Load development on my 6.5 Garfield

[Aircraftmech76]

Just threw a load together tonight to go see how it would shoot. I haven't shot any of the Hornady 140 AMAX's yet, so I loaded up 10 with RL17 and went to the range. It was too dark, and the CED skyscreens couldn't pick up my bullets for chronographing, but the results are promising. I shot the first three shots, including the cold bore shot. I then went downrange and checked the target. I came back, shot two more to make it a five shot group. Went back downrange, checked target, and decided to make it a 10-shot group to check the consistancy of the load. My ammo is loaded on custom-cut Wilson dies. I just need to check how fast they are going.

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a271/rvpilot76/NadineKrylonLightWoodlandGreen007.jpg

BTW, my 6.5 Garfield is a necked up 25 WSSM, with a Wilson inside neck reamer used to take out the donut. No other changes as far as taper, shoulder angle, etc. The barrel is a straight-taper PacNor 28" built on a small shank BVSS-S single shot action. Trigger is Rifle Basix set at 24 oz. Optics are Bushnell 10X Mildot.

Kevin

[GaCop]

I'd say you have a winner there. A group like that first time out really makes ya feel good. I had the same thing happen with my 223AI, first loads tried was 69 grain SMKs and they shot five into .325" first range trip.

[tammons]

Yep nice shootin.

[Aircraftmech76]

Here it is next to a 308 WIN for comparison:

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a271/rvpilot76/65Garfield002.jpg

Kevin

[joshco84]

just curious, how fast do you think its going? Definately a shooter, thats a hell of a ten shot group.

[snipecatcher]

My 8th or 9th shot would have made that group about 1". Good shooting.

[Aircraftmech76]

I'm not certain on the speed, but 46 grains with a 140 Berger was running 3000 FPS. I'm guessing with this load off the lands and a grain lighter, I should be in the 2950 FPS range or so. I'm gonna wait to shoot again until the sun decides to show itself :-)

Kevin