Jevyod
11-26-2014, 05:04 PM
I will try to write this as best I can. I need some help to figure this out. First, some background. I purchased a new 1895 SBL in 45-70, and a Accurate 46-415V to go with it. About 3 weeks ago, I took it out for the first time, and shot a 1.2" 5 shot group at 100 yards. I was extremely happy, and proceeded to load up 20 more. I just got back from the range, and was rather dis-heartened. The first group I shot was all over the place. It was like a 5 inch group. The next several groups proceeded to get a bit smaller, but I could get nothing better than 2.25. I felt good and solid in my shooting, and figured I should be able to do better.
I decided to eliminate some possibilities. I took random bullets and weighed them. Out of 6, my weights were from 419.5-423. I thought that seemed fairly consistent. I then shot several over my chronograph. 1335-1390. That doesn't seem too bad. I was extremely careful in case prep. I trimmed to the same length, and pretty much did all I could to be consistent.
Several thoughts; first of all, I expected velocity to be a bit higher. Secondly, I would periodically peer down my barrel between shots to watch for leading. While I saw no signs of leading, there seemed to be a bit more unburned powder in the barrel than I am used to seeing. Thirdly, I dug around in the berm to see if I could find any bullets. I found one, but the side was all smashed, indicating a side hit. I thought maybe my bullets were tumbling, but all the holes in the paper were clean cut.
There were several things different about the loads this time vs last. First of all, last time I used Vulcan copper checks. I went to order more, but they were out. I got some Gator checks instead. Secondly, I did not let the bullets sit as long before I loaded them. I do powdercoat, so I didn't figure that was the issue. Thirdly, I only did one coat of powdercoat instead of 2. I didn't think any of these things would make that much difference, but maybe they do.
And my load was 36 grains IMR4198 and CCI 200 primers. I did think that maybe the colder weather might have something to do with it? Last time it was probably 55 and today its more like 30. Anyway, sorry for the long post but wanted to give you all the info I could. So any thoughts? I need your help! Maybe I just had a terrible day of shooting!!!
I decided to eliminate some possibilities. I took random bullets and weighed them. Out of 6, my weights were from 419.5-423. I thought that seemed fairly consistent. I then shot several over my chronograph. 1335-1390. That doesn't seem too bad. I was extremely careful in case prep. I trimmed to the same length, and pretty much did all I could to be consistent.
Several thoughts; first of all, I expected velocity to be a bit higher. Secondly, I would periodically peer down my barrel between shots to watch for leading. While I saw no signs of leading, there seemed to be a bit more unburned powder in the barrel than I am used to seeing. Thirdly, I dug around in the berm to see if I could find any bullets. I found one, but the side was all smashed, indicating a side hit. I thought maybe my bullets were tumbling, but all the holes in the paper were clean cut.
There were several things different about the loads this time vs last. First of all, last time I used Vulcan copper checks. I went to order more, but they were out. I got some Gator checks instead. Secondly, I did not let the bullets sit as long before I loaded them. I do powdercoat, so I didn't figure that was the issue. Thirdly, I only did one coat of powdercoat instead of 2. I didn't think any of these things would make that much difference, but maybe they do.
And my load was 36 grains IMR4198 and CCI 200 primers. I did think that maybe the colder weather might have something to do with it? Last time it was probably 55 and today its more like 30. Anyway, sorry for the long post but wanted to give you all the info I could. So any thoughts? I need your help! Maybe I just had a terrible day of shooting!!!