6br and slow learner

[WyoWindage]

Shot six groups at 100y today. 4 and 5 shots each. I have been testing diff powder and bullets, and today it finally sunk in that my first shot was, with all 6 groups, a flier. Groups ran from about 0.4" to 1.8". Exclude the first shot, they shrank from 40 to 50%. Although I have observed this for some time, it just didn't show up as often as it did today.
All groups were shot with a diff powder and/or bullet. I am convinced that a good rifle/barrel needs at least one shot to erase the memory of that previous combination. Anyone have pro or con on this "theory"? I will rethink my testing from now on and take this into consideration. Thanks, Ron.

 

[fdshuster]

When changing powders I always give the barrel at least a "light" cleaning (wet patch, maybe 2 or 3 strokes with a brush), and dry the bore. To switch powders without cleaning has always given me a first round flyer.

 

[expiper]

Hi windy,,,,every powder/bbl combo is different,,,I seem to see a "big" diff when going from Hodgdon to Alliant to vita vori,,,they all seem to leave a different powder/carbon trail,,,,not that one is better or worse--just different,,,,when changing powders or bullets,,,I don't clean,,,just shoot the first one as a sighter and go from there,,,,,on the contrary I had a mechanical/Unlimited gun that would go from 133 to 322 and you culdnt tell it,,,,??!!,,,,just gota try it and see,,,your gun will tell you what it likes ..Roger

 

[brxbrad]

This post is open to many opinions but I believe it would really be hard to get real results shooting 4 and 5 shot groups while changing powders and bullets and expect to find what works best. Maybe it would be more productive if you choose a powder, start with touching the lands as a base line starting low and working up .5 grains at a time. Shoot 5 shot groups until you see those groups come together and then open until pressure signs become evident. Then choose the best group. Now adjust your seating depth from touching the lands moving out .005 at a time shooting those same 5 shot groups until the smallest group is obtained. If your are not happy, do the same thing with another powder of your choice. I think you will find through a little research on this site, most use certain powders. If Varget is obtainable, I would start there . Its a stable, reliable powder and most have good luck with it with 6BR's. But remember always start low and work up, don't change primers in the middle of your testing, don't change bullets in the middle of your testing, and don't change powder in the middle of your testing. Always start with a clean barrel when new testing begins. Be as exact as possible with your measurements and remember consistency is the key to accuracy. It would be impossible to give you specific load advice without knowing bullet weight, twist rate, etc of your gun.

Here is a good place to start.....
http://forum.accurateshooter.com/index.php?topic=157788.0

 

[WyoWindage]

Here is the 6 group target. Flyer is circled and group is numbered. Group #1=8208 & Watson 68gr (the flyer to left was also the fouler); #2=8208 & Hornady 87gr; #3=RE15 & Horn 105gr; #4=Varget & Horn 87gr; #5=Varget & Horn 105gr; #6=Varget & FB 68gr.
Thanks for the tips. I have tried diff seating depths, picked what looked best and changed powder charges. I think I will stay with same powder/bullet combo from now on, and if changing, note the first shot impact. Don't have time to clean between these outings, unfortunately. My barrel is 8tw (meas at 8.5tw) and the light 68gr match bullets consistently shoot the best, at 100-200yds. Will try them at 400yds and get my scope settings for our next match. Sorry for the long post (windy is appropriate, expiper :). BTW, it was 40 deg F today. Froze my buns off. Ron.

 

[expiper]

Windy (Ron)....40* ,,brrrr,,,,its not quite that cold here in wv yet,,,,but the season has changed just like flippin a switch,,,,I have shot a 8 tiwst a lot and you are rite ,,the 62-68 gr bullets will shoot fine ,,,you are doing a lot of great testing there,,,,shooting several combos looking for something to "pucker up" ,,,,try 322 with the lil' bullets,,,Roger

 

[Steve Blair]

Windy (Ron)....40* ,,brrrr,,,,its not quite that cold here in wv yet,,,,but the season has changed just like flippin a switch

[br]
Roger, [br]
A realtor in Jackson told me that there are two seasons in Wyoming, winter and August.

 

[Nomad47]

That is correct, Steve. And it only snows once each winter - then the wind blows it back and forth across the state. ;D