what in the world?

[model 12 toby]

still messing with my 6.5x47 lapua. getting really good accuracy. got 2 3 shot groups nearly in a row. .75 and .71 at 265 yards. I'm already getting round marks on the bottom of the brass at 35.3 grains of rl-15 with a 123 a-max. I did however get a nearly 2800 fps. the other day with 34.7. got err code on my chrono on one of the other shots. cleaned lenses on chrono and replaced battery. going to try to again one day next week. berger load data says rl-15 120 grain bullet says 35 grains @2665 fps and 38.8 @2923 fps. can't wait to see results on chrono next week but could I be getting that velocity out of only that much powder? what should I do? bolt lift was not sticky. should I push it a little more? your thoughts????

 

[TheSnake]

I would think you could get a little more than 2800 out of the 123's but if they are shooting great for you, why push it unless you'r going bear huntin.

I am getting 2850 with the 130 Bergers and I see no need to go any faster. My targets, coyote and deer can't seem to tell the difference.

 

[necchi]

A 123 A-Max is not a 120 Berger.
It's not good practice to use data for another bullet when developing a load.
And, every lot of powder is/can be different than another lot of the same powder.
Your pound of RL-15 might be just a little on the hot side for that powder.

Velocity doesn't always equate to accuracy, if your getting groups smaller than 3/4" at 265yrds, why would you need more velocity?

Re-think it man, keep it safe. Your load and groups already sound really good to me

 

[model 12 toby]

yeah. i think you might be right. just put a few more clicks on the scope huh? still need to get a good chrono reading. think I might just do that.

 

[XTR]

Sunshine is your chrono's enemy. Cloudy days are your friend, and then you don't need to bother with the sky shields.

Seriously, sunshine on the chrono will mess with your readings on most of the chronos we use for reload workups.

 

[dooley]

Re 3/4" groups at 265yds, if this is the only distance + a little further then the velocity you are getting with the 123gr bullets is fine, its best to feel your way gradually, it all depends on what distance you plan to shoot at, have fun finding out, keep looking out for real pressure signs like flattening on the edges of primers, hard bolt lift need not in some cases be down to pressure,
Primer cratering or pierced primers is not always down to pressure, I found this out when I had to have the firing pin hole re-bushed on my A/I in 260 Rem
problems then disapeared, if you buy Quickload it will enlighten you on reloading as it it did me, and this was after reloading for over 50 years without it.
dooley UK

 

[model 12 toby]

probably farthest I'll ever shoot and what I'll shoot maybe one day this week just to see where adjustment is is 770 yards. that's a little range I got over the hill that I test at occassionally.

 

[model 12 toby]

I think son was def. playing havoc on my chrono though. it was very sunny.

 

[M14AMU]

My favorite load with either the Sierra 123 gr. HPBT or the Berger 130 is 39.0 grs. Varget with a BR-4 primer and it's bumping 3000 fps real good! If you're getting pressure signs with what you're using at around 35.0 grs. it's because there's probably a difference in 'bearing surface' of that AMax or either you've got a headspace problem! Then again...I don't use the RL powders so my statement could be 'all wet'!!

 

[dooley]

model 12 toby, Make sure that when you use your chronograph you keep the rifle muzzle min of 12 feet away from the front sensor or you can get erratic readings. dooley UK

 

[model 12 toby]

will do. I've thought about my excessive pressure and in the uncoming months I'm going to bump them up some. I didn't even have my primers flattening yet and I've heard about how tough lapua brass is. I'm going to do another ladder test just going up .2 at a time when the fields get too high to hunt before 2nd cut. I'd just be happy to get in the 29's. hope I don't lose my accuracy though. got 1" at 340 today. never had a gun close to this one before. its been .3moa or better when I do my part and my 2 year old could handle the recoil.

 

[clatarar]

Based on your name, I am going to assume that the rifle you are developing loads for is a savage. If it is a savage, have you considered the fact that maybe your barrel turned when tightening the barrel nut giving you head space issues? Might be a good idea to get your self a go-no go gauge set just to make sure. Also if you take a look at this
http://bulletin.accurateshooter.com/2012/06/new-product-high-quality-ptg-bolt-heads-for-savage-bolts/
you may have an extreme case of the "dished in" bolt that they mention there.

 

[model 12 toby]

have both go and no go gauges. I think i need to just bump it up. If I go up slow enough I'll get signs of pressure. I think with no flattening of the primer at all I can't even be close. I was just jumping the gun. it's a model 10. I'd of been afraid to shoot it if I didn't use a no go and a go after it was complete. wouldn't you? I'm not that brave. ;D. i think I'll go up a little more. course not till right before second cut. I got hunting to do and got a .3moa load. never had it so good. lol.