Reloading: Cartridge and Bullet Concentricity Tests for Hunting

Posted on April 10, 2023 by Ed Hale

If you hunt and shoot beyond 200 yards, bullet and brass concentricity (wabble) can matter. Experienced long range shooters call it “runout.” I have shot at 600 yards at targets on occasion but rarely checked for concentricity/runout till prepping for this falls moose hunt.

Accordingly, I just purchased a Sinclair Concentricity gage to check for runout and to see groups improve. The idea is to eliminate fliers! But that required me to do more brass case prep too. That must have helped as well. Some swear by it, some don’t.

First tests were for the case neck on those I had already full length resized a week earlier.

After checking 30 cases, half were at .003″ or greater runout (wobble), half were less. Some long range hand loaders suggest that 0.003″ is the max runout.

What to do?

I ran these .003 cases back through my full length sizing die a few times, rotating 90 degrees and retested. Runout (wobble) improved to .0015″ or less.

Next is to load some bullets and retest for bullet runout.

All bullet retests for runout were 0.003″ or less. Nice!

Doing this test suggests that the bullet is better aligned to enter the rifling nearer to parallel. So lets see some targets…

Below this Nosler 168g ABLR group shrunk from 2 inches to 1 1/8 inch group at 150 yards is an example of what the Sinclair Concentricity Gage did for me. Sub-MOA groups below!

The next picture below is of the same 168g ABLR bullet at 150 yd distance but the OAL was longer (0.020 off the lands).

The 1/4 inch difference in grouping photos was probably me. But you can see these are both sub-moa groups.

Lesson learned! To establish a best in class reloading process with or without the gage.

Good Shooting!

Long Range Shooting with Handloads – Powder can vary Lot to Lot- Take Extra Care with Max Loads

Posted on March 20, 2023 by Ed Hale

In loading for moose with my Browning X-Bolt 7mm Rem Mag, I continue experimenting with powders and bullets . My two favorite bullets are Nosler ABLR 168 and 175 grain bullets. In the process, I am aware that I am looking for max loads and accuracy too.

As a result, I discovered measurable lot to lot variation in some powders. Alliant Reloader 22 is one of those I see vary, and on the lower side so far…a good thing.

Thus, I approach new powder lots with more caution. Instead of loading hot loads with the same grain weight as my last lot, I back off a few grains or more and work up several rounds with my chronograph and inspect the brass and primer for overpressure signs.

At max loads you should also be aware that some magnum primers can be hotter and will effect velocity and may create overpressure as well if your are on the cusp.

Those who really push their rifle and cartridge in winter time can find those rounds perhaps too hot in summer when temps are in the 90’s. Why is my bolt sticking, you ask?

I think to keep my winter max loads a bit lighter and be aware of loads you loaded winter to summer. Dating them can help.

Load Safely!

New Competition Season, New Rifle, New Loads: Sneak Peak

Posted on April 19, 2018 by Jason Hale

Sneak Peak:

It’s my favorite time of the year again!! I’ll be doing some powder/ bullet load development for the new rifle to get a good starting load for competition starting this Sunday, report to follow….

Projectiles to be tested are:

Sierra 175 TMK, Berger 185 Juggernaut, Nosler 175 RDF, Hornady 178 A-Max (discontinued)

Powders to be tested are:

IMR4064, Hodgdon Varget, IMR4895, VVn550

Looking forward to burning some powder and seeing what she likes!!

Sako TRG-22 in .308 Winchester 1:11” twist, 26” bbl Mounted is a Leupold Gold Ring 7-42x56mm competition scope w/ 34mm tube in vortex precision matched rings.

See you at the range!!

Reloading Tech: Wiring up a 6.5 Grendel

Posted on November 23, 2017 by Jason Hale

I’ve had the PressureTrace™ II system for a few years now and I’ve found it handy in examining the pressure characteristics of my reloads. It’s been particularly handy in determining the pressure differences between two projectiles of the same weight using the same powder charge. I’ve only used the system on my bolt guns up to now. I finally wired up my new 6.5 Grendel AR pattern rifle build, the details of which I can share in another post.

In terms of published data there still isn’t that much out there compared to other cartridges, but new data is coming out all the time. In my estimation Alexander Arms® produces the best factory ammunition for the 6.5 Grendel since it was Bill Alexander who spear headed the design of the round.

Factory 123 gr Lapua Scenar Load

I wanted to use the Alexander Arms factory loads to compare against my loadings for my Grendel.

Since I had some time off yesterday and it was raining, I decided that I would get some load testing done under cover with the range all to myself.

Conditions:
Temp: 42ºF
Baro. Pressure: 29.83
RH%: 97%
Equipment:
Pressure Trace II System
Magnetospeed Chronograph

***CAUTION The data presented below is by no means meant to represent data published via SAAMI approved testing or test methods, and may not reflect the true pressure; this pressure testing is only meant as a comparative tool***

If you are curious as to what a Pressure Trace system is, check out the vendor website at Shooting Software

The barrel I am currently running is a Shilen Stainless Match HBAR 20″ 1:9″ twist featuring a rifle length gas system. Its worth noting that most bullets in the 123 gr weight aren’t optimal in a 1:9″ twist barrel due to marginal theoretical stability, with the exception of the Hornady 123 gr Match ELD projectiles.

On to the data:

SAAMI MAP (Max Average Pressure): 52,000 psi

Pressure readings I’ve collected from Factory Alexander Arms 123 gr Scenar rounds following an estimated offset of 13000 psi added to original pressure value measure by the pressure trace system.

I’ve chronographed these rounds in 75-80ºF outside temps and they are cruising at about 2510 fps ±10fps out of the 20″ bbl, which is a fair amount faster than at 42ºF as we see here, so I think my estimation on the offset was correct. My aim is to establish the summer time pressure readings of the factory loads as my working maximum pressures.

Pressure readings from IMR 8208 XBR with a 26.5 starting load (not shown here) in 0.5 gr charge increments out to 28.5 gr (also not shown because of pressure signs of previous loadings.

Its clear that I’ve reached high pressure characteristics and any increase in charge weight would unnecessarily strain the Grendel and could eventually approach an unsafe condition. I now believe I’ve established a safe maximum of 26.0 gr of IMR 8208 XBR, at least in these low temps. Surprisingly the charge to pressure correlation peaked at a lower charge weight than I would have expected based on published data out there for a similar weight projectile. Published IMR loads with the 123gr Sierra Match King peak at a maximum charge of 28.5 grains (compressed). I may have to re-adjust the charge downward during the summertime temps to stay consistent with pressures if I decide to stay with this load. This is another reason why it’s always smart to back off by 10% (I started 7% from max). That being said, this is an accurate powder with 3/4″ groups. I’ll likely study other powders as well for comparisons sake, such as Hodgdon CFE223 and Accurate 2520, both known for velocity production. There is little data on CFE223 use, this is where the PressureTrace™ II system will shine, now that I have a baseline.

26.5 gr 8208 XBR 123 gr Hornady ELD Match vs Factory Alexander Arms 123 gr Lapua Scenar

Based on the images above, the Alexander Arms rounds are close in appearance to when I’ve fired them in the summer time, so these marks may be more associated with chambering. One thing I’ve noticed is that sometimes just chambering a round produces some ejector swipe marks. I think the marks on the reload to the left suggests that I should back off to 26.0gr and call it a day.

If your range has a covered firing position and it’s raining out, get outside and work your craft and understand your gun/ammunition combination, you just might have the range all to yourself

Look out for a companion piece to this article, as I purchased a 24″ barrel made by Satern Barrels and sold by Brownells, testing will commence with this shortly using the pressure trace system.

Until next time….

See you at the range!

Coming Soon…….

Posted on July 20, 2017 by Jason Hale

We’re excited to be able to review what looks to be a great piece of gear, especially if your a long distance shooter. Enter target vision, a wireless long range target camera system. Details and review to follow.

https://targetvisioncam.com/

Things I Learned From Just One Season of Long Range Competition that can be useful as a Hunter and Reloader by Ed Hale

Posted on May 6, 2017 by Ed Hale

Is LR competition easy? No! It is a fun challenge however and that makes it worth while for many. But it can be expensive the more you get into it. Most any rifle can be good starter but once bitten it is hard to stop. As a result, I know more about quality hand-loading bullets, powder, brass and primers. So it was a valuable experience of calculating my bullet’s Standard Deviation and Extreme spread. What I found was that my brain was becoming its own calculator of holdover in minutes, and how that translated to inches of crosshair movement. I deepened my wind knowledge to predict lateral bullet placement and when to let game pass by because I could not predict the proper bullet placement for a clean kill.

Most of all I was more confident in my rifle and how to dial up my scope…a key ingredient in long range hunting. Also use of on line software to determine the ballistic profile based on bullet velocity via a chronograph and the BC of your bullet. So competing can be helpful as a hunter by deepening your knowledge. Truth is, to win you need to spend time shooting and money. For those like me that are hunters, it is a great learning experience to have competed. I am better for it! Who knows you may get bitten by long range F Class Rifle Competition or use of Military 308 or .223 competition such as F-TR (target rifle). My son Jason is really into it as you can see from his writing.

The key to hunting is to become more of a woodsman knowing your quarry and how to read sign and food sources and ways that your game may react. Just don’t get cocky in the deer woods because you shoot well in the prone position at 600 yards.Eh!

There are trees and the animals move you see and don’t wait for you to breath and squeeze forever. If you can, get closer to your game animal? Do it! If you are strictly a competition type you will have much to learn to be a good hunter.

Selection and Testing of .308 Match Grade Bullets for F-TR Competition By Jason Hale

Posted on April 29, 2017 by Ed Hale

F-TR Rifle Competition is F-Class Competition where the TR is Target Rifle in .223 or .308 Winchester. At many matches, F-TR competitors are restricted to bi-pod, ruck or sandbags, though at the Nationals a front rest was allowed.

For me and what I’ve studied, its high mass high Ballistic Coefficient (BC) bullets that are most go-to projectiles (bullets). You still have some folks shooting the 1:12 twist .308 Barrels that shoot between 155 gr and 175 gr projectiles, but mostly the heavy stuff. Now at this point only one thing matters;

How does it perform with your chosen bullets IN YOUR GUN?

My recently purchased 28” SS Criterion match barrel doesn’t seem to prefer the heavy 185 gr Berger’s, but I’ve only tried them with Varget, IMR 4064 is another option to try. I like sticking with Varget since it works so well AND is more forgiving in variable temperatures.

If you’re just getting into competition shooting, you can’t go wrong with the 175 gr Sierra Match Kings. You can load it to mag length. My factory barrel would shoot ¼” groups all day long. The only downside is that when the wind is involved, it can get blown around quite a bit more than some of the other more recent slick BC offerings. I am currently using the Sierra TMK’s and their shooting ½” at 100 yards and have a superior BC to the SMK. So far I like them, but because the bullet profile is more secant, seating depth may be a hassle during tuning, but it didn’t take too long for me to find a depth that worked well and didn’t compress powder too much.

One item to point out, there is good reason that as a rule of thumb you don’t just try a new projectile which may be the same weight because if you seated them to the same length the depth into the case may change how compressed your charge is. In addition, there are many other factors that are coming into play. Spontaneous disassembly (BOOM) of your rifle and perhaps YOU is NOT GOOD. It is wise to back off by 10% and then work back up while watching for signs of pressure.

Now for the true purpose behind this article, testing your loads. Finding recommended loads out of a reputable loading manual is your job. Here I will explain what I see in the data I’ve put together here.

The chart below represents testing and data gathered of bullets tested and corresponding results you may find of use.

Bullet	Ballistic Coefficient	Bullet OAL	Base to Ogive	COAL Seated to Lands	Depth Seated Into Case	Previous Data/Comments
Berger 185 Juggernaut	.283 G7 (Litz Verified)	1.342	0.698	2.923	0.424	Tried 1MOA best with Varget IMR 4064 an option
Sierra 175 Match King	0.495 G1 (averaged Sierra BC) 0.475 G1(Litz Verified) 0.243 G7 (Litz Verified)	1.230	0.661	2.838	0.397	2.800 (~0.040” off Lands)
Berger 168 Hybrid Target	.264 G7 0.266 G7 (Litz Verified)	1.279	0.583	2.956	0.328	In Testing
Nosler 175 RDF	.270 G7	1.330	0.651	2.950	0.385	In Testing
Sierra 175 TMK	0.523 G1 (Sierra BC) 0.522 G1 (Litz Verified) 0.267 G7	1.353	0.658	2.940	0.418	Current COAL 2.920 (0.020” off Lands) Good groups 0.5 gr less than SMK due to pressure

Nosler 175 Comments/My Approach:

Looking at the Nosler 175 RDF’s you can clearly see that the tip is almost completely closed, which is awesome. With Nosler’s claimed G7 BC of .270 which beats all of the other 175 gr projectiles, I can’t wait to try this in my current match rig.

Examining previous loads for the 175’s:

My current load for the 175 TMK is 43.0 gr of Varget (0.5 grains less than the SMK) which gets me to approximately 2600 fps. Surface bearing length differences between the two may be the reasons which pressure signs are reached earlier in the TMK as it has a longer surface bearing length which ads friction.

Comments/Observations the Nosler’s 175 RDF:

One item that catches my attention is the length of the nose profile; it’s very long, which makes sense for a high bc bullet. This makes it a great option for F-TR type shooters who single load and aren’t bothered by long rounds. On the flip side, It also makes it difficult to load for magazine length without sacrificing case volume. I may end up gaining some case volume over some of the other projectiles when loaded to the same length. If pressures are marginal, I could eek out some addition velocity if accuracy wasn’t sacrificed. One item examined for overall consistency is measurement of a 10 sample group for Base to Ogive length which can be associated with BC consistency.

Noslers numbers were right with the competition, including Berger. Overall great observations for noslers new RDF. I will likely start with Varget 8-10% below 43.0 gr and work up from there. Since my rig is wired up for pressure readings, I’ll have some pressure trends to talk about soon. I’ll be able to compare them to previous loads that I use as reference (Federal 175 gr Gold Medal Match and Black Hills 175 gr Match).

Comments on the Berger 168 Hybrid Target

There isn’t much to say about Berger other than two words consistency and expensive, or should I perhaps say expensive consistency. Looking at the data compiled I may be able to drive this bullet to a higher velocity than the heavier 175’s without having to sacrifice anything. The long nose profile may leave me some extra case capacity and the short bearing length may end up reducing friction from less contact with the bore. In the end it all comes down to testing; if it doesn’t group, it doesn’t group. Doing a lot of testing can sometimes be frustrating; but if you enjoy it, don’t give up. Just don’t waste too much in components trying to get something to shoot. You’ll know it when you’ve found a forgiving bullet. This is why the Sierra Match King is still heavily used. It’s just that easy to tune. Alas, I am a tinkerer at heart and love a good challenge. I have access to Nosler 175’s for testing so we shall see if my rifle likes them. More later…

Good Shooting!

Savage Upgrade and Barrel Swap for NRA Long Range Target by Jason Hale

Posted on July 8, 2016 by Ed Hale

jason

After some nagging from my dad and carving some time out away from work and family, I finally got around to writing this article…..

I’ve long since been bitten by the long range target and hunting bug and now own 2 savage 10/110 FCP rifles chambered in .308 Winchester and .300 Winchester Magnum cartridges. Upon seeing the accuracy potential of the .308 at the Sig Sauer Academy “Reach for a thousand” 1000 yd course a while back, with bone stock, I decided to purchase some upgrades to convert it to a long range rig.

The initial upgrade was the JP rifles AMCS chassis system, and then mounted some new glass (Vortex Viper 6-24x FFP). See photo below by author.

Jason article Pic 1

With the added weight it was not suitable for hunting, but if I wanted to lug it around the woods, I could always return it to the OEM HS Precision stock and head out into the woods.

Since the stock upgrade, I’ve been looking out for any precision rifle series matches in the northeast, and haven’t found one yet, so I’ve taken to NRA F class target shooting. Following the stock upgrade I entered into my first F-TR match and didn’t do half bad. So after that, I committed to myself to enter into every match I could. I set out to research a bit more about barrel upgrades I could do to make it more suitable for F-TR. I was drawn to the inherent versatility of the savage barrel nut system, and dreamed about match grade barrels, but never had the courage to pick up a new one until I skimmed through a favorite website (Northland Shooters Supplies (NSS) website: http://northlandshooterssupply.com/). I looked over their offerings with respect to target barrels and gave them a call, 15 minutes later I purchased my first 28″ button rifled match grade barrel made by Criterion Barrels . http://www.criterionbarrels.com Five days of ground shipping later, I had that handsome barrel in my itchy hands. While I was waiting for its arrival, I decided to clean the original barrel, oil it and prepare for it’s removal. I purchased all of the re-barreling tools some time ago anticipating this activity happening at some point.

Jason Article Pic 2

Savage action wrench from NSS
Savage barrel nut wrench from NSS
Savage stainless barrel nut and recoil lug.
Chamber GO/NO GO gauges from Pacific Tool and Gauge. (absolute must for setting headspace properly)
1/2″ Torque wrench (make sure you calculate torque correctly accounting for extensions from the torque wrench head that increase lever length.)
Never-seize (not seen in picture)

With this kit, I can re-barrel my action with barrels chambered for .243 Win, 308 Win, .358 Win, .260 Rem, 7mm-08, and the .338 Federal cartridges. Not bad for versatility, I’d say!

After installing my action into the action wrench and putting the wrench into the vise, I slid on the barrel nut wrench and with deep breath and a breaker bar easily loosened the barrel nut. I was surprised at the ease of barrel removal reading of all of the horror stories from the web forums.

Jason article Pic 3

The critical part of re-barreling is setting the headspace correctly. As I learned while reading about this swap, and thankfully not by experience, it is imperative that you remove the ejector plunger before you insert the headspace gauge, unless you fancy large gouges in your pretty chamber; not me. Step by step instructions recommending the same can be found throughout the net as well as the fine folks at NSS. One point to note, you don’t want the barrel to rotate as you torque the barrel nut and jam the go gauge in the chamber, you may end up with something slightly shorter than SAAMI Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute specification, or at least a chamber that may not accept previously made loaded rounds due to headspace differences. I had a rubber strap wrench hanging around and put it to good use to counter the twisting of the barrel. One last torque and the rifle was re-assembled into the stock.

Overall the process was painless as well as exciting as long as you take it slow. I took three shots below following zero and some break-in combined with some load work-ups. Below is the 3 shot group of my current load.

Jason article Pic 4

The point of this article on swapping barrels on a Savage with a threaded barrel is that you don’t necessarily need a gunsmith to swap a barrel on Savage rifles. That makes Savage actions and rifles a versatile indeed!

Editor’s Note: This tight 0.28 inch 3 shot group that Jason shot is the result of experimentation with many variables such as the new barrel, bullet, powder, cartridge case prep, primer, overall length and many other details. In addition we compute standard deviation and extreme spread to maximize long range potential.

Savage Model 12 LRP 6.5 Creedmoor System Test Products Arriving updated 5/24

Posted on May 24, 2016 by Ed Hale

My heart quickens at the thought of testing each new rifle, scope and accessories here at New Hampshire Rifleman… Like Christmas in the summer. As you are aware if you read articles here at New Hampshire Rifleman, we are going to test the Savage Model 12 Long Range Precision Rifle in 6.5 Creedmoor. I am told that this Rifle can really shoot and sports a 26 inch barrel/w 1-8 twist. It just arrived to my FFL. I drove over just minutes ago and filled out the background check as usual and the rifle is home in my office Wow! We shall see. I used my Lyman Electronic Trigger pull gauge and the Target model accuTrigger weighed in at an average of 2 lbs pull out of the box. The red target trigger is adjustable as low as 6 oz and as high as 2.5 pounds.

I ran a Hornady bullet OAL gauge in the bore to find lands at 2.868 inches w/ my Sierra bullets.

Max SAAMI COL is 2.825 but need one caliber worth of grip to hold bullet which will be closer to 2.80 inches for a safer COL for this bullet.

along with a “New” 2016 Leupold VX-3i/w aggressively redesigned power selector. Shipping to NH Rifleman soon…

a 20 MOA Picatinny rail add-on to reach out there and the famous RX 1200i DNA Laser rangefinder with TBR.

And the test bed Match grade 142 grain bullets from Sierra – The Bulletsmiths®

and

Cartridges with the new Hornady® ELD-X™ Hunting bullets see earlier article. The Sierra bullets and cartridges have arrived but no rifle yet but it is on its way to my FFL dealer here in Plaistow, NH.

I will hand load the Sierra’s, one at a time… details to come.

Long Range AR-15 – Putting It All Together by Ed Hale

Posted on March 22, 2016 by Ed Hale

I must admit that there was “much” needed for this AR-15 to be ready for real long distance and it may be that “more” is needed to accurize it. So what did I do to make it more suitable for long distance? Use a systematic approach that makes sense without going overboard. And use what you have as much as possible; improvise,adapt and overcome says the “gunny”. I keep saying that, for sure some of that will happen.

First was to change the mil-spec trigger. As you can see from a previous article I installed a 2 stage Timney Trigger.

It has 2 pounds pull in the first stage as it is squeezed rearward and then 2 more pounds to break and release the internal hammer within the trigger. It is crisp once the first stage is complete. Next was to put a better scope on it. Leupold’s VX-6 is an outstanding scope with a working range from 3x to 18x with a 44mm Objective lens.

The VX-6 is unique in all rifle scopes for its 6:1 Zoom capability, with unserpassed light transmission and optical clarity throughout the entire magnification range. This was the scope that helped me drop my whitetail deer at 300 yards this past fall. See this link.http://www.nhrifleman.com/2015/11/02/savage-11111leupold-vx-6-and-nosler-e-tips-field-test-by-ed-hale/

The scope model includes the Illuminated Boone and Crockett Reticle with the option of creating a Custom Dial System (CDS) for dialing in your favorite bullet, (based on the ballistic coefficient) out to 600 yards. I have not entertained creating the CDS dial as I keep moving it onto different rifles and calibers. It is such a rock solid scope that I use it to test rifles. Next, I mounted a Mark 2 Integral Mounting System. (See the article on it)

Ammunition: I am using Nosler Custom Competition ammo as you may have already seen in early articles. I will be testing 69, 77, and 80 grain bullets at longer ranges with different powders and cartridge overall lengths.

I am in training too.

Reloading: I found that Custom hollow point target bullets need special attention when seating them so I did some research and purchased a Redding Custom Competition seating die below. The design of this die and its capability of keeping the cartridge straight and in alignment with the bullet is not only well known but perhaps even legendary.

Powder: You will need to experiment. Right now I am using Reloader 15 powder.

Behind the Rifle: I have visited Sniper Hide and found a piece on Breathing and Natural Point of Aim. There is a video there you can purchase. I chose to read and practice. They instruct to break the shot at your natural respiratory pause (meaning at the bottom of your exhale). https://snipershide.mycustomevent.com/ShoppingCart.aspx?com=detailview&iid=103&cid=247

I never trained to shoot at the bottom of my exhale but somewhere in between. I have lots to unlearn it seems but some I did well on too. I need to play with cheek weld on my AR stock too, which will cause your shots to never fly well if you can’t weld your cheek consistently. I am very unfamiliar with the collapsible stock settings too making it a real learning experience.

I found a number of sites you can google on shooting techniques for long range. They are too numerous to list but the word to the wise is practice each day if you want to win matches. Dry fire with snap caps can help but remember only perfect practice makes perfect. I must put lots of bullets down range too using the skills I have learned. You can do it too. I am looking forward to loading up some rounds and burning some powder.