Advice on 8208XBR/CFE223 results

[pmclaine]

I'm new to .223 reloading and not that experienced in general (two years of practicing the hobby).

Im sleuthing for a good load to use in a 16 inch LMT CQB 1/7 Chrome Lined. Im using Nosler CC 77 grain BTHPs, WCC 08 brass 1x, and WSRP. I initially tried an OCW test but I found that being limited to iron sights (KAC 200-600 buis) it just wasn't working out so good. I have a scope on order but Im waiting, waiting, waiting. So wanting to shoot I decided to go with some loads that looked good to me from what testing I did do and see if I could fine tune them.

Load one was 8208 XBR at 22.9 grains. This seemed to work well for me on my test rounds loaded up so I decided to make a box of ammo and vary the COAL from 2.26 to 2.25 to 2.24. Results at 100 yards

Considering prescription lenses and iron sights I was pretty happy with the 2.26 COAL and figured Im good to go start production but I have other powders to try.

 

[pmclaine]

Load two was CFE 223 at 23.5 grains. Again I varied the COAL as before.

At first glance still a no brainer to go with the 8208XBR at 2.26, but as I was shooting something dawned on me. I was firing my targets round robin in separated pairs. The mag was loaded with six rounds. First round in the mag was a 2.24, followed by a 2.25 followed by a 2.26 than topped with three in the same order. I fired a 2.26 first, moved to the next target sighted a 2.25 than moved to the third target and fired a 2.24. Repeat.

I didn't catch it at first but with CFE 223 and 2.24 COAL I was firing pairs



I have no right with BUIS or my abilities to put two bullets side by side like that. When I realized what was happening I loaded the last five to see if I could knot all 5. I ended up with 1,2,3 low than 4,5 went just into the ten ring. I wasn't log booking as I fired so the actual order of the impacts is guessed at. Who knows maybe It went 1,4,5,2,3.

I don't know what the point of my post is but I thought two things neat

My assumptions about bullet COAL completely changed with a different powder and Im curious if I can get that CFE223 load to print a 5 round group as well as it does pairs.

Just thought someone else may find this interesting or perhaps a more experienced hand could guide me on where to go from here.

Edit - Sorry about the thumbs but only way I could get photobucket to post my picture mods was by IMG Thumb

 

[3531POG]

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[pmclaine]

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Received/replied.

Thank you.