Range Time

[Blackrock]

Went out this morning to shoot some loads I am working up for my daughters T/C Venture .223. Found two of my neighbors already out there so we all had a good time shooting. Another couple showed up and got in on the action as well. Arizona weather is now getting nice and the people are out haing fun after the summer heat. This isn't a real range just a place we all go to shoot on public land. Located down in an arroyo with good backstops out to 500 yards.

I was working at 100 yds testing two bullet weights and three powder combinations.

40g max with IMR4198-Varget and Rel15
55g Sierra with the same powders.

RESULTS
40g Vmax
21.5g IMR4198 .75"group
26g Varget 1"+
26g Rel15 1"+

55g Sierra
19.4g IMR4198 1"
23g Rel15 1" Pressure signs
24.5 Varget -.75"

Still more work to do on these.

 

[NCsmitty]

It sounds like a good time at your range, and it is great that you and your neighbors have a common bond.

Do you have any other powders to choose from? I'm a little surprised that you were experiencing pressure signs with Rel-15 at that load level. I've seen other load recommendations using Rel-15 at 25-26gr with 60gr bullets. As you probably know, it's burn rate is close to Varget.

If you get the chance, try some of the 50gr bullets available. The Venture has a great barrel, and should match up well with 50-52gr bullets.
I highly recommend trying some 52gr A-Max match bullets.



NCsmitty

 

[Blackrock]

I had the primers dotted with a blue marker so I could tell each load from the other. Blue,Red,and black etc. The Rel15 just seemed to shine off the marking more than the others. Wasn't a really flat primer or hard extraction though.
I have found Rel15 and Varget to be almost grain for grain interchangeable in other loads.
Used the powder I had on thes helf but I might pickup a pound of W748 or H335.
I am trying for a load using the same bullet as I shoot in my Ruger77 MKII 22-250 so I can just stock one bullet. Had real good luck last June in SD with the Hornady 40g V-max in the 22-250

 

[NCsmitty]

same bullet as I shoot in my Ruger77 MKII 22-250 so I can just stock one bullet.

Understandable, and IMR4198 will be good for the light 40gr, but I would cautious with IMR4198 with the 55gr bullet. Stick with the slower powders for that.

You have a choice of a bunch of different powders that work well. Check out the new IMR8208 XBR powder. Some have had great luck with that new benchrest powder.

Check it out at www.hodgdon.com.



NCsmitty