So I have a 6.5x47 Lapua. All quality parts. Quality smith.
I'm new to the precision game but have been handloading 100yd sub moa capable ammo for factory hunting rigs for a while.
I was getting a firing on my brass, getting some shots down the bore...all was well.
I was using 130gr ELDMs and H4350. It was hammering. I was running low-mid level charges. Cleaning every 25rds or so. Everything was well under MOA. Most under half moa. Best 5 shot group at 100yds was .087"
All the sudden it's generally well over MOA.
I checked everything. All right and tight. Clean bore verified with a scope. Let I get dirty and it didn't change.
Borrowed a known scope figuring it could be the glass (Viper HST...still trying to decide on glass for it)
Still no change. Same loads. Different loads doesn't matter.
Only thing that DID change was the powder.
I was scratching my head. A buddy asked if it was the same jug over powder.
I remembered then that I went from a 10-15 year old jar of H4350 to a fresh 8 pounder.
I've shot pretty much the spectrum of H4350 charges with the new stuff. It will not shoot and I don't think it's me.
Could the rifle really hate the new H4350 THAT much?
To go from .087" to 1.5-2" seems nuts?
I have some varget to try.
But figured I'd ask and see if anyone has any other suspect points to look at?
Scope, mounts, action bolts all been checked. Bore and brake cleaned and dirty.
I just can't believe old powder vs new is THAT much different?
At the same time, the bore broke in and likely sped up. I will admit, i don't have a chrono yet (can't decide on that either lol) but was around 100rds when I changed powders and it fell apart. Now at 185rds.
I wasn't too concerned about changing lots. My loan wasn't developed..I was just tinkering. I like to develop loads on fired brass.
Any ideas?
Hopefully this week I can test some Varget charges and see what it does.
I'm new to the precision game but have been handloading 100yd sub moa capable ammo for factory hunting rigs for a while.
I was getting a firing on my brass, getting some shots down the bore...all was well.
I was using 130gr ELDMs and H4350. It was hammering. I was running low-mid level charges. Cleaning every 25rds or so. Everything was well under MOA. Most under half moa. Best 5 shot group at 100yds was .087"
All the sudden it's generally well over MOA.
I checked everything. All right and tight. Clean bore verified with a scope. Let I get dirty and it didn't change.
Borrowed a known scope figuring it could be the glass (Viper HST...still trying to decide on glass for it)
Still no change. Same loads. Different loads doesn't matter.
Only thing that DID change was the powder.
I was scratching my head. A buddy asked if it was the same jug over powder.
I remembered then that I went from a 10-15 year old jar of H4350 to a fresh 8 pounder.
I've shot pretty much the spectrum of H4350 charges with the new stuff. It will not shoot and I don't think it's me.
Could the rifle really hate the new H4350 THAT much?
To go from .087" to 1.5-2" seems nuts?
I have some varget to try.
But figured I'd ask and see if anyone has any other suspect points to look at?
Scope, mounts, action bolts all been checked. Bore and brake cleaned and dirty.
I just can't believe old powder vs new is THAT much different?
At the same time, the bore broke in and likely sped up. I will admit, i don't have a chrono yet (can't decide on that either lol) but was around 100rds when I changed powders and it fell apart. Now at 185rds.
I wasn't too concerned about changing lots. My loan wasn't developed..I was just tinkering. I like to develop loads on fired brass.
Any ideas?
Hopefully this week I can test some Varget charges and see what it does.