, but has worked for many.

I sold the exact barrel to a person and told him after he breaks the barrel in, start with a lower charge and work up to the one I gave him. He just send a message and told me he shot a 5 shot 1" group and a 3" 5 shot group at 600 yards. He is very excited and can't wait to start shooting match's.

Every barrel is different! RL17 is doing well in several of my rifles. I mention this as many don't like this powder.

Dennis