Long range load development at 100 yards.

[MNFinn]

Erik, could I get an opinion?

New test 0.1 grain increments 5 shot groups (Note: first time I've used 5 shot groups ever)
185 Berger Jugg
Lapua PALMA brass
CCI 450 primers
IMR4895

2 sighters in the top left were at 43.5gn

top row: 43.5gn 43.6gn
middle: 43.7gn 43.8gn
bottom: 43.9gn 44.0 gn

Velocities:
43.5: 2646, 2644, 2652, 2678, 2648
43.6: 2675, 2658, 2671, 2666, 2676
43.7: 2674, 2666, 2664, 2675, 2665
43.8: 2672, 2692, 2689, 2679, 2702
43.9: 2685, 2691, 2696, 2689, 2682
44.0: 2684, 2700, 2720, 2712, 2701

 

[Erik Cortina]

Erik, could I get an opinion?

New test 0.1 grain increments 5 shot groups (Note: first time I've used 5 shot groups ever)
185 Berger Jugg
Lapua PALMA brass
CCI 450 primers
IMR4895

2 sighters in the top left were at 43.5gn

top row: 43.5gn 43.6gn
middle: 43.7gn 43.8gn
bottom: 43.9gn 44.0 gn

Velocities:
43.5: 2646, 2644, 2652, 2678, 2648
43.6: 2675, 2658, 2671, 2666, 2676
43.7: 2674, 2666, 2664, 2675, 2665
43.8: 2672, 2692, 2689, 2679, 2702
43.9: 2685, 2691, 2696, 2689, 2682
44.0: 2684, 2700, 2720, 2712, 2701

43.7 looks good, but looks like you were stringing shots horizontally. How heavy is your trigger?

 

[MNFinn]

Erik, could I get an opinion?

New test 0.1 grain increments 5 shot groups (Note: first time I've used 5 shot groups ever)
185 Berger Jugg
Lapua PALMA brass
CCI 450 primers
IMR4895

2 sighters in the top left were at 43.5gn

top row: 43.5gn 43.6gn
middle: 43.7gn 43.8gn
bottom: 43.9gn 44.0 gn

Velocities:
43.5: 2646, 2644, 2652, 2678, 2648
43.6: 2675, 2658, 2671, 2666, 2676
43.7: 2674, 2666, 2664, 2675, 2665
43.8: 2672, 2692, 2689, 2679, 2702
43.9: 2685, 2691, 2696, 2689, 2682
44.0: 2684, 2700, 2720, 2712, 2701

43.7 looks good, but looks like you were stringing shots horizontally. How heavy is your trigger?

trigger is at 12oz, first trigger I've had that's under 2#

 

[Erik Cortina]

43.7 looks good, but looks like you were stringing shots horizontally. How heavy is your trigger?

trigger is at 12oz

Work with this load for now. Work on consistency and trigger pull because I think you were the one causing the stringing.

 

[MNFinn]

43.7 looks good, but looks like you were stringing shots horizontally. How heavy is your trigger?

trigger is at 12oz

Work with this load for now. Work on consistency and trigger pull because I think you were the one causing the stringing.

Thanks. I will. I'm pretty sure the stringing is me too.

 

[Marksman63]

2670 fps seems a lower node. Have you tried going to the upper node around 2750/2800 fps or too much pressure signs?

 

[MNFinn]

2670 fps seems a lower node. Have you tried going to the upper node around 2750/2800 fps or too much pressure signs?

I haven't, I might though, I was looking at my data, and according to my chrony, I was getting ~60FPS less than I did with the same loads last time I shot.

 

[Marksman63]

2670 fps seems a lower node. Have you tried going to the upper node around 2750/2800 fps or too much pressure signs?

I haven't, I might though, I was looking at my data, and according to my chrony, I was getting ~60FPS less than I did with the same loads last time I shot.

The Chrony is not reliable for our accuracy loads. Sell it and buy a Magnetospeed Sporter. Similar price for much better accuracy and precision

 

[groundhogassassin]

Went back out the other day and worked with 3 shot groups starting at 40.0gr and working to 44.5gr in .5gr increments. I'm not sure if i did this totally correct because my first two groups were high just off of the paper and the third group was high in the top left square while aiming at the square just below so I move the scope down to hit center which makes me wonder if I shouldnt have done that considering we are looking for the groups that line up vertically, but anyway here's my target. I'm pretty new to this as you could tell from my last post but I think I understand it now. top left group is 40.0gr, top right is 40.5. top left square is 41.0gr while aiming at the square below it. 2nd square down on the right is 41.5gr. 3rd on left is 42.0gr. 3rd square on right is 42.5. bottom square on left is 43.0, and bottom square on right is 43.5. On the other target, aiming at the top left square was 44.0gr and aiming at the top right was 44.5gr. i think those groups are big like that due to the barrel being hot?

 

[ericbc7]

Hi groundhogassin
Not enough info on your targets I think. Barrel temp can cause poi and group changes, but my advice is to get methodical, record vel for each shot and make notes on each group.
Get set up on bench so that the rifle doesn't move from target when you are not touching it and you will eliminate much of the human error.

The more info we have the better our advice will be.

 

[paulh]

I like the OCW method. Started using it last year with a load in the Ruger #3, to develop a good 150gr load.
Initial OCW targets shot IIRC around 08/2014

Temp was 82 deg

Ruger #3 30-40 w/ 22" bbl
Leupold VX-1 2-7x
Bought used from Cabela's
Barrel band attached
Standard Ruger #3 stock.
Trigger feels like it's had work done by the previous owner

Load
Case: RP 30-40 Brass (avg weight 160.8 grains)
Primer: CCI 200
Bullet: 150gr Sierra BT
COL: 3.08" (Bullet seated .050" off the lands)
Powder: Big Game
Charge: XX.1, XX.5, XX.9, XX.3, XX.7, XX.1
QL Pressure: 43k-49K
Velocity: 2645- 2790 ft/sec

Concentrated between Load #3 and #4 with Newberry's help trying to understand things with this method. Messed with XX.1, XX.3, XX.5, XX.7 bracket, widdling it down and settling on XX.3, which was also near OBT.

Shot 04/2015
Temp was 62 deg

Only change to the rifle was a #1 buttstock, making it a Ruger #2 ;D

Final Load
Case: RP 30-40 Brass (avg weight 160.8 grains)
Primer: WLR
Bullet: 150gr Sierra BT
COL: 3.09" (Bullet seated .040" off the lands)
Powder: Big Game
Charge: XX.3
QL Pressure: 46.5k
Velocity: 2726 ft/sec avg

I like the method so far and seems to work well

Next trip I will be getting the Ruger out on the 200 yard range. Farthest I have within sane driving distances. However, the 2-7x scope will be interesting, but is the one I use in the field.

 

[jsthntn247]

2670 fps seems a lower node. Have you tried going to the upper node around 2750/2800 fps or too much pressure signs?

I haven't, I might though, I was looking at my data, and according to my chrony, I was getting ~60FPS less than I did with the same loads last time I shot.

You said it's Lapua Palma brass. You can't hurt this stuff. Most folks are running 45.0-45.3 with the Juggernauts and Palma brass.

 

[A-max]

Hi guys. I am trying to help my friend interpret his new 6.5x47L loads. His target is very messy so I am presenting each group on its own. Distance was 200yds and he does not use a chronograph. But I'm pretty sure 40.5gr is in the node. And it looks like 38.5 might be a low node. Unfortunately only two shots were fired for 38.5 and 41gr. Please advise.

 

[glockaholic]

Hey Eric (and all)
Here is my load development for my 6.5x47 using H4350 and Berger 130 VLDs. I could not fit more powder than 41.0 gr and keep the bullet in place. Maybe if I'm closer to the lands but I stayed 020 out. There was no pressures signs at all. On 39.5gr, the low shot didn't feel right. Must have been me. On 41.5, they all felt right.

Next step, seating depth. Thanks for your help, .....Carl

grains 37 37.5 38 38.5 39 39.5 40 40.5 41 41.5
avg 2584 2610 2622 2643 2656 2640 2693 2735 2795 2832
ES 5 10 31 15 48 15 11 5 12 12
SD 2.36 4.71 13.42 6.24 22.63 7.07 4.50 2.36 4.90 5.66
1 2583 2604 2604 2645 2688 2635 2693 2737 2789 2836
2 2588 2614 2635 2650 2640 2635 2688 2737 2795 2824
3 2583 2614 2629 2635 2640 2650 2699 2732 2801 2836

 

[stinnett1981]

Here is some 5 shot groups from my new 6.5-47 Lapua. I started at 37.1 and went up by 3 grains. I ended up at 38.2 grains. It rained during my load testing so my targets got wet. My loads are Lapua brass, Lapua 123 grain Scenars, CCI 450 primers and RL15. My freebore is .170" and my COAL is 2.735". I loaded them .010" off firm jam. Here is some pics. Sorry that they are sideways. Let me know what u think Eric. I have a feeling I should load up to 39 grains and see how that does. All my groups are good, but im hoping I can get some .2 MOA groups. The brass is new and not fire formed yet. That could be why I'm not getting under .25 MOA yet..? Top row from left to right is 38.2, 38.2, 38. Bottom row left to right is 37.1, 37.4, 37.7, 37.7, 38. The circle each group that is shot at is 1 inch in diameter. They are darn good groups, but im really looking for that .2 MOA group.

 

[Erik Cortina]

Hey Eric (and all)
Here is my load development for my 6.5x47 using H4350 and Berger 130 VLDs. I could not fit more powder than 41.0 gr and keep the bullet in place. Maybe if I'm closer to the lands but I stayed 020 out. There was no pressures signs at all. On 39.5gr, the low shot didn't feel right. Must have been me. On 41.5, they all felt right.

Next step, seating depth. Thanks for your help, .....Carl

grains 37 37.5 38 38.5 39 39.5 40 40.5 41 41.5
avg 2584 2610 2622 2643 2656 2640 2693 2735 2795 2832
ES 5 10 31 15 48 15 11 5 12 12
SD 2.36 4.71 13.42 6.24 22.63 7.07 4.50 2.36 4.90 5.66
1 2583 2604 2604 2645 2688 2635 2693 2737 2789 2836
2 2588 2614 2635 2650 2640 2635 2688 2737 2795 2824
3 2583 2614 2629 2635 2640 2650 2699 2732 2801 2836

I like 40.5 gr.

 

[Erik Cortina]

Here is some 5 shot groups from my new 6.5-47 Lapua. I started at 37.1 and went up by 3 grains. I ended up at 38.2 grains. It rained during my load testing so my targets got wet. My loads are Lapua brass, Lapua 123 grain Scenars, CCI 450 primers and RL15. My freebore is .170" and my COAL is 2.735". I loaded them .010" off firm jam. Here is some pics. Sorry that they are sideways. Let me know what u think Eric. I have a feeling I should load up to 39 grains and see how that does. All my groups are good, but im hoping I can get some .2 MOA groups. The brass is new and not fire formed yet. That could be why I'm not getting under .25 MOA yet..? Top row from left to right is 38.2, 38.2, 38. Bottom row left to right is 37.1, 37.4, 37.7, 37.7, 38. The circle each group that is shot at is 1 inch in diameter. They are darn good groups, but im really looking for that .2 MOA group.

I'm assuming you didn't chronograph any of these loads?

 

[stinnett1981]

Here is some 5 shot groups from my new 6.5-47 Lapua. I started at 37.1 and went up by 3 grains. I ended up at 38.2 grains. It rained during my load testing so my targets got wet. My loads are Lapua brass, Lapua 123 grain Scenars, CCI 450 primers and RL15. My freebore is .170" and my COAL is 2.735". I loaded them .010" off firm jam. Here is some pics. Sorry that they are sideways. Let me know what u think Eric. I have a feeling I should load up to 39 grains and see how that does. All my groups are good, but im hoping I can get some .2 MOA groups. The brass is new and not fire formed yet. That could be why I'm not getting under .25 MOA yet..? Top row from left to right is 38.2, 38.2, 38. Bottom row left to right is 37.1, 37.4, 37.7, 37.7, 38. The circle each group that is shot at is 1 inch in diameter. They are darn good groups, but im really looking for that .2 MOA group.

I'm assuming you didn't chronograph any of these loads?

No I have not. It's strange that they are all about the same. The 38 grain loads look the tightest. I'm gonna bump the shoulders of my fire formed brass and try it out again. I will use my chrony next time too. Any other suggestions?

 

[Steve Blair]

If you saw no pressure signs at 38.2, go another couple steps higher to see if you are entering the node or where the bounds are.

 

[stinnett1981]

If you saw no pressure signs at 38.2, go another couple steps higher to see if you are entering the node or where the bounds are.

Yep. This rifle has a long freebore and I have plenty of room. At 38.2 my primers looked just like the 37 grain primers. Thanks