RMR back to being #1 at 15 yards

[vaalpens]

A while ago I evaluated the RMR 124gr FMJ FN in 357sig, but did not see the results I was expecting due to my eyes. I retested some of the loads using a scope and saw much better results. At the time of the retest the BE-86 load became my #1 grouping at 15 yards, but were bettered by one of my 40s&w loads at a later date.

With the retest I never retested my Unique loads, even though my Unique loads with a FMJ FP/FN type bullet always provided excellent grouping.

Today I did a quick trip to the desert and decided to revisit my Unique loads in 357sig. For the 357sig purest Unique is not the best of powder to use for velocity, but I like it due to the accuracy and that it fills the case well.

Following are the results from the test today, which basically proved my previous experience with Unique in 357sig with FMJ FN/FP type bullets. I actually expected that the 7.0gr load would perform the best, but it was outperformed by the 7.1gr load:

357sig, P229, 3.9"
Case: Speer
COL: 1.140"
RMR, 124gr, FMJFN, Unique, 6.9gr, CCI500
Average: 1224
ES: 26
SD: 10.5
Force: 412
PF: 151
Velocities: 1241, 1224, 1216, 1215, 1226
Grouping @ 15yards: .93"


357sig, P229, 3.9"
Case: Speer
COL: 1.140"
RMR, 124gr, FMJFN, Unique, 7gr, CCI500
Average: 1240
ES: 57
SD: 21.9
Force: 423
PF: 153
Velocities: 1250, 1211, 1268, 1227, 1244
Grouping @ 15yards: .77" (.39" and a flyer)


357sig, P229, 3.9"
Case: Speer
COL: 1.140"
RMR, 124gr, FMJFN, Unique, 7.1gr, CCI500
Average: 1254
ES: 18
SD: 8.1
Force: 433
PF: 155
Velocities: 1254, 1265, 1247, 1247, 1261
Grouping @ 15yards: .43"
***This is now my #1 grouping at 15 yards**

357sig, P229, 3.9"
Case: Speer
COL: 1.140"
RMR, 124gr, FMJFN, Unique, 7.2gr, CCI500
Average: 1268
ES: 24
SD: 9
Force: 443
PF: 157
Velocities: 1268, 1265, 1273, 1255, 1279
Grouping @ 15yards: 1.48"

 

[vaalpens]

For my first batch load I had to decide between the 7.0gr/7.1gr loads. Obviously the 7.1gr load had the best grouping, but since 7.0gr has always been a consistent performer, I decided to go with the 7.0gr load. I have a feeling this will turn into a very good practice and accuracy round for me.

 

[vaalpens]

Just a quick follow-up on the first batch load I created after deciding on the 7.0gr load instead of the more accurate load of 7.1gr.

Today I completed some additional load development evaluation (will post in pulled bullet thread) and had the batch load with me for practice evaluation. Since everything was set up for load evaluation, I decided to measure of 25 yards, and evaluate the batch load at 25 yards.

I did two groupings of 5 shots each, with the first group used to get a feel of shooting at 25 yards with this target. The second group was supposed to be the money grouping after I settled in.

The result from the first grouping was a 2.03", which is not bad, but not good either. The second grouping came in at 1.21". I have done a few tests at 25 yards a few years ago, but this is definitely the best grouping I have seen at 25 yards. This just underscores to me that this Unique 7.0gr/7.1gr load is very accurate, especially with the RMR 124gr FMJFN bullet. The black square is 1.5"x1.5":