The first load was 42.7 grs IMR 4064 under Barnes 120 grn Tipped TSX bullets. All of my brass is new PPU that has had the primer pockets uniformed and run through the RCBS sizing die. Primers are Winchester Large Rifle and Magnum in the red box. MVs of this load were 2765, 2763, 2745, 2756 and 2760 FPS. All case were clean and ejected easily. Here is the subject target.
Next was the same 120 TTSX only this time pushed by 44 grs IMR 4320. Not too bad, either. Velocities by my Apha Master Chrony registered 2795, 2818, 2779, 2781, and 2786 FPS. Again, the cases slicked right out and showed no indicators of pressure issues. Group not too bad considering that my shooting glasses are not prescription.
IMG]http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y24/old86/CIMG3442.jpg[/IMG]
The third test was a bit different in two respects. First, the bullets were Hornady's Gilded Metal Expanding lead free 139 grainers with 44 grs IMR 4320 under them. The group opened up to atrocious, but in all fairness I have been told that the powder was wrong for this bullet. IMR 4350, which I have none of, is supposed to be the cat's azz for this bullet. MVs were 2800, 2785, 2792, 2798, and 2793 FPS. This is the sad target.
Lastly, I returned to the 120 TTSX with 44 grs Varget under them. MVs read 2880, 2877, 2879, 2886, and 2887 FPS. The target demonstrates the moderate accuracy of this load.
The 7X57 is, like any other rifle, a work in progress. First on the agenda will be to buy some IMR 4350. I also have a box of 145 gr Barnes TTSXs to whack away with. To be continued...
