Second reloads, how did I do?

[Tomekeuro85]

I went out and shot my second set of 50 rounds today. Much better grouping than last time (most of them anyways) I had one or two less than acceptable groups, you'll see them. However, there was always one EXTREME outlier. There would be 4 shots touching, and the fifth would be an inch away. For example, I'll give you my best 4 shot groups, and then that same group counting all 5.

Savage 10-FP LE2

Loads are as follows... (Measured with digital caliper)

Federal .308 brass, 168gr A-max, 42.5gr Varget, OAL 2.815:
Group 1:
Best 4- .744
All 5 - .937
Group 2:
Best 4- .727
All 5 - 1.03

Federal .308 brass, 168gr A-max, 43gr Varget, OAL 2.815:
Group 1:
Best 4- .440
All 5 - 1.28
Group 2: (not so good)
Best 4- 1.39
All 5 - 2.20

Federal .308 brass, 168gr A-max, 43.5gr Varget, OAL 2.815:
Group 1:
Best 4- .301
All 5 - 1.26
Group 2:
Best 4- .477
All 5 - 1.96
Group 3: (another wide one)
Best 4- 1.48
All 5 - 1.68
Group 4: (My favorite)
Best 4- .405
All 5 - .650

Thats all I shot today. I'm thinking of sticking with 43.5gr Varget since it proved to be the most accurate overall. (At least if I remove the failed shot)

I'll try some 168 SMK's and see how it goes.

 

[steve4102]

Congratulations, Looks like you have some very nice groups. You did not say which round in the rotation was the culprit. Do you happen to remember if it was the 1st, 5th or all over in between. If the culprit was the 5th shot each time and you are relatively sure that you did your part, then I would have to say that barrel heat could be the cause. Five shots in a row without allowing for ample cooling of the barrel can mess up an otherwise excellent group.

Good Luck

 

[Tomekeuro85]

The bad shot was all over the place. Sometimes it was first, sometimes it was last, or in the middle. I let the barrel cool for about 2 mins between each shot, and it was like 37 degrees outside, so I don't think heat was a problem.

Other than that, if anything, perhaps I jerked the trigger or flinched. I have to admit although I can usually control it, I'm not 100% used to this new rifle. .308 is much stronger than my previous .223. I guess I'll work on it and find out.

 

[esheato]

Nice shooting. You seem very thorough and methodical. Attention to detail like that will only result in improvements...congrats.

Ed

 

[Tomekeuro85]

Thanks guys.

Hopefully I'll get down to .6MOA consistently (or better) so I can move onto the 300 yard range and see what kind of damage I can do there.

 

[Bullet]

Tomekeuro85

I’d say you’re off to a great start. With your 43.5 gr Varget load most of your shots were less than ½ inch. Keep up the good work!!