NEW GROUND HOG RIG-FIRST RANGE REPORT

[HEAD0001]

I finally got my new Ground Hog rig put together. Encore action w/Bellm trigger job(very nice). MGM 6.5X284 barrel with match chamber, and muzzle break. Left handed thumbhole stock. Zeiss 6.5X20 scope. The rig looks great. Unfortunately the first range report is terrible. 2 inch plus groups at 100 yards. I was very disappointed. The rifle did not shoot any better than my open sighted Sharp's.

I did alot of research for my first load. I guess there was a major flaw. My load was: Lapua Brass, CCI BR primers(large rifle), 60 grains of N-165, Nosler 120 grain Ballistic Tip Bullets, and seated out to touch the lands. This load is 5-10% below the max. loads that I found. I had a couple of primers fall out after I removed the casings. I found that to be very strange. The primers were not cupped, and there were no other signs of pressure? I did not understand that-it has never happened to me before. I also found the primer's were harder to seat than normal. I use a Lee Auto-Prime, and I had to use both thumbs to seat the primer's adequately. I guess it is back to the drawing board. Tom.

[Pawildman]

Tom... I guess the fist thing I would do is back the bullet off the lands and try that. I guess I'd probably back off to .020 and start there to see if things straightened up some. Sounds like some kind of problem exists with either the brass or primers if they are that hard to seat and then become loose. Have you miked the pockets and the primers both?
I guess that's where I'd start.................

[DANTHEHUNTER]

I would try backing the bullet out also and to about .020.The powder charge is about where mine likes it.I also like the 45/70,it looks great.One more thing the back ground looks like it would be great hunting.I would love to drive my Jeep around there.

[Dryridge]

First off, you have a TIGHT chamber and you just got pressure in an Encore. Back off the powder, or try another one. You need to get an overall chamber length. MGM should have supplied that for you. If not you can measure it with an OAL guage or you can get a pretty good measurement by using an already fireformed case and inserting a bullet gently in the mouth just so it holds. Now, push it into the chamber just like you were gonna shoot and close the gun. Now reopen and gently extract the shell. Next measure the overall length very gently as the bullet is loose enough to shove in with the calipers. Now subtract 20/1000ths and that is your new bullet seating depth.

Was your brass new? Are your primer pockets tight? You may want to forgo the BR primers and just use reg. LR primers.

I hope you aren't offended if you already know to do all this. Just trying to help. But one of3 things happened you have the wrong primers, bad primer pockets or high pressure. My first bet would be the pressure issue. I have seen it before in Encores.

Good Luck w/your new toy. I have some old guns for sale to do the same thing to my Encore. Different Caliber, other than that, same TH stock and Same brand barrel most likely.

I am in Barbour Co. WV if I can be of any help let me know.

[ShatoDavis]

ORIGINAL: HEAD0001

IMGM 6.5X284 barrel with match chamber.

I think that might be the culprit. Did you neck turn your brass? what is the neck deminsions of your reamer? Match chambers generally have tight necks, if you don't turn your neck you will not have enough space for them to open properly. If this is the case you will have high pressure at relatively low powder charges.You have to have the reamer dimensions and a set of micrometers to measure the outside deminsions of your brass etc.

I really don't like seeing people get tight necked chambers unless they know what they are doing. If this doesn't apply to you I apologize

[HEAD0001]

I matched the brass up with the chamber when I had the chamber cut. I sent several pieces of the Lapua brass to MGM. I went with the Lapua brass because of how consistent it was. MGM left a little "Wiggle" room for me. I backed the load off 4 grains, and seated the bullet .025 deeper. It was like two different worlds. I shot two-three shot groups at 100 yards. The first group you could cover with a dime and see one edge of the bullet hole. The second group you could cover with a dime, and see no paper tear at all. I would guess the group under 1/4 inch.

I am guessing the tighter chamber with the bullet hitting the lands was the culprit, but I can not be sure since I also lowered the load. Well who knows, but I am very pleased with these groups.

I have also put 40 rounds down the barrel, and I did less rigorous cleaning after the first 25 shots. But then that is a third variable. I am going to load some more shells this evening, and maybe add a little more powder. I have the bullet .025 off the lands-I think I will keep it there. Tom.