In addition, ConocoPhillips bought another oil/pipeline company. With the same type project managers, lawyers, business development, purchasing staff, IT folks, etc.
Just makes sense to right-size after an acquisition. Had to do it a few times during my career, and it is a great way to eliminate slackers who manage to stay just barely away from disciplinary action or a performance management plan.
Yeah, no doubt on the Varget being "crunchy" in that amount.
I'm tempted to try some N540 in the Grendel as I have quite a bit of it and use it in the 6ARC. Smaller granules, or at least shorter, than Varget. I don't shoot high volume in either the Grendel's or 6ARC's, so if there is shorter barrel life using it, I won't really know.
Given S&B’s insane pricing (even before the tariffs) and the tariffs on imported goods, I would love to see an updated ATACR line or improved NX8 line. A compact 1-6x NX6 carbine optic with a second focal plane red dot would be wonderful. I would also like to see a Euro style adjustable diopter.
Oh, man, sorry to hear about your gut wrenching family troubles. I think a side activity like building a rifle you had a desire to try/own is a great idea. And thanks for bringing up the XM-3. I was not familiar with the weapon and the information in the links looks interesting.
I love the 300 Win Mag but if I was to build an XM-3 I would build it in the cartridge it was made for. The 7.62x51mm, M118LR. It looks like the scope that was on it was Nightforce NXS 3.5-15x50 which you can pick up used for about $1k these days.
It would be great if you could update this thread with your progress when you can.
I can put more than that in there. Well, I can stuff more LeverRevolution in there anyway and since granule size is close enough, CFE would be similar. What brand cases are you using?
I am also not seating to a 2.260" OAL. Every magazine I have (especially the modified one's) will take a 2.290" OAL loaded round. In this case, the OAL was -.025" from jam for a 2.285" OAL. Those 120 SMK's are stubby, so at this OAL just about the only part below the neck is the BT. It is not a compressed load for me.
I only load rifle ammunition on a CO-AX so no progressive in this case. When you are working the handle, there is a lot of shaking going on with your 550 (even if it doesn't seem like it), so I can understand why you have to be careful. I have always had to be gentle when I use a slower 9mm powder in my Dillon's. Not saying you aren't being careful, just what I suspect is going on.
