Well, at the range today, I have settled on two loads for hunting (which I use will depend on the 200 yard range next weekend)

I shoot 5 round groups, and normally just chalk the furthest away hole as human error... the 43grain load below was a repeat test, since it grouped under just over an inch last week, I also tested 43.8 (shown below) 44.1 and 44.5. The last two kicked uncomfortably hard, and made lousy groups to boot, 44.1 was over 3 inches, and 44.5 was just over 2 inches. In case you are wondering about barrel heat, I shot them in this order 43.8, 44.1, 44.5, 43. The bbl was pretty warm when I shot the 43g group, but not too hot to hold. There is such a large gap between 43 and 43.8 because I tested those in btween last week and they didn't do well.

All bullets were seated for a COAL of 2.8"

43 grains of varget under a 165 grain hornady SST, CCI 200 primer. First round went high, then next 3 grouped touching, with the last one again going wide. The closest 4 were at .712", with #5 bringing it to .958"






43.8 grains of varget under a 165g SST. First 4 rounds touching at .689", with the 5th widening the group to 1.137" If I were doing 3 shot groups this one would have been under 1/2 MOA...