This is why we fiddle with powder charges.

Hooda Thunkit · Sep 12, 2020

I was shooting my Finn Sako M39, and realized I had never chrono'd the loads. I had a couple loaded up, some that I was using at the monthly match, and some that were an older load that I moved on from. I'll let you guess which is which.

Using a homecast Lee C312-185 bullet, TAC lube (or maybe TAC-X, I can't remember), well used brass that I have neck sized only for probably 14 reloads.

These "groups" were fired today, one after the other. About 80 yds, out back behind the barn. I was using my old portable 'bench', which is somewhat rickety, and very uncomfortable. Shooting about 1 minute per shot. 10 shots each group.

First load - 16.0gr 2400
Avg vel 1500.4 fps
Spread was 52 fps

Next load- 16.5gr 2400
Avg vel 1500.6 fps
spread 37fps

Wow.

The velocity is statistically the same, it's such a small sampling.

One half grain of powder made that much difference.

3% outdoorsman · Sep 12, 2020

Wow big difference! thanks for posting

Captcurt · Sep 12, 2020

I'm going through the same procedure now. I tried some new loads in my M18 Mauser 6.5 CM. I started at 40 gr and went up a full grain at a time to 43gr. 42 gr of H4350 was the tightest group loaded. Now I have loaded a half gr. more and less to pick the best of the three loads. We will see what happens Monday.

3% outdoorsman · Sep 12, 2020

Captcurt said:
I'm going through the same procedure now. I tried some new loads in my M18 Mauser 6.5 CM. I started at 40 gr and went up a full grain at a time to 43gr. 42 gr of H4350 was the tightest group loaded. Now I have loaded a half gr. more and less to pick the best of the three loads. We will see what happens Monday.

How are you liking that Mauser?

midland man · Sep 12, 2020

well guys i am working on loads for my marlin 1895 45-70 and using cast bullets so having fun finding a load!

JJFitch · Sep 12, 2020

Reloading is both a science and an art. The sun, moon and stars and how we hold our tongue all affect accuracy and ES! Or maybe its barrel resonance/harmonics! In reality how we achieve precision accuracy is how we tailor our reloading to suit our barrel!

Smiles,

Captcurt · Sep 12, 2020

3% outdoorsman said:
How are you liking that Mauser?

It is pretty nice. The action is smooth, the stock isn't tupperware and the trigger is excellent. Not crazy about the plastic magazine but it works fine. The action smoothness is second only to my Bergara. I really like the 60 degree bolt lift. The price was right also. EuroOptics had a good price on them.

GooseGestapo · Sep 14, 2020

Try a 1/2gr of Dacron pillow stuffing. That’ll hold the powder charge against the primer.
I too generally see an improvement in accuracy as charges approach 20.0gr. Typically best accuracy is achieved between 17-18.5gr.

My ‘43 Izvest shoots a Lee 155gr .312” PtdGC over 24.0gr of #2400 with 1/2gr dacron to 2,200fps and shoots to same poa as jacketed milsurp.

Poper · Sep 14, 2020

Captcurt said:
It is pretty nice. The action is smooth, the stock isn't tupperware and the trigger is excellent. Not crazy about the plastic magazine but it works fine. The action smoothness is second only to my Bergara. I really like the 60 degree bolt lift. The price was right also. EuroOptics had a good price on them.

Absolutely, yes! I am liking mine in .243 Win., too.

For $436.00 shipped to my little hot hands, what is not to like? After sending almost 300 rounds downrange, we are seeing 0.587" groups with 100 grain bullets, avg. vel. of 2966 fps with IMR4831. Std Dev. of 8.06. :thumbup:

Wish I had an extra $1200 bucks or so for 3 more of them. :scrutiny:

3% outdoorsman · Sep 14, 2020

Captcurt said:
It is pretty nice. The action is smooth, the stock isn't tupperware and the trigger is excellent. Not crazy about the plastic magazine but it works fine. The action smoothness is second only to my Bergara. I really like the 60 degree bolt lift. The price was right also. EuroOptics had a good price on them.

Very nice seen them online but none in stores yet.thx

This is why we fiddle with powder charges.

Hooda Thunkit

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3% outdoorsman

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Captcurt

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3% outdoorsman

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midland man

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JJFitch

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Captcurt

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GooseGestapo

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Poper

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