What do you think Mr. rifleman????
 

Every year or two I try some new test loads for my rifles, pistols and shot guns. Yesterday it was my rifles. My best test groups were as follows:

My 222 gave me 5 different test loads under 5/8"-smallest 1/4"

270 3 groups under 5/8"

Very happy with the above and consistent with the history of the guns.

However, my Ruger 243 which once gave me 1/4-1/2" groups only gave me 1" groups with some of the same test loads. I was hoping for better. That is my long range ground hog rifle with which I have taken a couple of hogs beyond 425 yards and many in the 300 range. Ruger 243V 12 X Weaver scope both around 1975....any thoughts???

Here is my real mystery:

I Have a 243 custom with the barrel tapered to minim 243 diameter. Perhaps a little "Whippy" and I don't expect great groups. However using three shot groups to cover a lot of test loads my groups are as follows:

#1- 1 1/4" group (two holes @ 3/8")
#2- 1 1/2" group (2@ 3/8")
#3- 1 3/4" group (2@ 1/2")
#4- 2 1/2" group (2@ 5/8')

What would explain 2 of 3 shots in each three shot group performing so well yet one shot in each group is a "Flyer?"

90 & 100 grain bullets were used and all were with CCI200 Primers.

I feel like I am on the edge of getting a good test load, but need to do something different??

I would appreciate your thoughts.

RE: What do you think Mr. rifleman????
 

I read about what 2 patterning well and 1 flyer means...

its a common thing, I think it just is when an ammo wants to work.....but isn't quite the best load....I'd try some other loads....or figure out what this "common issue" really means...

If I run across the article I'll updated it...butquite certain it doesnt mean barrel heat....that would be indicated by like a rising series.....not just 2 nice shots and 1 spoiler.

Though I see you did try some loads.....all handloads? factory?

RE: What do you think Mr. rifleman????
 

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RE: What do you think Mr. rifleman????
 

Barrel heat.

You answered your own question actually... that light taper barrel being "whippy".... the lighter the barrel, the more succeptable to heat it becomes.

If your results are honest, no BS measurements... then personally I think you got nothing to complain about brother... especially with those first two... I'm assuming you are measuring CTC... if its overall... then I'd just say you were full of it or using a crooked caliper. :D

RE: What do you think Mr. rifleman????
 

If your are concerned about the 'flyer' as anyone would be you should first determine what round was the flyer. Was it the first round, second, third?
If its the third shot, I would suspect barrel heat. Take more time between shots.
If you really want to get consistant. Start by giving your rifle a thorough cleaning. If you've had it a while, consider giving a the bore a light lapping with J-B compound per their instructions. Then take your cleaning supplies with you to the range. Shoot one shot with the clean barrel, clean, shoot 1, clean, etc.
I have a 270 that consistantly shoots under 1". I've had this rifle for 30 years. A few years ago the groups started opening up to about 2". I lapped the bore with J-B and it came right back to under 1" with many groups around 1/2". I suspect that even when we clean our rifles after every shooting session, there is minute fouling remaining in the bore and this continues to gradually build up and a good scouring is what is needed. Another course is an ultrasonic cleaner.

RE: What do you think Mr. rifleman????
 

Ok good thoughts:

Ridge runner: Yes, I usually do 5 shot test groups, but I had so many to try with a few different guns I took a short cut. Now I will try five shot groups and watch the location of each hit now I know they are grouping good.

Salukipv1: That whats I am thinking I am close to the right load or group of components, but not quite there. All hand loads.....

SwampCollie: No BS brother the first two have always shot those kind of groups. CTC. But my 243 Ruger always did better?? back to the range again with that one. The 243 custom is the one that was me puzzled with the two and one deal. For that gun and the Whippy " barrel I can live with the group size. However, it appears a little change here or there and I might have something.

Other info.

I set up two guns at a time and rotated the shooting, clean guns, and shot my 22 between testings loads (Assuring I wasn't flinching) to give the barrels some time to cool. I tested the barrels with my hand for cooling.

What I didn't do is check each shot with my spotting scope after each shot. I don't like to do this because, if the group is doing less than desirable, I tend not to concentrate as well on the rest of the group. I check the first shot to make sure it is on the paper then I shoot the entire group concentrating my best on every shot and checking them with the group is finished.

Any more thought guys??????

RE: What do you think Mr. rifleman????
 

RR I don't think he even believes the crap he posts.


as far as the OP I would look at your extreme spread. I bet a primer change OAL change or both might fix it. If there is a big spread you might want to look at other powder as well..

RE: What do you think Mr. rifleman????
 

oldelkhunter:

What have I posed here that gives you a problem?? I did use only one type primer for all loads and have that on my list to experiment with next trip to the range. Do you have a primer which has yielded good results in the past for 243's?

Some additional information:

My 243 Ruger is my ground hog rifle and I am shooting loads as follows:

Load from the past yields 1/4"-1/2" groups, but now 1" groups
Serri 85 gr. BT HP IMR 4350 41.5 (and 42.5 grs.) CCI200 primer Rem. case. 3,100 & 3,175 fps.

Also other new loads provide 1" groups to mention one: 55 Nosler Ballistic tip W760 48.0 CCI 200 Primer WIN. case 3,737 fps.

The 90 & 100 grain bullets were shot in the 243 custom my backup deer rifle.

#1- 1 1/4" group (two holes @ 3/8"): Speer 90 Gr. spitzer W760 39.0 grs. CCI 200 primer and Fed. case.

#2- 1 1/2" group (2@ 3/8"): Two loads grouped this size (1) Speer 90 gr. spitzer IMR 4350 38.0 grs. CCI 200 Primer Fed. case (2) Speer 90 spitzer IMR 4064 34.0 grs. CCI 200 primer and Fed case.

#3- 1 3/4" group (2@ 1/2"): Serri 100 gr. semi pointed IMR 4350 39.1 grs. CCI 200 Primer R/P case.

#4- 2 1/2" group (2@ 5/8'): 100 gr. Hornady BT SP IMR 4895 34.0 grs. CCI 200 Primer Super Win. case.


Does this additional information provide any thoughts for adjustment/improvement??

I appreciate your suggestions...

RE: What do you think Mr. rifleman????
 

Calm down it's not you , its in response to another poster

I used Federal primers all the time and have had good results your results may vary.

RE: What do you think Mr. rifleman????
 

I plan pick up fed and Winchester today.

Do you have a 243 handload that performs well in a 243??