12BVSS new barrel (6BR)

[South Prairie jim]

There is a low node around the 28.8 ish and s higher node between 29.6-30 after 30 gr. and depending on weather and freebore you will hit pressure with one group super small then the next will shift, and become erratic.

[charlie b]

Thanks. That is what my velocity ladder showed. 28.2gn/2680fps, 28.8gn/2740fps, 30.0gn/2840fps were the node centers. Lapua and Norma factory loads for 105gn is 2789fps. Since I usually do not load at max I will keep at the 28.8gn load for future runs, especially since it seems to do just as well as the 30gn. Not like I am competing at 1000yd and need every fps I can get.

[charlie b]

Shot some more today, also got to 600yd. 103 ELD-X bullets. A velocity ladder was fired and showed nodes at 28.1 and 28.9, so not far off from last batch.

I had loaded up some at 28 and 28.8 to see how they did. The 28.0gn stuff ran 2780fps, still with low es and sd. Also had what was for me a record group at 200yd, 0.48". This was followed by a 3" group at 600yd. So, am really happy with this setup. The 28.8 stuff ran 2850fps and had slightly larger groups, 1" at 200yd and 5.5" at 600yd. The wind was gusting ~10mph, but, it was from directly behind me so not much effect from it.

I put the .308 barrel on my Axis. What a difference in recoil. It weighs about a pound less, and with the larger bullets (155ELD-M) it seemed 'punishing' after the 6BR. Makes me even happier I did the switch. FYI, the Axis has a Boyd's Pro Varmint stock, pillared and bedded.

[Dave Hoback]

Shot some more today, also got to 600yd. 103 ELD-X bullets. A velocity ladder was fired and showed nodes at 28.1 and 28.9, so not far off from last batch.

I had loaded up some at 28 and 28.8 to see how they did. The 28.0gn stuff ran 2780fps, still with low es and sd. Also had what was for me a record group at 200yd, 0.48". This was followed by a 3" group at 600yd. So, am really happy with this setup. The 28.8 stuff ran 2850fps and had slightly larger groups, 1" at 200yd and 5.5" at 600yd. The wind was gusting ~10mph, but, it was from directly behind me so not much effect from it.

I put the .308 barrel on my Axis. What a difference in recoil. It weighs about a pound less, and with the larger bullets (155ELD-M) it seemed 'punishing' after the 6BR. Makes me even happier I did the switch. FYI, the Axis has a Boyd's Pro Varmint stock, pillared and bedded.

Yes, how quickly we adapt to lighter recoil. I’m quite fond of the gentle “push” from 260 in my heavy bench gun.

[charlie b]

Another range session 103ELD-x bullets. 28.0gn Varget 2780fps avg. 50rnds. Total es 25fps sd 8.0. Not great, not shabby.

First group at 1000yd, 9.0". Hit 6" gong 5 of 10 shots. Wind from rear quarter, had to aim 4-6MOA left to hit. Quite fun.

600yd I am now using soda cans for targets. About 3" wide so it tests my wind dope skills. Hit 5 of 6 shots. The 5" gong at 600yd was 10 for 10.

I am very happy with this setup. As mentioned before, my shooting skills still need some work to be more consistent. I noticed again today that I get lazy when setting up for a shot sometimes. I did like that my wind skills have improved.

[CFJunkie]

Good work, charlie b

By the way, I don't think you can ever get over 'getting lazy' or losing concentration about set up occasionally.
I still find that when I am shooting really well, I sort of expect everything to go right and begin to let my concentration lapse.
Sure enough, things begin to go south until I get myself under control again and get back to concentrating.

Lately, when I am shooting well, I have become more cognizant of that trait and try to avoid letting my concentration lapse. It often works, but it doesn't always.

[charlie b]

Thanks. That is what I observe too. When I start shooting well I 'get into the groove'. It lasts for a while, then it all goes away. Suddenly, it seems, I can't find the position again or smoothly engage the target. If I am smart that day, I stop, get up and walk around a bit to see if I can 'get it back'. Sometimes I can, sometimes I can't.