I tried the chronometer out yesterday. I am well below the reloading manual claimed velocity. However, I know most of the data is based on a 26" barrel. I was getting around 3025-3050 with a 53 grain bullet, 223 caliber. 25 grains of 335. I would rather be using CFE 223 or Varget but you take what you can get in today's situation. Does this sound reasonable?

I was looking on the internet and I ran across an article that claimed the 223 will actually LOSE velocity with a 26" barrel due to the gas pressure dropping to the point that the friction of a longer barrel nets a velocity decrease. I find this hard to believe but maybe it is so. What do you guys say?. I believe the Axis has a 22" barrel.