I just got back from N. Va. where I got some good range time in. I shot 12 loads that I had made up along with some 180gr. R PSP factory ammo. I have known for some time my gun likes a cold, clean barrel. The first round I fired was a 165gr. Nos BT, H4350, that is a known performer in my rifle. I shot with the forearm off & hit 1.190" from POA. Still sighted in, still likes the load ! I let the barrel cool & fired a new load , 165gr. Accubond, Varget & hit .250" from POA. The next two were a little out but the Accubond/Varget load has great potential .
I also got good groups with 165gr. Hdy. SST's with IMR 4350, and 165gr. Accubonds with IMR 4350 but the POI on this load was about 8" below POA. The big surprise was when the 180gr. R PSP factory loads grouped 2.5" on the same POI as the tried & true BT's. For guys who work so hard on seating depth, the BT's were .168" off the lands & the 180gr. factories were .1965" off the lands. Everything else I shot was .050" off the lands & showed promise but needs some work. Shooting with the forearm off is a real "pain" so I gave it up. I bought a Choate "stoaway" forearm & am in the process of fitting it so it can be removed & installed easily with the thumb screw but hopefully it will shoot well with it installed.
Anyway, I had a good time & learned a lot. I expect the Accubonds will work well & I can't wait to try the "terminal ballistics" next fall. Good shooting to everyone !
