The weather broke yesterday and we had a nice afternoon so headed to the range. Only was able to work at 100 yards because of range closures. I was pretty much pleased with the outcome. Did two single powder charge velocity ladders and found the accuracy node after 5 shots with Winchester brass. 59.5, 60.0, and 60.5 all grouped within 0.2 inches. Add the 61.0 grain charge (right most of the cluster of four) and 4 sequential shots were still under a 1/2 inch. Completed the ladders just to gain experience with the new bullet. (recording the points of impacts while sitting at the bench shown in the lower right as an example). Adjusted my crosshairs for 60.0 grains of Enduron 7977 at the end of the session. The impacts with Remington brass where not as tight but it looked like the accuracy node is right around 2800 fps at this COAL which was maximum mag length for my Tikka T3 Lite. Pressure signs were noticeably less than my LRX load. Not sure I could get any faster with IMR4350. Since I may be hunting with this load next month, I'm going to stick with what I have and do some long-range work out to 500 yards next weekend. If everything hangs together, I should be ready for the hunting trip.
I did a quick terminal performance test and the lead-core was shed at 100 yards. Penetration was more than adequate and impact force created a water slug that broke the plywood platform for the water jug which has only happen before with a .300 Win Mag. I need to do a full terminal test series using the alternative bullet trap as the lead core may be harder than ABLR but is still soft. |