6PPC

[Webphut]

I went through all the targets I have shot using different loads using different powders with 70 grn Nosler ballis tic tip bullets. I noticed all my most accurate 5 shot groups for each particular powder, all are loads which seam to fall between 2930 and 2980 FPS. The groups open up with any higher or lower FPS.

My rifle is a Sako AI 6PPC with a .262” case neck diameter. I do not have a chronograph yet, these are the numbers that came from the load data books. I do not know how accurate these numbers are too though.

Is my rifle barrel telling me that it favors this range of FPS or should I try to push my loads further into higher FPS.

I know benchrest shooters are always trying to get the most FPS out of their rifle. Is this because this is where their rifle shoots best or is it to minimize exposure time of bullet to the forces of nature for the least amount of time between barrel and target?

 

[Greyfox]

Sounds like you are at a low node. As long as you are satisfied with the accuracy I suppose that's OK. However, in competition and in plinking you will find that the faster you can get to the target with accuracy, the happier you will be. I can't comment on your current velocity as I've not used a chronograph in many years. I let the target and the brass tell me what works best. I've watched your posts and questions on benchrest central as well. My suggestion would be to get some handmade benchrest 66-68 gr bullets and give LT 32 a try. I've been using it for several years and have found it to be the most stable/accurate powder available. I too have owned the same model Sako as you and the combination worked very well. In fact, in every 6PPC I've owned in the past five years from the Sako, to Remington 700, to custom actions 28.3 grs of LT 32 with the above mentioned bullet has produced excellent accuracy without any pressure signs on my brass.

YMMV,
Rick

 

[Webphut]

Lt-32,I’ll order some and give it a try. I’m not looking forward to having to lug a chronograph to the range. How do I read my brass for when pressure is getting too high? Or, because I have a factory receiver, are there other things I need to look for before my cases show any red flags?

 

[Webphut]

I’m not ready yet for a specialty receiver like a kelby or panda for example, but when I feel my talant has matched my rifles capabilities, I will get me one, but for now, being non competitive, I am loving my Sako.

 

[INShooter]

If you are happy with the accuracy you get with your Sako then just shoot it and enjoy. If you decide to compete buy a purpose built bench rifle and then push the envelope. 3400+fps is hard on barrels and brass. I would never attempt to shoot in that range with your rifle, but that is just me.
Good Shooting

 

[Dusty Stevens]

Yes please do not use internet loads in your sako ppc-usa chambered rifle thats a recipe for disaster. It takes a custom action and tight chamber to get into the upper nodes you see so commonly listed.

 

[searcher]

I too have that same rifle and LT32 powder has proven most accurate in it - though I could never get the 70 grain bullets to shoot the way I wished. My best load in that rifle uses a Berger 62 grain number. Absolute killer combo in my Sako, despite being seated way out and lacking as much neck support as I would like.

 

[searcher]

I too have that same rifle and LT32 powder has proven most accurate in it - though I could never get the 70 grain bullets to shoot the way I wished. My best load in that rifle uses a Berger 62 grain number. Absolute killer combo in my Sako, despite being seated way out and lacking as much neck support as I would like.

 

[searcher]

Also - as said above - I'd not push that little action with the hyper loads often used in the beefier custom actions!!!

 

[Eric Leonard]

are you sure your chamber needs a .262 neck ?? I thought the PPC-USA chambers were a lot bigger than that,,

 

[South Pender]

are you sure your chamber needs a .262 neck ?? I thought the PPC-USA chambers were a lot bigger than that,,

Yes, I was going to comment on that too. I have two (original, stock) Sako A1 6 PPC rifles--(1) the single-shot varmint/bench model with the externally-adjustable target trigger, and (2) a sporter repeater version with lighter barrel. For that one, I was lucky enough to find a Canjar single-set trigger.

Both have identical chambers and they have .272" necks--so on the large side. In addition, both have long throats that require very shallow seating depth to have lighter bullets (I shoot mainly 68-grainers) able to contact the rifling on bolt closure. They shoot best with a little jam (maybe .005") into the lands.

I wish these guns had been cut with a tighter chamber and shorter leade. The chambers are on the sloppy side. I have to use the L.E. Wilson oversize 6 PPC chamber-type seater. The brass comes out of the rifle just a little too tight for the regular Wilson 6 PPC seater.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

Yes, I was going to comment on that too. I have two (original, stock) Sako A1 6 PPC rifles--(1) the single-shot varmint/bench model with the externally-adjustable target trigger, and (2) a sporter repeater version with lighter barrel. For that one, I was lucky enough to find a Canjar single-set trigger.

Both have identical chambers and they have .272" necks--so on the large side. In addition, both have long throats that require very shallow seating depth to have lighter bullets (I shoot mainly 68-grainers) able to contact the rifling on bolt closure. They shoot best with a little jam (maybe .005") into the lands.

I wish these guns had been cut with a tighter chamber and shorter leade. The chambers are on the sloppy side. I have to use the L.E. Wilson oversize 6 PPC chamber-type seater. The brass comes out of the rifle just a little too tight for the regular Wilson 6 PPC seater.

Thats because you need the 6ppc-usa dies. Your chamber isnt big its just not a ppc chamber as most know. Redding makes ppc-usa dies and when people use those in a br gun they get the opposite experience. Hellacious clicks and ground down shellholders to bump shoulders.

 

[Webphut]

are you sure your chamber needs a .262 neck ?? I thought the PPC-USA chambers were a lot bigger than that,,

the only things left on this particular L461 6ppc is the stock, receiver, and bolt. I inherited it this way. I am unsure if it was my father or another owner, but it has a .262 NK., straight contour, 23 inch barrel with 1:13.5” or 14” twist. I am unable to get a more accurate twist measurement using the cleaning rod method. I just replaced the Timney trigger with a new Canjar Set Trigger. This helped a little bit.

I been trying to get the 70 grain Bullets to pan out since this is what Sako sold, but I think Im going to go by Bergers bullets twist chart and buy some of their bullets they have listed for my 13” and 14” twist rate.

I’m not happy with the five shot groups I’m getting, .375” is smallest with RL10x. I have not found any companies that recommend 68 to 69 gr bullets for my twist rate. Seams like all the recommended bullets fall in the 58 to 65 gr range. I know many shooters are using the 68 to 69 gr bullets, but I do not see any of the charts or stability calculators showing me this.

I do not see why the rifle should not be able to get .250” groups. Maybe I been shooting too nice of rifles for too long. Yep, I think I’m going to order some Berger bullets, already have a pound of LT-32 sitting on my reloading bench book shelf for them too.

62 gr Euwin BR Target 0.226 N/A N/A 1:14″ 24404

BR Column Target 0.231 N/A N/A 1:14″ 24407

65 gr WEB BR Target 0.246 N/A N/A 1:14″ 24409

 

[Dusty Stevens]

use the LT32 or N133 and stick with 65-68gr bullets from a custom maker and youll be able to get that if your setup is solid. always some BR bullets for sale on here to try.

 

[Tim Singleton]

I tell ya .250" groups aren't really all that easy to get to in a factory rifle with a Sporter style hunting stock even if it is a PPC. you are probably shouldering and griping the rifle most likely no wind flags.
I think you're doing great with your .3/8" groups have fun

 

[Webphut]

I tell ya .250" groups aren't really all that easy to get to in a factory rifle with a Sporter style hunting stock even if it is a PPC. you are probably shouldering and griping the rifle most likely no wind flags.
I think you're doing great with your .3/8" groups have fun

Yes, You are correct. Unfortunately, the range I shoot at does not allow wnd flags to be st out. I do not know why, but I been learning to use other nature based things to judge wind. Once in a while I get lucky and someone will be kind enough to share their kestrel readings with me. I am in the process, past 10 to 12 range visits, of learning/transitioning from shouldering the rifle to only trigger fingering the rifle. I do not think I am cut out for competitive br shooting, but I am always open to trying things that could shrink group sizes.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

Yes, You are correct. Unfortunately, the range I shoot at does not allow wnd flags to be st out. I do not know why, but I been learning to use other nature based things to judge wind. Once in a while I get lucky and someone will be kind enough to share their kestrel readings with me. I am in the process, past 10 to 12 range visits, of learning/transitioning from shouldering the rifle to only trigger fingering the rifle. I do not think I am cut out for competitive br shooting, but I am always open to trying things that could shrink group sizes.

so why would a range keep you from shooting to the best of your abilities? is there another range within a reasonable distance? you are going to need wind flags to be able to shoot little groups with any regularity. one of my favorite investments is a benchtop personal windflag. i stole the idea from rimfire guys. mine is made by orlando flags. you cant go by feel- the wind changes continuously.

 

[rayporter]

you can also hang a piece of ribbon under the target to see whats happening out there.

you don't have to tell them its a windflag.

 

[powderbrake]

barrel with 1:13.5” or 14” twist. I am unable to get a more accurate twist measurement using the cleaning rod method. I just replaced the Timney trigger with a new Canjar Set Trigger. This helped a little bit.

I been trying to get the 70 grain Bullets to pan out since this is what Sako sold, but I think Im going to go by Bergers bullets twist chart and buy some of their bullets they have listed for my 13” and 14” twist rate.

I’m not happy with the five shot groups I’m getting, .375” is smallest with RL10x. I have not found any companies that recommend 68 to 69 gr bullets for my twist rate. Seams like all the recommended bullets fall in the 58 to 65 gr range. I know many shooters are using the 68 to 69 gr bullets, but I do not see any of the charts or stability calculators showing me this.

The benchrest guys tend to be on the slower end of the twist rates, they believe there is greater accuracy and less torque effect. Your barrel twist is right in there with the BR guys, go ahead and try some 68 or 69 grain bullets.

 

[Webphut]

The range is not accessible by the shooters. The range employees do the target changes so once in a while one of them does not mind stapling a flag on the target frame for me. Most of them are like "you want me to do what?"...lol. The range I shoot at is mostly used by AR platform fans. Every once in a while I will notice someone else is actually shooting for precision.

I will give the 68 -69 grn bullets a try, but I think first, I am going to give the three posted above a whirl.