Quick range report, RD 165 bullet

[Chuck 100 yd]

This is a copy of my note book entry.

Load development .30-30 Marlin 336A 50 yd

Ranch Dog 165 , WW+tin, GC, sized .311 (Lee) LLA dipped
lube grooves only lubed (2 coats) , CCI 200 primer

#1– 18.0gr. IMR 4198 Ave.= 1532 ES–76.1 SD= 28.5
Shot 5 in 1 3/4" , 4 in 1 1/4" ( See note)

#2– 19.0gr. IMR 4198 Ave.= 1605 ES= 116.5 SD= 46.9
Shot 5 in 1 3/4" , 4 in 7/8" (See note) Poor specs, GOOD group

#3– 20.0 gr. IMR 4198 Ave.= 1664 ES= 50.9 SD= 20.4
Shot 5 in 1 5/8" (See note)

#4– 21.0gr. IMR 4198 Ave.=1736 ES= 38.9 SD= 15.9
Shot 5 into 1 ½" (see note) , PRETTY GOOD HUNTING LOAD

#5– 22.0gr. IMR 4198 Ave. = 1808 ES=48.0 SD= 18.9
Shot 5 into 1 ½ “ (see note) , ALSO GOOD HUNTING LOAD

#6– 23.0 gr. IMR 4198 Ave.= 1897 ES= 85.5 SD= 32.1
Shot 5 in 1 7/8" (See note) , STARTING TO OPEN UP
One bullet showing keyholing , light leading.


Note : Groups would have been smaller if fired first shot dirty, I ran a dry patch through after each five shots to check for leading. No leading until 22gr. And then only lite leading noted that cleaned out with dry patch. Lee LLA is doing its job.
Need to try this load/bullet combo using only one coat LLA and test for leading.
Note no real good or real bad groups fired seems to stay consistent with point of impact only changing as velocity comes up.

I also fired my .308MX using the RD 165 cast of WW+tin,sized .311 w/LLA
and CCI 200 primers.

35.0gr Varget gave 2162 fps ES=54.8 SD=21.9
Groups were 6" @ 50 yd with bullets keyholing (egg shaped holes)

36.0 gr.Varget gave 2198 fps ES= 32.9 SD= 11.9
Group was worse than above at nearly 8" @50yd.

I would like to see what that bullet looks like after it leaves the barrel. I will slow them way down and try again. I cant see going with a harder bullet for a hunting load.
More later .Chuck

[rjohns94]

great range report and your two hunting loads look to be real winners!!!

[bsaride]

Good report.
One question,

What is the actual weight of the bullet?