Second range trip 30BR

[Keith Kilby]

For those that read my first thread…and are interested…
Test fired with new Lapua brass. Turned to give 0.330” loaded neck. Fed205M primers and LT-30. None of the pressure signs I got using recycled brass showed up this morning. My loads today overlapped loads shot with recycled brass. Still not up to charge most say works in their rifles. Will go closer to the 34-34.5 range carefully and with fireformed brass.
Three shot groups again. Rifle tells you emphatically what powder charges it likes. Average for all 8 groups was 0.276”. Three groups in this “low” node avg was 0.214”. Two of three in the node were mid 0.1s…3rd group had zero vertical but I got caught in a 180 wind switch.
Brass prep:
New Lapua 6BR
7mm expander
308 expander
Annealed
Trimmed to 1.500”
Neck turned to 0.011” wall
Trip through FL die with 0.328” bushing
Loaded just back from touch
FL die is Wilson
Seating die made from Wilson blank. Micrometer top- for arbor press. I made it using chamber reamer (0.332” neck).
Bullets slide into fired case without forcing
One more range session gets my first 50 cases through a fireform cycle
Keith

 

[Keith Kilby]

Target

 

[RGRobinett]

Your "low node" - 32..3-32.5 Gr. looks decent, but, for a 30BR, very narrow! Per comments on your previous thread, with the Lt-30, you are likely about 3.0 Gr. low of what most people are using - well, presuming match reports are accurate. That said, it appears that you have a very good rifle and barrel.

The "blow-ups" prior to, & trailing that node are quite unusual - I've yet to experience anything that ugly - I'd tend to avoid being trapped with a margin that small. RG

 

[Keith Kilby]

This was first outing with new brass. I’m nearly 100% convinced my issues before were down to the unknown firings 6BR brass and primer pockets near end of life I was using. I’m most welcome for other theories.
Keith

 

[Keith Kilby]

Mr. Robinett
What, if any, differences can I expect with fireformed brass vs. new?

 

[P1ZombieKiller]

did you chrono those loads?

 

[Keith Kilby]

No chrono numbers yet. I tend to do that after I get closer to what I’m thinking is my final load. I’ve yet to do seating depth test and want to get all my brass fireformed and powder charge figured out.

 

[P1ZombieKiller]

Mr. Robinett
What, if any, differences can I expect with fireformed brass vs. new?

Not sure Randy's experience, but on my .330 chamber there is "virtually" no difference in speed or POI.
In fact, I often use 50 cases to break in barrel, use the same 50 pieces to load develop, then load the other 150 ( I keep 200 pieces in rotation for each barrel) with the desired load, and they will shoot right there with the original 50. I know every chamber is different, but most "normal" 30br chambers I have done the same thing.

 

[Keith Kilby]

Many thanks! That’s great to know! Not my first rodeo with any of this but brand new to 30BR. No one any where close running one and I greatly appreciate the guidance from the forum.
Keith