Help with troubleshooting

[Ned Ludd]

A chronograph is a tool we can use during load development, nothing more. Like any other piece of equipment, it doesn't "guarantee" optimal precision. No piece of equipment can do that. However, a chronograph can facilitate the load development process. It's really that simple. Shooting groups at 100 to 200 yd is meaningless in terms of generating velocity stats. That is simply not a sufficient distance to show the effect of velocity variance on the load. In other words, you can never know how consistent the velocity is if you're just putting holes in paper at 100 yd. And in certain shooting disciplines, consistent velocity is a big deal. Many shooters don't have access to test ranges that go out to 600 or 1000 yd, so short range testing and load development is their only option. A chronograph is a simple tool to evaluate velocity. If someone doesn't want to use one, that's their choice. If someone does choose to use one, why should anyone else be worried about it? It's just a tool.

 

[JimSC]

I am sure a lot here have shot on electronic targets and seen numbers with lower velocity having POI's higher than shots with higher velocities. The first time I noticed that I thought it was the Shotmarker messing up the velocity so during my next range session I set up my chronograph and verified it. No idea if it was my hold, a wind gust, or barrel harmonics but it happens quite frequently. I saw almost no correlation between velocity and POI at 800 yards

But yeah if someone wants to burn out through half their 6 Creedmoor barrel life chasing numbers so be it. I am sure the people who make a living selling the chronographs, bullets, barrels, powder and primers don't mind.

 

[Ruger15151]

This I can not check, or at least I don't know how. I use the LEE collet die.

I would suggest you purchase some pin gauges. They are inexpensive and will accurately tell you what size your case necks are.

Vermont Gage Pin Gage, Minus, Class ZZ, 0.076in 111207600 | Zoro

Order Vermont Gage Pin Gage, Minus, Class ZZ, 0.076in, 111207600 at Zoro.com. Great prices & free shipping on orders over $50 when you sign in or sign up for an account.

www.zoro.com

Second, I would replace the Lee collet die with a good bushing die and expander mandrels. These will help you gain neck tension consistency.

 

[Ruger15151]

I may just come to agreement that this Lapua batch or Lapua in general doesn't work with my rifle.

Thanks for the detailed writeup.

Your rifle doesn't know if you are shooting Lapua brass or Starline brass.

How do you know if your spring "seems ok"? Replace it. There are about $7 from Wolff. Many of them replace the firing pin spring every time we screw on a new barrel.

There is something wrong in your reloading process and you have been given several suggestions on where the issues might be.

I hear a lot of guess that want to load for precision but describe each step in their process as "good enough". It's all the factors that add up to whether your loads shoot small groups or not.

 

[markm87]

some of us do not beat it up in use...maybe you need to review your process..ouch

We just run hot bolt gun ammo.

I did try the Palma Lapua brass, but on an equal powder charge, the velocity loss was too great. I sidelined that brass until I have the energy to develop a specifc load.

 

[Webster]

I have good reloading equipment, good tools and as far as I can tell, good reloading practice. My .308 Lapua brass fired 12 times, for some reason I can not get consistent velocities out of it. I have tried Varget, IMR4064, 175 SMK, 168 Hornady and 168 SMK with Federal 210.
The grouping is within 5/8" at 100 yards. I am happy there. The velocities may jump 40 to 50 FPS on the ES. And as far as I can remember this case has been doing this. On the other hand Starline I can get same grouping and 6-9 SD and less than 20 extreme.

At this point I don't think it is my reloading equipment or technique. Can any of the following cause a spike or low velocity
bolt, firing pin, firing pin spring.

I carbon clean after every range session and throughly clean after 200 to 300 rounds.

Is it possible that the Lapua brass just doesn't work in my rifle?? If yes, please explain why and how?

Any pointers is appreciated.

Look for rub marks on the back end of the firing pin that protrudes out of the shroud when it's cocked. Rub marks on the spring?

 

[Bottom Fodder]

Very good post Chiquita, I enjoyed reading your replies

 

[Chiquita]

I am amazed you can even close the bolt after 12 reloadings and just neck sizing!

I full size all the time.

 

[wkdickinson]

I full size all the time.

Not to pick the fly shit our of the pepper, but you said you were using a Lee Collet die, which is a neck die, not a FL die.

 

[Chiquita]

Not to pick the fly shit out of the pepper <<LMAO

but you said you were using a Lee Collet die, which is a neck die, not a FL die.

I size using Redding and bump shouldets then use Collet die on the neck.

 

[Retired shooter]

I size using Redding and bump shouldets then use Collet die on the neck.

Not to pick the fly shit out of the pepper

I have heard that somewhere before.!

Interesting and Good reading

Have a great Day !