Roverguy
Member
- Joined
- Jul 22, 2021
- Messages
- 896
I’m developing a 125 grs coyote load for my PTR 91. To answer the obvious question “why?” I have that rifle all set up for hog hunting, with a Sightmark Wraith night vision scope with an aftermarket IR Illuminator that’s good for 250 yards, at which distance the PTR is still sufficiently accurate for coyote.
Did an initial test yesterday with 3 powders: Benchmark, IMR 4895, and IMR 8208 XBR with two loads for each using 125 grs Hornady SST (all R-P brass and WLR primers). Start loads were just above Hodgdon published loads and Second loads were 1 - 2 grs below published max. Unfortunately, I kept the brass collector on for all tests and so when I looked at brass afterwards and saw some flattening of primers and some deeper than usual primer strikes, ie pressure signs, I don’t know which load they were from - yes, stupid. IMR 8208XBR seems the likely culprit given its published high pressure of 60,100 psi for max load of 49.2 grs.
In any event, my gut is saying “pursue Benchmark” and test again up to the second/higher charges, but wanted to see if anyone has experience of these powders with 125 grs and any advice?
All RP brass, WLR primers, 125 grs SST loaded to cannelure.
Benchmark 46.5 grs (1 grs below max)
SD 9.7
MV 2,947
IMR 4895 49 grs (2.8 below max)
SD 22.8
MV 2,945
IMR 8208XBR (1.2 grs below max)
SD 11.8
MV 3,009
Just wondering if anyone has prior experience with these powders and 125 grs bullets.
There was very little difference in accuracy between these groups, with the 4895 group opening up a bit. My plan would be to go back at Benchmark, starting at 44 grs and working up 45 grs, 45.5, 46 and back up to 46.5 looking for pressure signs. Any advice and counsel welcome but these are the powders and bullets I’m working with and this is the rifle it’s for, so “You should be using 223 and xyz components” may be true; but not relevant to this discussion, thanks.
Did an initial test yesterday with 3 powders: Benchmark, IMR 4895, and IMR 8208 XBR with two loads for each using 125 grs Hornady SST (all R-P brass and WLR primers). Start loads were just above Hodgdon published loads and Second loads were 1 - 2 grs below published max. Unfortunately, I kept the brass collector on for all tests and so when I looked at brass afterwards and saw some flattening of primers and some deeper than usual primer strikes, ie pressure signs, I don’t know which load they were from - yes, stupid. IMR 8208XBR seems the likely culprit given its published high pressure of 60,100 psi for max load of 49.2 grs.
In any event, my gut is saying “pursue Benchmark” and test again up to the second/higher charges, but wanted to see if anyone has experience of these powders with 125 grs and any advice?
All RP brass, WLR primers, 125 grs SST loaded to cannelure.
Benchmark 46.5 grs (1 grs below max)
SD 9.7
MV 2,947
IMR 4895 49 grs (2.8 below max)
SD 22.8
MV 2,945
IMR 8208XBR (1.2 grs below max)
SD 11.8
MV 3,009
Just wondering if anyone has prior experience with these powders and 125 grs bullets.
There was very little difference in accuracy between these groups, with the 4895 group opening up a bit. My plan would be to go back at Benchmark, starting at 44 grs and working up 45 grs, 45.5, 46 and back up to 46.5 looking for pressure signs. Any advice and counsel welcome but these are the powders and bullets I’m working with and this is the rifle it’s for, so “You should be using 223 and xyz components” may be true; but not relevant to this discussion, thanks.