Help me interpret the results..

[Bamapse]

I got some .223 loading done today and did some shooting and I think I am on the right track but wanted to checkin with you guys here to verify. I loaded 3 different charges with 52gr. SMK's and H335. My loads were 25.5gr.- 26.2gr.- 26.9gr and here is a picture. It looks to me like the last 26.9gr load starting to merge out of the node a bit. With my other two loads, they were hitting in the some spot and I think my next step is to load a couple new charges between 25.5 and 26.2grs. I have my bullets jumped .010 off the lands which is where I have found other SMK's to shoot best, or at least around there so that is where I started. Here is a picture of the target with the labeled loads. Thanks for any/ all advice. The gun was my Savage model 12FV with B&C medalist, steel pillar bedded, polished trigger with .040 spring pulling at about 2lbs and vortex viper 6.5-20x50mm glass.

 

[itchyTF]

If you follow the thread below, you might get some pointers. I think a .7gr spread is too much for a .223. You might end up missing a node. You'll get more data points by reducing the increment.

http://forum.accurateshooter.com/index.php?topic=3814361.0

 

[Bamapse]

Got it! I have read that thread several times so thats what I am basing my adjustments from here on. Might go back and load some in between the .7gr jumps. Thanks!

 

[stool]

use 1/100 of case volume for a step...so .3 tends to be the best.....
two of your groups still show vertical which is not good.
the third shows horizontal...did you use wind flags ???

i would start over with a simple string of ten shots in .3 increments..
start low and go maybe one step over what you think is the top.
you may not shoot it based on how the 8/9 shots primers look like....

 

[Shynloco]

Bamapse,
This probably isn't what you are looking for, but I load for a Savage Model 12 VLP .223 and tried H335 as well. The results were marginal, but then a friend told me to try some BLC-2. I tested with Sierra 52 HPBT's, Sierra 53FB's and Berger 53 FB's and man did the groups come together. Bottom line, I know Sierra shows H335 as their "Accuracy Load." But in my Savage H335 didn't perform nearly as well as BLC-2 (a bit more powder need than with H335) does which is now my go to powder in that .223 bolt gun. Info only.

Alex

 

[Bamapse]

It definitely helps, I have had a couple guys say they found some some accuracy with the H335 in their 12FV's and Varget was the a close second in consistency. Who make BLC-2? Never even heard of it to be honest with you. Might try to play with some in between loads and then if its a no go, might switch it up on powder

 

[itchyTF]

Hodgdon supplies BL-C(2).

 

[Bamapse]

I loaded some more charges and the groups tighened up a bit more. I loaded 25.7 (Bottom right 1.376"), 25.8(Top left .461"), 25.9(Bottom right .402"), 26.0(Top Right.447") grs. of H335. Best groups came out of 25.8, 25.9 and 26.0gr. I screwed up and adjusted my scope after the 25.7 and 25.9 loads and so I don't have an accurate POI for the 25.8 and 26.0 loads. I think I am going to load some more 25.9 and retest there and then? What do you guys think of the groups from the above loads? I also had flyer on the 25.9 load and then one shot was after I adjusted the scope hence the 3 shots in a nice tight touching line and then 2 odd balls.

 

[itchyTF]

Don't change the scope settings between shots or strings. I believe the focus of Erik's thread is to find 2 or 3 successive loads that are close to the same vertical position on the target, not so much the group size. I believe he addresses group size with seating depth after the node is found.

 

[Bamapse]

Don't change the scope settings between shots or strings. I believe the focus of Erik's thread is to find 2 or 3 successive loads that are close to the same vertical position on the target, not so much the group size. I believe he addresses group size with seating depth after the node is found.

Notice in my last post how I said "I screwed up and adjusted my scope after the 25.7 and 25.9 loads and so I don't have an accurate POI for the 25.8 and 26.0 loads". Glad we are on the same page though