HOWA build

[charlie b]

Last shot this morning. This is one of those mini-soda cans. I like to set them up on our 300yd range. I seemed to be hitting all of them near the center (based on 'explosion') so wanted to try this one. It had been knocked over when one of the other cans was hit. Laying on the ground with the bottom all I could see. So, I figured what the heck and shot at it. I knew I hit it but I don't see a dead center hit at 300yds very often, especially with this rifle.

[charlie b]

Well, I think I am getting somewhere. I shot some more of the 140ELDM bullets and had some consistent groups under MOA. It seems to like more vel rather than less.

I finally figured out one issue. The chamber on this one is pretty short. I did try chambering some factory ammo (Hornady) and it just barely fit. The problem is my reloading dies would not set back the shoulder far enough. I ended up grinding off a bit of the die and now got it set to a good fit in the chamber (the bolt closes nicely now). But, at the same time it has a long throat. When I seated the 123ELDM's they were just barely in the case when touching the lands.

So, I loaded up some more 123ELDM bullets and shot them today. The previous ladder test showed a preference for the higher vel here as well and today I was looking at seat depth. I think I found a decent load. This one is at 100yd. squares are 1/2"

[GaCop]

Really nice work on that stock. Accuracy has come along nicely too

[Ernest T]

Looking good, thanks for sharing your work.

[charlie b]

Thanks all. I am starting to like it more and more. That last group kinda surprised me. Next trip is confirmation of last result and if less jump will be even better.

[LDSILLS]

Looks like fun!

[charlie b]

Well seating depth test was interesting.



The first on left is duplicate of last session. It is about .070 off the lands. I think the low one I jerked. The vel is way off as well. Second over is about .010 off the lands. Measurement is not OAL but from the Hornady guage.

It does kinda surprise me to see the least jump and most jump be the 'best'.

[charlie b]

So, still searching. I decided to bite the bullet and got some 140gn in the YELLOW box :) The VLD series (I like them in my 6BR as well).

I was kinda concerned because the CM has a looong throat. I seated them to touch and they were barely half down the neck. I also noted Berger's advice on these bullets (secant ogive) and the previous test with jump and the Hornady bullets. Tried jammed and fairly long jumps. Turns out it really liked a .040 jump. This morning that gave me two groups at 300yd that were 1.75". Not bad for a 'cheap' rifle.

Even though it performs well at 1000yd I still don't care for the recoil that much. I'll probably try the 120gn Bergers next and see if those are 'nice' enough :) If not I may start looking for a replacement barrel sooner rather than later.