Morrey
Member
I just finished my Remington 700 Long Range .30-06 rifle customization. Glassed it with a Leo LR/T 50mm scope. Sweet setup. Drawback...HEAVY!
First phase of load development: 100 yards. 3 powders used all IMR. 3031, 4064, 4350 with varying grains for velocities between 2700 and 2900 fps. The bullet was Sierra Gameking spitzer boat tail 150 gr.
As expected when searching for the right load, results can be all over the place. The biggest loser was 3031. I could not cover the spreads with the palm of my hand. Second was 4064 which surprised me as I anticipated this would be the best. What Sierra listed as a 4064 accuracy load did not hold true at 2900 fps. The groups tightened as I dropped velocity back toward 2700.
The SHINING STAR was 4350. 55.7 grains was published to be at 2800 fps and it drilled a .416 MOA group, best of the day. The other 4350 load I shot was 2900 and the group started to widen the spread.
My next round of loads will be to stick with 4350 and drop the load in small half grain increments and see what that does to my spread. If anyone sees something that stands out to take note of, please holler.
side note: I doubt I'll use this gun as a hunting rifle as it is a beast to carry. Due to this, I plan to load 168 Matchkings for bench use....yeah I know....I'll be starting all over. BUT, do y'all agree, the gun is likely to favor 4350 with the bullets being fairly close in weight?
First phase of load development: 100 yards. 3 powders used all IMR. 3031, 4064, 4350 with varying grains for velocities between 2700 and 2900 fps. The bullet was Sierra Gameking spitzer boat tail 150 gr.
As expected when searching for the right load, results can be all over the place. The biggest loser was 3031. I could not cover the spreads with the palm of my hand. Second was 4064 which surprised me as I anticipated this would be the best. What Sierra listed as a 4064 accuracy load did not hold true at 2900 fps. The groups tightened as I dropped velocity back toward 2700.
The SHINING STAR was 4350. 55.7 grains was published to be at 2800 fps and it drilled a .416 MOA group, best of the day. The other 4350 load I shot was 2900 and the group started to widen the spread.
My next round of loads will be to stick with 4350 and drop the load in small half grain increments and see what that does to my spread. If anyone sees something that stands out to take note of, please holler.
side note: I doubt I'll use this gun as a hunting rifle as it is a beast to carry. Due to this, I plan to load 168 Matchkings for bench use....yeah I know....I'll be starting all over. BUT, do y'all agree, the gun is likely to favor 4350 with the bullets being fairly close in weight?