Tried out some match loads :(

[Axis II]

I loaded .224 69gr Sierra Match King, Varget and 2x fired Speer brass. Everything was trimmed and prepped. Cleaned the barrel and zeroed with
5-6 rounds using benchmark powder and V max bullets. I have heard don’t shoot different powders without cleaning so maybe that’s my issue.

My little orange sticker for the 24gr group ripped off due to the 20mph wind gusts.

I did have some issues with the crosshair dot bouncing. Not sure if it was my breathing, wind or being on 40x. I tried holding it steady.

All Match Kings are seated 8k from the lands and v max 10k from the lands.

I was very shocked at my groups in the fact that I have had FMJ ammo shoot just as good. Any thoughts on tightening things up a bit?

 

[Steve H]

barrel twist? 1:7 or 1:9?????

 

[Axis II]

barrel twist? 1:7 or 1:9?????

1-9

 

[Steve H]

1-9

your barrel might not like the heavier bullet

 

[AJC1]

I don't accept tests unless conditions are good and I'm on my game. I've redone tests due to conditions or coffee shakes,.

 

[Axis II]

 

[Axis II]

I don't accept tests unless conditions are good and I'm on my game. I've redone tests due to conditions or coffee shakes,.

I figure find my best group and try it again when
It’s not 39 degree and windy.

 

[horsemen61]

I loaded .224 69gr Sierra Match King, Varget and 2x fired Speer brass. Everything was trimmed and prepped. Cleaned the barrel and zeroed with
5-6 rounds using benchmark powder and V max bullets. I have heard don’t shoot different powders without cleaning so maybe that’s my issue.

My little orange sticker for the 24gr group ripped off due to the 20mph wind gusts.

I did have some issues with the crosshair dot bouncing. Not sure if it was my breathing, wind or being on 40x. I tried holding it steady.

All Match Kings are seated 8k from the lands and v max 10k from the lands.

I was very shocked at my groups in the fact that I have had FMJ ammo shoot just as good. Any thoughts on tightening things up a bit?

Umm yeah don’t shoot in 20 mph crosswinds also what is your rifle and optic?

 

[Axis II]

Umm yeah don’t shoot in 20 mph crosswinds also what is rifle and optic?

Savage 223rem with 10-40-56 Athlon scope. 100yards scope on 40x. The wind wasn’t bad it would just gust from time to time. I’d try to shoot when it wasn’t gusting.

 

[ballman6711]

I have heard don’t shoot different powders without cleaning so maybe that’s my issue.

I've never heard that, and can't imagine not cleaning before using a different powder would make any difference.

As said above, your rifle may not like the heavier bullets. My 1-9 AR likes 55 to 63 grain bullets.

chris

 

[horsemen61]

Savage 223rem with 10-40-56 Athlon scope. 100yards scope on 40x. The wind wasn’t bad it would just gust from time to time. I’d try to shoot when it wasn’t gusting.

Which savage? I have a model 12 VLP it shoots very well I made sure I got the 1~7 twist
The flier was clearly me also 40X seems like a lot of magnification
I shot the group below on 12X I believe you might try backing off some on your magnification

 

[Axis II]

Which savage? I have a model 12 VLP it shoots very well I made sure I got the 1~7 twist
The flier was clearly me also 40X seems like a lot of magnification
I shot the group below on 12X I believe you might try backing off some on your magnification

View attachment 1069776

Axis rifle. Usually does this or better with 55gr nosler. 5 shots at 100yards. I’m going to try it again with a normal target, no wind and see what she does. Worst case I get a new barrel. I do love to tinker.

 

[Axis II]

I've never heard that, and can't imagine not cleaning before using a different powder would make any difference.

As said above, your rifle may not like the heavier bullets. My 1-9 AR likes 55 to 63 grain bullets.

chris

Not meaning to be a smart … but why would the 24gr group shoot so tight and the others not. Varget did tighten the group a bit. It used to be 3” groups with other powders.

 

[AJC1]

I've never heard that, and can't imagine not cleaning before using a different powder would make any difference.

As said above, your rifle may not like the heavier bullets. My 1-9 AR likes 55 to 63 grain bullets.

chris

Cleaning is a big deal between lead and jacketed, and when switching lubes. Traditional lubes in 22lr and cast bullets takes a few shots to condition the bore. Powder may matter as primer brand, not enough for most to even notice.

 

[AJC1]

Not meaning to be a smart … but why would the 24gr group shoot so tight and the others not. Varget did tighten the group a bit. It used to be 3” groups with other powders.

Barrel harmonics is a deep science. I'll just say the form of Shockwave and oscillations from different powders are different.

 

[Rod47]

75gr Hornady OTM with H 4895 will shoot good with 1 in 9 barrels. This is my match load in prepped LC brass.

 

[Blue68f100]

All my use with SMK is that they shoot best with a jump around 0.030". I shoot the 69gr in my 1:9 twist AR's barrels, but found you need to push them neat max to get the best performance.

When the wind is high your not going to get a representative of what it will actually do. I use high mag (42x) scopes to help my aging eyes. The high magnification will show any and all movement, including your heart beat. You just have to learn to control the variables you can to get the best results.

 

[ballman6711]

Not meaning to be a smart … but why would the 24gr group shoot so tight and the others not. Varget did tighten the group a bit. It used to be 3” groups with other powders.

Your rifle may like that particular combination. As AJC1 said, it could be barrel harmonics. Try it again on a calmer day and see if you can repeat your results. That will give you your answer.

Cleaning is a big deal between lead and jacketed, and when switching lubes. Traditional lubes in 22lr and cast bullets takes a few shots to condition the bore. Powder may matter as primer brand, not enough for most to even notice.

I agree with differences between lead and jacketed bullets going down the barrel, even different lubes on lead bullets. But I will say it again, I can't see how not cleaning the barrel between shots using different powder with everything else being the same will make a difference. Powder will leave residue in a barrel, but the next shot should clear most if not all of that out. I can't shoot the difference and I doubt many could although some top tier shooters may be able to.

Doe's anyone have a link to cleaning between shots using the same components except powder and charge weight? I would be interested in reading it if you do.

chris

 

[Rule3]

Doe's anyone have a link to cleaning between shots using the same components except powder and charge weight? I would be interested in reading it if you do.

chris

It's in the same chapter as breaking in a barrel and do not clean 22lr guns.
Then it goes on to the correct cleaning method and what magic formula to use when you actually may clean.

What lead bullets and lube has to do with the OP I have no idea

Gee could it be the wind??

 

[Walkalong]

“20 mph wind gusts”

And you’re worried about your group size? Relax, and pick a calm morning or evening.

 

[kalielkslayer]

Ditto that!!!

I usually leave when those conditions present themselves, unless I’m in the middle of a group and letting my barrel cool.

Then I usually regret staying.

Now, if I have my “pet” load already, sometimes I’ll stay and shoot. But not developing a load.

 

[lordpaxman]

I’d shoot factory ammo and reloads at the same time if I were you. If you say the factory ammo can group at X”, and it does, but the reload is X+” when the conditions are the same, then you need to work on the reloads more.

 

[Axis II]

I think I found it. I took my best load from before using CCI450 and switched to CCI400. Not bad for a 5 shot group at 100yards. However my gun does not like 55gr v max or 53gr Nosler Ballistic tip.

Middle of Bullseye was not my group. I went there Sunday to shoot and forgot ammo so I left my target up and someone used it. I'm glad they left it up because I forgot targets last night.

 

[LiveLife]

Good job!