Metalurgical issue?

[Deton8tor]

This past weekend I shot some .300 WM loads that I had loaded a few months back. At 850 I set my data (that has always been right) and fired 3 rounds. No steel ringing!! Went to the target and was 24+ inches high. Dialed in the correction and had consistent hits from there on. I beleive I had read on this site that there may have been a metalurgical issue due to the load time and time fired. It is possible that a bonding occured and caused a pressure spike? I had no pressure issues according to my brass and all hits were as normal for me and my abilities. Thanks for any info.

 

[wapiti25]

If you have any ammo that has set for a long period of time try bumping the bullet deeper in the case listen and feel for a "pop" or release and that is the "cold welding" or bonding that has been discussed. Yes you may have experienced it.

 

[savagedasher]

I don't know what the weather temp was with both shootings. My guess the powder you were shooting doesn't like temp changes. No bonding would make that much change. Larry

 

[dmoran]

24" of variation at 850yds (2.7-MOA) is to much variation for a "cold weld" (and to much change for a powder sensitivity issue as well - IMO). With that said, my thoughts are something mechanical with the rifle changed. Some possibilities:
- turrets didn't repeat
- mounts moved
- torque of action screws changed
- stock shifted
etc...etc...etc...

Donovan

 

[jcampbellsmith]

Or more powder in the cases than you intended? If you have any ammo left, unload a round and use another set of scales to check the powder weight is correct.

Or incorrect powder used?

Or get a pal to come round and look over your set up?

Regards

JCS

 

[Deton8tor]

The load I shot is the same one I have been shooting for three years. Nothing was changed at anytime. Same powder lot, brass, primers and bullets. Charges are weighed on an FX120i after calibration at all sessions. I have a feeling that something on the gun or scope moved / changed or there is an issue with my scope.

 

[jcampbellsmith]

The load I shot is the same one I have been shooting for three years. Nothing was changed at anytime. Same powder lot, brass, primers and bullets. Charges are weighed on an FX120i after calibration at all sessions. I have a feeling that something on the gun or scope moved / changed or there is an issue with my scope.

Something has changed. Load up some more rounds and try again. Rather than grasping at straws, do some structured analysis and eliminate potential issues one at a time. You're the man on the spot, only you have all the info to hand.

Regards JCS