I have Sinclair that I use to spot check my cases without the bullet and also use it on occasion to check bullet runout (TIR).
I have a Bergara with a 24” Shilen stainless barrel 1/8 twist 6.5 creedmoor. I shoot Hornady brass with 140 gr eld match bullets. 39.5 H4350 and a mix of cci and federal primers. I use Redding type S bushing die 289 without button and use a Sinclair expander mandrel to push out the next to get my bullet tension. I have a Hornady match micrometer bullet seater die.
It’s definitely 1:8 twist. That’s good info to know though. Should I be using different bullets with 1:8 twist?
In terms of bullet stability, the 1:8 will be just fine with the 140gr ELD-M. The next thing I would do is buy a box of 140gr Berger Hybrids and see if the that barrel/bullet combo shoots and if it does, you'll know it was just your lot/batch of ELD-Ms that weren't performing.
I did shoot some of those. I got some good 3 shot groups here and there but several off the wall flyers. That’s why I thought it must be my reloads that suck.
Frankly, with that rig, I'd expect sub MOA results. . . like nothing over .75 MOA, especially with hand loads.
I’m not mixing primers throughout my lots so each grouping is either one or the other primers. I can’t get out to the range until Wednesday to try some factory ammo. That’ll shed some light on the problem for sure.
It defiantly does help when trying to diagnose issues like this. . . and, arguably, for some load development. If you're gong to shoot competitively, YES. . . it's worth it.
Hmmm. Do you have one you’d recommend? I read somewhere the magneto sporter is a good used choice for a budget one.
The sporter would work just fine, though it's not as easy to pull data out of it like you can with the v3. I have a v3 and doesn't get used now that I have a Garmin. I think the Garmin is having a big impact on a lot of chrono's where you can find some good deals on used ones. . . like the LapRadar that ShtrRdy mentioned above.
I’m really new to load making. What would the chronograph tell me when I’m using all of the same materials. If I got different velocities, what would that mean to me?
Shoulder bumps are consistent. The brass has been fired a few times and trimmed. I’m maxed out on OAL because of my magazine so I can’t chase the lands like I could otherwise. What do you think my next steps should be? Buy some better brass and make some more loads? I’m stumped.
That would indicate that something in your components, equipment or process is contributing greatly to variances in velocity (affects your group size dispersion).
Velocity SD's can tell you just how well your loading your cartridges.
Fired "a few times"??? How many times? This brass was also fired in the old barrel?
I guess based on replies I’m stuck again. I’m only shooting out to 100 yards so I don’t see how a chrono is worth the money if all my components are staying the same for each grouping.
I've got a question for you that is important. You state the old barrel shot better.
